DIY Builds
Photo by Ian Beckley Pexels Logo Photo: Ian Beckley

What lasts longer cedar or pine?

If you're looking to make a lengthy investment, consider the fact that cedar fences will stand, with no maintenance, for up to 25 years. Meanwhile, pressure treated pine last up to 15 years, provided you are regularly maintaining it.

What is the cheapest type of house to build?
What is the cheapest type of house to build?

Ranch Homes Ranch Homes A home with a simple and concise layout is the cheapest type of house to build. Ranch homes are typically single-story...

Read More »
Where should a storage shed be placed?
Where should a storage shed be placed?

If it will serve as a garden shed, you will want it near your garden and within a reasonable distance of a water source. If it will primarily be...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

When choosing a wood fence most of us are faced with cedar and pressure treated pine. It’s easy to swing in favor of pressure treated pine because it’s cheaper and it’s more commonly available. However, is it the right choice?

Pressure treated pine is one of the most popular choices in residential outdoor structures, which includes fences, porches and decks. PTP is prone to shrinking, warping and cracking, which is made worse by the sun. In order to prevent decay, weathering and termites’ pressure treated pine is chemically treated. However, pressure treated pine still needs to be maintained regularly and consistently. It should be stained and sealed in order to maintain its appearance as well as delay rotting. One way to maintain your fence is to keep it wet when it is exposed to the sun, or the weather is particularly hot. The other techniques suggested to maintain PTP are staining, sealing, stripping and cleaning.

Cedar Wood Fences

The beauty of cedar is that it looks beautiful, smells incredible, and happens to be resistant to decomposition. It’s non-toxic and insect resistance. It’s stable, and it doesn’t shrink, splinter, or warp, which makes it the perfect wood for building fences. Cedar truly stands the test of time, and maintains its look for decades. Cedar fence posts, though, aren’t as durable against soil as PTP is. So your best bet when erecting a fence is to use PTP for the posts and then use cedar for the rest of the fencing. Another option is if you choose to use cedar posts you can set them in concrete in order to prevent rotting. Cedar is rarer, which is why it’s more expensive than pine- however, because it is low maintenance and aesthetically pleasing it’s more of an investment. You aren’t going to need to spend that money again in order to replace the fence in 10 years, because it will still be standing strong.

Cedar is the greener option.

Conclusion

What wood has the most strength?
What wood has the most strength?

1. Australian Buloke – 5,060 IBF. An ironwood tree that is native to Australia, this wood comes from a species of tree occurring across most of...

Read More »
What nationality is Keter?
What nationality is Keter?

Israeli Keter Group (Hebrew: קבוצת כתר), formerly Keter Plastic, is an Israeli manufacturer and marketer of resin-based household and garden...

Read More »
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

Is it necessary to put gravel under concrete?

Whether you pour concrete for a walkway or patio, a strong gravel base is required to prevent the concrete from cracking and shifting. Gravel is especially important in clay soil because it doesn't drain well, which results in water pooling under the concrete slab and slowly eroding the soil as it finally drains.

Whether you pour concrete for a walkway or patio, a strong gravel base is required to prevent the concrete from cracking and shifting. Gravel is especially important in clay soil because it doesn't drain well, which results in water pooling under the concrete slab and slowly eroding the soil as it finally drains. Gravel allows water to drain into the ground below. When packed tightly, however, the gravel doesn't shift beneath the concrete. A hand tamper is sufficient for packing gravel, but a plate compactor makes the job much easier, especially when preparing a large area such as a patio.

Why do builders put metal rods in concrete?
Why do builders put metal rods in concrete?

Steel reinforcement was a dramatic innovation of the 19th century. The steel bars add strength, allowing the creation of long, cantilevered...

Read More »
What is the average monthly discount on Airbnb?
What is the average monthly discount on Airbnb?

The actual discount will vary from host to host, but, especially in the slightly less in-demand cities, you will usually find between a 50 percent...

Read More »
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »
How did cowboys keep rattlesnakes away?
How did cowboys keep rattlesnakes away?

Why? There was an old superstition that a rattlesnake wouldn't cross over a rope, so cowboys used to string one around their bedrolls to keep the...

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
What do you put around the bottom of a shed?
What do you put around the bottom of a shed?

Concrete blocks or landscape blocks represent the most durable and secure means of filling the gap. Concrete blocks won't deteriorate or rot and...

Read More »