by Valley Redwood | Stone Veneer
Manufactured stone veneer, thin brick, and tile, are versatile and durable options for home and commercial construction, bringing both beauty and functionality to any space. At Valley Redwood, we provide a wide range of these products, ensuring that you can find the perfect materials to suit your design needs.
Manufactured Stone Veneer
Manufactured stone veneer is a cost-effective, lightweight alternative to natural stone, offering the same aesthetic appeal without the heavy installation process. These veneers are crafted to mimic the texture and look of real stone, providing a natural, rustic touch to any surface. They are commonly used for exterior facades, fireplaces, and accent walls, adding depth and character to both interior and exterior spaces.
Thin Brick
For those seeking the charm of brick without the weight or cost of traditional bricks, thin brick is an ideal choice. Thin brick is easy to install and can be used in both interior and exterior applications. It offers the timeless look of brickwork, adding a classic touch to walls, backsplashes, and facades. Valley Redwood’s thin brick products come in a variety of colors and textures, allowing you to customize your design to match your style preferences.
Floor Tiles
Tiles are a versatile design element that can be used for flooring in any outdoor space. If you’re looking for natural stone tile, Valley Redwood offers a wide selection of high-quality tiles that can enhance the aesthetic of your yard or garden. Tiles are not only beautiful but also practical, being durable and easy to maintain, making them perfect for high-traffic areas.
By offering a diverse range of high-quality products, Valley Redwood ensures that customers can achieve their desired design vision with ease and precision.
by Valley Redwood | Redwood
Redwood lumber, renowned for its beauty, durability, and resistance to decay, is a preferred choice for a variety of construction and design projects. Valley Redwood, a premier supplier in the Sacramento area, offers a range of redwood grades to meet the diverse needs of its customers. Understanding these grades can help you select the right type of lumber for your specific project, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.
Heartwood vs. Sapwood
Redwood is classified into two main types based on the tree’s age and location of the wood. Heartwood is the older, denser wood found at the center of the tree, known for its deep, rich color and exceptional resistance to insects and decay. Sapwood, on the other hand, is the younger, outer layer of the tree and tends to be lighter in color and less resistant to decay.
Redwood Grades
- Clear All Heart
- Characteristics: This is the highest grade of redwood, consisting entirely of heartwood. It is free from knots and other imperfections, offering a smooth, uniform appearance.
- Uses: Ideal for premium projects where aesthetics are paramount, such as high-end decking, siding, and trim.
- Clear
- Characteristics: Similar to Clear All Heart, but may include both heartwood and sapwood. It is also free of knots but may have minor blemishes.
- Uses: Suitable for applications where appearance is important, such as exterior siding and interior paneling.
- Heart B
- Characteristics: Contains only heartwood but allows for some knots and imperfections. This grade offers a balance between aesthetic appeal and cost.
- Uses: Often used for outdoor structures like fences, decks, and garden furniture where durability is crucial, but some natural character is acceptable.
- B Grade
- Characteristics: Includes both heartwood and sapwood with knots and other imperfections. It is more economical than higher grades but still maintains the natural beauty of redwood.
- Uses: Commonly used for garden boxes, outdoor furniture, and general construction where a rustic look is desired.
- Construction Common
- Characteristics: This grade includes a mix of heartwood and sapwood with larger knots and blemishes. It is the most economical grade.
- Uses: Suitable for structural applications where appearance is less critical, such as framing and support structures.
- Deck Heart and Deck Common
- Characteristics: These grades are specifically selected for decking. Deck Heart is all heartwood, while Deck Common includes both heartwood and sapwood with knots.
- Uses: Designed for use in decking, providing a durable and attractive surface.
Choosing the Right Grade
Selecting the right grade of redwood lumber from Valley Redwood depends on your project’s requirements. For high-visibility projects, Clear All Heart or Clear grades are ideal. For structural or less visible applications, Construction Common offers a cost-effective solution. Understanding these grades ensures you get the best value and performance for your specific needs.
