How to Protect Your Deck in Winter

As the cold weather rolls in, homeowners prepare their landscapes and yards for the winter chill. Likewise, prepping your home's exterior, including your deck, will help keep it in top-notch condition and protect it from damage.

 

Here are a few helpful tips on protecting your deck from winter weather this year.

 

Before Winter 

·         Clear the Clutter. Remove everything you can from the deck and planters that can leave wood discolorations on your patio furniture. Then, sweep the deck to clear all the debris from the surface.

·         Give it a Good Scrub. Debris left on your deck surface will cause deterioration. Wash the deck surface well to remove mildew from your deck before winter. Many products are on the market to help you clear all the debris from the deck's surface.

·         Take a Closer Look. Inspect your deck on the top and bottom of the boards to look for places where moisture could pool and weaken the material.

·         Seal it Up. Apply a water-repellant seal to fill cracks and coat your deck's surface to protect against moisture and ice. Filling those cracks is especially important, as ice formation can worsen them. Sealing or staining your deck should be done every 2-3 years.

 

During Winter 

·         Sweep, Don't Shovel. We suggest removing snow as it accumulates. A broom is the best way to protect the wood as you remove the snow. For heavy snow that requires a shovel, move the shovel in the same direction as the board to avoid scratching the deck's finish. Always use a plastic shovel on your deck.

·         Do Not Salt. Do not use salt or any other ice-melting products on your deck. The calcium chloride or rock salt used in these products can damage the finish or cause discoloration.

·         Cover with a Tarp. Some homeowners like to place a tarp over the deck's surface to create an added barrier from the elements. This is only an option for some homeowners, especially if you like to grill on your deck in winter or have a hot tub. If you use a tarp, secure it well to prevent it from blowing away.

 

A Final Thought

If you still need to build a deck or are looking to refurbish your current deck, consider composite decking for your project. Composite decking is more resilient than wood and requires less maintenance.

 

At Dain's Lumber, we believe that one's deck is an extension of their home. That's why we have put so much time into curating a wide selection of decking and railing types from many impressive, top-rated brands and manufacturers. With over 40 styles and colors featured on our 2,500 sq. ft. outdoor deck display and living area, you can see each in the outdoor elements.

 

We also offer an extensive line of deck stains and accessories to refurbish existing decks and an experienced staff to help you choose the right products for your project. So you can be sure that no matter what decking or railing type and the specific product you choose, you'll be getting quality, innovative materials that will last for years to come – years of enjoying that extension of your home.

 

Call (914) 737-2000 or email us at dains@dainslumber.com for more information. You can also visit our website for a look at our numerous services. Finally, remember to tour our Facebook for sample pictures of our finished products.

 

______________________________________________________________________Sources:

https://www.decks.com/how-to/articles/preparing-protecting-your-deck-for-winter

 

Moulding: Accent Your Space!

Look no further for the picture-perfect way to spruce up any wall, ceiling, or door in your house - moulding. The graceful curves, refined lines, and polished wood add luxurious details to any space. A room without moulding is a room unfinished. Enjoy the finer experiences of life by adding this framework. 

 

Understanding the types and materials is imperative when looking for the proper moulding to bolster appeal. After reading this comprehensive list, visit Dain’s Lumber for professional installation. 

 

Types of Moulding

  1. Chair Rail

The chair rail sits just under the middle distinction of your wall, roughly three to four feet up from the floor. The horizontal piece of wood was named after its original purpose: to protect the walls from chair backs. Today, with bigger rooms and differing styles, the trim mainly acts as an ornament to the room. Chair rails are typically seen in dining rooms or any space where chairs sit close to the walls. 

 

  1. Baseboards

Baseboards are the perfect introduction to essential trim as the most common type of moulding found in homes. They range from narrow to wide, with the 6-inch baseboard regularly displayed in many old houses. Baseboard trims act as defining lines and hide gaps between the floor and wall. These can be installed anywhere and are great for design continuity. 

 

  1. Crown Moulding

Maybe the most recognizable moulding for its name and look, crown moulding is placed where the wall meets the ceiling. The moulding is placed at a 45-degree angle, perfect for hiding any imperfections at the top of your walls. Mainly living and dining rooms are the home to crown mouldings, though any room can sport the aesthetic. This seems to be the favorite of kings and queens, as the crown moulding adorns many palaces worldwide. 

 

Quality Moulding

Since 1848, Dain’s Lumber has served the Peekskill, New York, neighborhood. With the family contribution and pure grit, we remain one of the oldest retail lumberyards in the country. The enterprise has grown through five generations and will someday be passed on to the sixth. Yet, through it all, our goal stays the same: to promote impeccable craftsmanship, thoughtful advice, and irreplaceable service. 

