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
by Valley Redwood | Stone Veneer
Coronado Stone Products® offers a variety of manufactured stone veneer, thin brick, tile and precast products. Architectural stone veneer can be used to greatly enhance the look and feel of a project. Our products are hand crafted from natural stone in a process that makes the two hard to discern. We have been creating simulated stone siding that captures the natural elegance and beauty of genuine stone for over 60 years. Coronado offers the widest selection of profiles and colors in the industry. With eight manufacturing facilities throughout the US, short lead times and competitive pricing, Coronado is the preferred supplier of masonry products for any commercial or residential project.
Valley Redwood is proud to offer a wide selection of Coronado Stone products to choose from. Make the short trip to our store and see for yourself. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Valley Redwood
Quality Products and Services since 1982
by Valley Redwood | heatstroke
The warmer season is near. This is the time of year that homeowners take advantage of the dry, warm weather to complete the outdoor projects they planned for during the rainy and cold season. Landscape projects, repairing or perhaps building a new deck or fence, or simply refinishing your outdoor redwood structures with stain and sealer are all great things to get “checked off” your list this summer. With the heat during the next few months precautions should be taken to avoid overheating. It is easy to get wrapped up in a project and forget to take a break, eat, or drink anything.
Here are a few early signs of heat stroke:
- High body temperature. A core body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher, obtained with a rectal thermometer, is the main sign of heatstroke.
- Altered mental state or behavior. Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma can all result from heatstroke.
- Alteration in sweating. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, your skin may feel dry or slightly moist.
- Nausea and vomiting. You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.
- Flushed skin. Your skin may turn red as your body temperature increases.
- Rapid breathing. Your breathing may become rapid and shallow.
- Racing heart rate. Your pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on your heart to help cool your body.
- Headache. Your head may throb.
Some of the measures you can take to avoid heat stroke are:
- Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Wearing excess clothing or clothing that fits tightly won’t allow your body to cool properly.
- Protect against sunburn. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself, so protect yourself outdoors with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours — or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature.
- Take extra precautions with certain medications. Be on the lookout for heat-related problems if you take medications that can affect your body’s ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.
- Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. If you can’t avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, drink fluids and rest frequently in a cool spot. Try to schedule exercise or physical labor for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening.
- Get acclimated. Limit time spent working or exercising in heat until you’re conditioned to it. People who are not used to hot weather are especially susceptible to heat-related illness. It can take several weeks for your body to adjust to hot weather.
- Be cautious if you’re at increased risk. If you take medications or have a condition that increases your risk of heat-related problems, avoid the heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating. If you participate in a strenuous sporting event or activity in hot weather, make sure there are medical services available in case of a heat emergency.
Everyone at Valley Redwood wants you to have a productive summer while remaining healthy. We are ready to help you with all your landscaping, fencing, and decking projects with the best products and service provided by our knowledgeable and friendly staff. Give us a call if you have any questions or make the short drive to see all we have to offer. Stay cool this summer and we hope to see you soon.
Valley Redwood
Quality Products and Services since 1982
by Valley Redwood | Redwood
Decks, stairs, fences, and railings are the common construction projects you might expect with redwood. We have some ideas that go beyond common into inspirational.
Since redwood offers natural resistance to insects and decay, building a pergola out of redwood offers a striking shade structure over your patio. Grow honeysuckle, grapes, wisteria, or fragrant jasmine to cover your redwood pergola. If you like Kiwi, plant one male and a couple female plants at the corners; the shade and fruit will be amazing.
Arbors and gazebos are a beautiful addition in redwood. Outdoor furniture, a suspended bench swing, a garden trellis, or a privacy screen.
Kids will enjoy their redwood swing set and play structure while you enjoy the natural beauty of redwood in your backyard.
A shaded hammock, planter boxes or flower boxes, benches, chairs and more. Redwood’s natural beauty enhances any landscape in any form
At Valley Redwood we specialize in redwood supplies and expertise. We are here to help you with all your landscaping projects.
Get inspired, then get some redwood…at Valley Redwood. Your Sacramento source for redwood and landscaping products. Contact us and get your project started.
“Happy Spring from everyone at Valley Redwood”
Valley Redwood
Quality Products and Services since 1982
by Valley Redwood | spring projects
After months of well needed rain, spring and sunshine has finally arrived. No better time to tackle some those outdoor projects. The high temps are a few months out, so get a jump on summer.
Now is the perfect time to upgrade your backyard landscaping with beautiful decorative rock, maybe some nice walkway pavers, or even rebuild those old wooden garden walls with long lasting retaining wall blocks.
Perhaps you have lots of old and failing wooden fencing and gates that you have been meaning to replace for years… Make it happen this spring. Valley Redwood has all the materials, staff, and knowledge to help make your springtime projects come to life.
Possible projects could include:
- New outdoor gazebo or patio
- Fence and gate replacement
- Walkway upgrades
- Retaining garden retaining wall
- Replacing ground cover
We have one of the largest selections of fencing, landscape materials, and decorative stone in the Sacramento area. So, take advantage of the great weather, and make the short drive to our conveniently located store and see the possibilities. When you are here, don’t forget to check out our wide variety of tools, hardware, and stains/sealers. We look forward to seeing you soon.
“Happy Spring from everyone at Valley Redwood”
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.
Valley Redwood
Quality Products and Services since 1982
(916) 334-9500