Valley Redwood’s knowledgeable staff can help guide you in choosing the right grade for your project, ensuring you achieve both beauty and durability. Whether you’re building a deck, fence, or interior feature, there’s a redwood grade perfect for your needs. Contact us to see which grades of redwood lumber we stock, or questions about fencing, or landscape materials you might have. We look forward to hearing from you.
by Valley Redwood | Redwood, Redwood Stain
Transform Your Backyard with Our Redwood Patio Design Assistance
Revamping your backyard with a stunning redwood patio not only enhances the visual appeal of your home but also extends your living space to the great outdoors. Our professional patio design services help homeowners like you turn these dreams into reality, ensuring every detail reflects your style and meets your needs.
Why Opt for a Redwood Patio?
Redwood is celebrated for its natural beauty and unmatched durability, making it an ideal choice for outdoor environments. This sought-after material resists decay, insects, and even weathering, maintaining its rich color and integrity over years. A redwood patio offers a luxurious look that can withstand the test of time, adding both charm and value to your property.
Tailored Design Assistance
We begin with a personal consultation to understand your vision and preferences. Our experts then craft a customized design that incorporates the unique characteristics of redwood, ensuring your patio is both functional and fashionable. From selecting the right shade of wood to planning the layout and features that enhance usability—like built-in seating or integrated planters—we handle every aspect meticulously.
Start Your Patio Project Today
Don’t wait to create the perfect outdoor retreat. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and start planning your dream redwood patio. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying a quiet evening outdoors, a beautifully designed redwood patio is the perfect backdrop. Enhance your home’s exterior and enjoy the benefits of a sophisticated, durable outdoor space crafted just for you.
by Valley Redwood | Redwood
Redwood along with pertaining legendary looks for your construction project can make an impact ecologically contributing to a sustainable future. Local lumberyards have been increasingly cutting back on composite lumber. It is important to point out that composite is just a fancy word for plastic, which is incredibly bad for the environment. Besides often being a cheaper alternative initially, composites offer little upside as a building material, especially for the life of your project.
We have always advocated getting the word out about green building practices in the construction Industry. Long after you have tired of your composite deck, it won’t be recycled; rather it will be put in a landfill. Composite decking manufacturers have stopped using the term maintenance-free when describing their products because of many costly lawsuits.
Environmental Benefits of Redwood Decking
According to the California Redwood Association (CRA), redwood is grown and harvested in accordance with the highest environmental standards in the world, tapping the sun for energy and soaking in California’s famed North Coast fog. Roughly 90 percent of all product-producing redwood forests are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council or Sustainable Forestry Initiative as sources of environmentally-sound building materials. In addition, redwood uses 97% less energy to produce than plastic.
But that’s not all—redwoods also excel at reducing carbon emissions. As they grow, the trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, storing it in the wood and releasing oxygen into the air. When the trees are harvested, the carbon they had captured remains stored: an average redwood deck carries 500 pounds of carbon. Choosing redwood as a building material can reduce a homeowner’s carbon footprint. In addition, when lumber is milled into decking and other products, the bark, sawdust, and scraps are collected and used to produce biomass energy. In terms of sustainability, you can’t go wrong!
Redwood Deck Longevity
Premium woods like red cedar and redwood offer comparable levels of durability and longevity, lasting an average of 20 years. Both woods are naturally resistant to shrinking and warping, to boot. The primary difference between the two woods is color: redwoods range from light to dark red, while cedar hues run from light brown to salmon pink.
Redwood Deck Aesthetics
The main reason that builders and homeowners are returning to redwood, however, is aesthetics; redwood possesses a rich character and natural beauty that enhances the exterior of any home. It creates an aura of warmth and luxury, adding value while at the same time, providing an ecologically sound alternative for the environmentally conscious consumer.
Make sure you so research before deciding a building material for your project, you do will find that Valley Redwood lumber is the perfect choice in Sacramento.
References: buyredwood.com, bobvila.com
Valley Redwood
Quality Products and Services Since 1982
by Valley Redwood | Redwood Stain
Now that you have spent time, energy, and money on your new redwood deck, the next step to consider is maintenance. Proper care and maintenance can extend the life of your deck and help keep its natural beauty. Several factors can contribute to the wood looking dull, grey, and weathered. Years of sun, rain, and extreme temperatures can make your deck look older than it is. Simple measures can alleviate the affects of these factors.