 

Our moulding is par none and elegant in design. You can choose from a variety of factors, including types and materials. Our popular styles include ceiling crowns, door casings, and wall panel mouldings. Whether looking for a classic base moulding or ornate chair rail, Dain’s Lumber can meet your moulding needs. Call (914) 737-2000 or email us at Dains@dainslumber.com for more information. You can also visit our website for a look at our numerous services. Don’t forget to tour our Facebook for sample pictures of our finished products.

 

 

 

Sources

https://www.dainslumber.com/

https://www.facebook.com/DainsLumber/ 

https://jane-athome.com/how-to-install-modern-wall-molding/

https://www.livingcozy.com/blog/accent-wall-ideas

https://thecreativeshour.com/wood-trim-accent-wall-ideas/

https://www.thespruce.com/wall-trim-that-instantly-dresses-up-your-house-4088279 

Quality Cabinetry: What to Look for


Remodeling your kitchen is a massive undertaking. One of the most significant decisions in the remodeling process will be choosing your cabinets. Not only do cabinets make up as much as 40% of your remodeling budget, but they set the tone for the style of your kitchen. 

 

Kitchen cabinets also take on a lot of wear and tear. Knowing that you will have your kitchen cabinets for years to come, the stakes are high in choosing the right ones. So how can you make sure you choose quality cabinetry for your home?

 

Solid Construction

Your cabinets will be opened and closed many times a day; make sure they are well-built. Look for cabinets made of solid wood rather than veneered particleboard. Many cabinet manufacturers also offer reinforced corners on their cabinets, adding to their durability.

 

Full-Height Back Panels

The weight your cabinets sustain is significant, so your cabinets need to be strong enough to hold all that kitchenware you keep in them. A full-height back panel that is at least ⅜ inch thick will keep your cabinets from collapsing from the weight of the things you store.

 

Soft-Close Hinges

High-quality cabinet hinges have a mechanism built in that causes the doors to close softly. Often these hinges are fully concealed to allow the beautiful appearance of the wood cabinets to take center stage and minimize visual distractions.

 

Drawer Joints

You will also want to purchase solid wood drawers when considering your options. But a more important element to examine will be how the manufacturer assembled the drawer. Solid wood drawers with dovetail joinery are superior to those connected with staples. Don’t skimp on your drawer glides, either. Drawers hold a lot of weight. Consider full-extension drawer glides so you can use your drawers to maximum capacity.

 

Melamine Interior

While your guests might not see the interior of your cabinets as much as the exterior, the inside of your cabinets also needs to withstand the test of time. A melamine interior will offer you a non-porous surface that is easily wiped, fire-resistant, waterproof and strong. 

 

Finish

Scratches, stains, and splatters are part of everyday life in the kitchen, and your cabinets need to hold up. Additionally, your new cabinets will be a focal point of your kitchen space, so you want them to look clean and well cared for. Look for cabinets that have a durable finish and are engineered to stand up to whatever life throws at them. 

 

If you are looking for quality cabinets and affordable pricing, Dain’s Lumber is your expert source. The professionals at Dain’s have done all the research and evaluations for you. By offering brands with the best selection of styles combined with durability, easy installation, and value, you can count on Dain’s Lumber for your quality kitchen cabinets. 

 

For generations, Dain’s Lumber has offered the best quality lumber and building materials for your construction projects. In addition, we offer fast and efficient deliveries to homes and job sites throughout Westchester, Putnam, and surrounding counties and portions of Connecticut. Visit us today or request a quote for your upcoming project. 

 



Sources

https://www.dainslumber.com/cabinets


https://www.cabinetcorp.com/2018/07/31/11-signs-to-spot-kitchen-cabinets-of-high-quality/

Stone Veneer and Its Alternatives

Photo: http://stonecraft.com/images/gallery/outdoor-01.jpg

 

 

When putting the finishing touch on outdoor building facades or indoor feature spaces, many consider natural stone unmatched quality and appearance. As you may have guessed from the name, natural stone veneer is made from real stone quarried from the earth, where sizable pieces of stone are sliced into thin pieces. But, believe it or not, their imperfections in textures and tone are part of what makes it so appealing and unique to homeowners looking for an extra special design.

 

But in recent years, more and more consumers seek alternatives that give them the same look as a natural stone without the sometimes hefty price tag. Manufactured cultured stone veneer is a manufactured product; designed to resemble natural stone; it is typically made of concrete and other aggregate materials that have been pressed into molds. 