The first thing you should consider is a proper stain/sealer when the deck is new. This will give the deck the best start it can have and will make the maintenance in the future even easier. There are many sealer and stains available, so make sure you select one that is formulated for redwood. Many tints are available depending on personnel choice and the desired look. Because it is an open-celled structure and it contains little or no pitch or resins, redwood accepts and holds a variety of finishes from clear stain to solid color paints. To achieve a lasting redwood color, use a water-repellent, oil-based deck stain.
When it comes time to clean your deck, a few simple steps should be taken to assure long lasting beauty. Depending on how long it has been since your deck was cleaned, you may have to apply a cleaner, scrub with a stiff brush, and rinse with water, or you can lightly clean with a pressure washer. If you are pressure washing, be cautious and use a wide fan spray and not a concentrated jet spray as this can carve grooves in your deck. Consider lightly sanding the railings before sealing to keep a nice smooth surface your hands will thank you for.
After you have thoroughly cleaned your redwood, make sure it is dry. Sometimes it might take a few days to completely dry. Once dry, you are ready for sealer. Sealers can be applied with a brush, roller, or spray. You will have better coverage with a brush or roller as some of the spray will simply get lost in the air.
Before you start your cleaning and sealing process, give us a call and we can recommend which method will be the best for your deck and we will help you choose the right stain or sealer. Done right, you will only have to do this every 2 or 3 years. Valley Redwood is happy to help you keep all your redwood decks, gazebos, and furniture looking great for many years.
by Valley Redwood | Redwood
When you have decided that it is time to rebuild your deck and have made the smart choice to use redwood, you have to decide to simply redo the existing design or change it up.
Recently a local client was in that exact position. Their deck was very old and rotting. It was at the same level as the house with and old fashioned louvered plastic roof and railings all around. Initially they were going to duplicate the style minus the plastic roof. Their contractor suggested re-thinking their plans and consider lowering the deck to the level of the back yard thus eliminating the need for railings and choosing to leave the space open without a roof. This plan would also expand the entire look of the back yard and make it seem much larger.
Lowering the deck required the ledger board be moved to the new level and steps from the house be built leading to the deck surface. Once they decided that was the right move for them, the project was on. The demo was completed and the materials list was completed. Pressure treated substructure and beautiful redwood decking was ordered. The client also opted for having hidden screws for the decking.
Once completed, the homeowners we so excited about their new deck and how much it opened up the entire backyard. They could now simply step off the deck to the yard and pathways from any point on the deck. They claimed “our backyard looks way bigger”.
Valley Redwood has the right materials, expertise, and design knowledge to assist you with your redwood deck project. Give us a call or stop by and let us partner with you from the design phase to completion. We look forward to helping you make the vision you have for your deck come to life.
by Valley Redwood | summer heat
With summer in full swing, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to the sun. One such risk is sunstroke, a severe heat-related illness that can have serious consequences. By taking a few precautionary measures, you can enjoy the sun while keeping yourself safe and healthy.
Understanding Sunstroke
Sunstroke, also known as heatstroke, occurs when your body overheats due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or direct sunlight. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. The symptoms of sunstroke include a rapid pulse, high body temperature, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. Certain individuals, such as the elderly, young children, and those with chronic illnesses, are particularly vulnerable to sunstroke.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential to prevent sunstroke. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages as they can contribute to dehydration. If you’re engaging in outdoor activities, carry a reusable water bottle and sip water regularly. Adding electrolyte-rich drinks or sports drinks can help replenish essential minerals lost through sweating.
Seek Shade and Limit Sun Exposure
To reduce the risk of sunstroke, it’s crucial to seek shade during the hottest hours of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you must be outdoors during this time, wear a wide-brimmed hat, lightweight and loose-fitting clothing, and apply sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or above. Additionally, consider using an umbrella or a sunshade to create a shaded area.
Take Regular Breaks and Cool Down
When spending prolonged periods outside, take regular breaks in a cool and shaded area. This will allow your body to rest and regulate its temperature. You can also use cooling techniques such as wetting a towel with cool water and placing it on your neck or wrists. If possible, seek air-conditioned environments or use fans to keep cool indoors.
Conclusion
Preventing sunstroke requires diligence and awareness of your body’s needs during hot weather. By staying hydrated, seeking shade, limiting sun exposure, and taking regular breaks to cool down, you can minimize the risk of sunstroke and enjoy the summer safely. Remember, your health and well-being should always be a top priority when basking in the sun’s rays.
by Valley Redwood | deck maintenance, Redwood Stain
Now that you have spent time, energy, and money on your new redwood deck, the next step to consider is maintenance. Proper care and maintenance can extend the life of your deck and help keep its natural beauty. Several factors can contribute to the wood looking dull, grey, and weathered. Years of sun, rain, and extreme temperatures can make your deck look older than it is. Simple measures can alleviate the affects of these factors.
The first thing you should consider is a proper stain/sealer when the deck is new. This will give the deck the best start it can have and will make the maintenance in the future even easier. There are many sealer and stains available, so make sure you select one that is formulated for redwood. Many tints are available depending on personnel choice and the desired look. Because it is an open-celled structure and it contains little or no pitch or resins, redwood accepts and holds a variety of finishes from clear stain to solid color paints. To achieve a lasting redwood color, use a water-repellent, oil-based deck stain.
When it comes time to clean your deck, a few simple steps should be taken to assure long lasting beauty. Depending on how long it has been since your deck was cleaned, you may have to apply a cleaner, scrub with a stiff brush, and rinse with water, or you can lightly clean with a pressure washer. If you are pressure washing, be cautious and use a wide fan spray and not a concentrated jet spray as this can carve grooves in your deck. Consider lightly sanding the railings before sealing to keep a nice smooth surface your hands will thank you for.
After you have thoroughly cleaned your redwood, make sure it is dry. Sometimes it might take a few days to completely dry. Once dry, you are ready for sealer. Sealers can be applied with a brush, roller, or spray. You will have better coverage with a brush or roller as some of the spray will simply get lost in the air.
Before you start your cleaning and sealing process, give us a call and we can recommend which method will be the best for your deck and we will help you choose the right stain or sealer. Done right, you will only have to do this every 2 or 3 years. Valley Redwood is happy to help you keep all your redwood decks, gazebos, and furniture looking great for many years.
Image by mrsiraphol
by Valley Redwood | deck maintenance, Paver Sealers
The Sacramento area has extremes in weather from hot dry summers to cold and wet winters. Be sure your concrete surfaces, paver decks and, landscape masonry is protected from the elements with quality products from Glaze ‘N Seal. They have been supplying quality products to homeowners and contractors since 1962. Valley Redwood has the proper sealers for the right surface.
Also remember to protect your wood surfaces as well. We offer a full line of of stains and sealers designed to look beautiful and protect the surface for many years. Valley Redwood features quality products from Penofin. With years of experience, you will feel confident about the products you are applying.
by Valley Redwood | Retaining Walls
Nature’s uneven terrain has its charm, until you try to play croquet on a hilly lawn or enjoy a candlelit dinner on an off-kilter patio.
More than problem-solvers, retaining walls also have a sculptural quality that adds definition to the landscape, and they can be made from various materials to evoke different styles. Stacked timbers or mortared stone, for instance, can impart a rustic look, while poured concrete is sleekly modern.
Just keep in mind that when planning for a type of retaining wall meant to hold back tons of soil, there’s little room for error. How effective your wall will be and how long it’ll last, decades or just a few years depends largely on things you can’t see, such as a sound footing buried in the ground and drainage to keep water from building up behind the wall. Valley Redwood has a variety of materials available for you to create the perfect retaining wall. Depending on the size (height and width) and the material you are trying to retain, choosing the right wall material is very important. Even more important than the material is the design and engineering of the project. No material will last, be safe, and effective if not properly engineered. Step one would be to have the site inspected and the wall designed to remain structurally sound for many years. After that you can determine which materials to choose. Redwood and block retaining walls are the most popular for landscape purposes and both have their merits.
We suggest starting by contacting one of our experienced staff and let them help you decide which style is best for your project. Once you decide, then the fun begins. We have many options of block colors, shapes and sizes to choose from and redwood products that will make your wall safe, beautiful, and will last a long time. Make the short drive to Valley Redwood to get your wall project started. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Valley Redwood
Quality Products and Services since 1982
(916) 334-9500