 

While manufactured stone is designed to look like the real deal, distinct differences (and advantages to each) set these two materials apart. So let's dig a little further into a natural stone veneer vs. a manufactured one so you can learn about which option works best for you. 

 

Natural Stone Veneer

Natural stone can be wholly real in shape, such as rounded river stones. Or natural stone can be carved into the desired shape, such as blocks for building, sheets for walls, or tiles for flooring. Homeowners and design addicts everywhere love that natural stone is colorfast and durable; however, it can often be difficult to source (especially if you are on a budget and in a hurry), hard to cut, and very heavy and dense. Dain's Lumber is happy to help you make the perfect stone selection if natural stone is what you are after!

 

Manufactured Stone Veneer

The Spruce details that while a manufactured stone veneer is lightweight, easy to cut, and easy to obtain, sometimes, homeowners do not like this option because it is brittle, it has a homogenous appearance, and it can fade over time. Dain's Lumber offers two great lines of stone veneer; Stone Craft brings the extraordinary texture, color, and character of natural stone to a manufactured veneer. As a building material, it's simply unequaled in its ability to add warmth and depth to a design. In addition, Stone Craft's unique approach, crafting every mold from genuine stones by hand-chiseling every rock before they are replicated, creates the look and feel of quarried stone at a fraction of its weight, installation time, and price. Eldorado Stone is our other great option for those interested in manufactured stone veneer. Eldorado Stone, dubbed the manufacturer of The Most Believable Architectural Stone Veneer, offers a wide array of veneer products to suit your home. Their extensive line of products — from individually manufactured stone veneer to brick veneer to panelized stacked stone veneer — are designed to complement various architectural styles.

 

Dain's Lumber prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. With nearly 170 years in business, we offer almost every lumber and building material product available. We are proud to provide fast and efficient deliveries to homes and job sites throughout Westchester, Putman, and Connecticut's surrounding counties and portions with our fleet of trucks. We've also continued to expand our wide range of services by adding two showrooms to our retail and outdoor area. We've also added our very own sawmill, allowing us to take locally sourced and reclaimed wood to create one-of-a-kind pieces for our valued customers. 

 

To discover more about how we can serve your needs, please visit our website or contact us today. Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on everything Dain's Lumber, including current specials.

 

 

Sources

https://www.dainslumber.com/stone-veneer 

https://www.thespruce.com/natural-stone-vs-veneer-architectural-stone-1821084

https://www.ecooutdoorusa.com/learning-library/pros-cons-natural-stone-vs-manufactured-cultured-stone-veneer-2/


What To Look For When Inspecting Insulation In Your Home


Now that December has officially arrived, it should come as no surprise that the temperatures outside have become considerably colder. But, when the days are frigid and snow is on the ground, is there anything better, more comforting than coming in from the cold to warm up indoors? 

 

Imagine that nice, cozy house you walk into after sledding with the kids or shoveling the patio; isn't that cozy? What if it feels almost as cold inside as it does outside?

 

Don't be uncomfortable in your own home; your home needs to be your winter weather retreat, your relaxing place to stay warm on a cold winter's day. And the best way to ensure that your home remains that relaxing place is by checking the insulation and making sure it's keeping you and your family comfortable all season long. 

 

If you notice any of these signs, chances are your home has poor insulation and needs to be repaired before the winter weather becomes even more brutal than it already has been!

 

Your Walls Are Cold

Common sense tells us that interior walls, floors, and ceilings should feel warm and dry to the touch in a properly insulated area. If the walls of a given room of your home feel cold or show signs of moisture, that means there is heat loss occurring due to under-insulation. 

 

Fluctuating Room Temperatures

If one room in your home feels significantly cooler than the rest of your house, a draft window or a door could be the culprit, but it could also be a sign of poor insulation. The warm air from a home's furnace travels through cool spots in your home and loses its heat when it gets to the room in question. 

 

You Have High Energy Bills

The Spruce suggests that if your monthly energy bill has an unexpected spike in heating or cooling charges, your furnace has to work harder to maintain the temperature setting. Even a tiny air leak through a hole in a ceiling, a crack in the wall, or a poorly insulated area can often lead to much higher energy bills. 

 

Don't be uncomfortable in your own house this season-take quick and simple steps now to ensure that your insulation properly blocks the bitter cold from your home. If you're concerned that your home might need repairs or replacements, talk to your friends and experts at Dain's Lumber.

 

Dain's Lumber prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. With nearly 170 years in business, we offer almost every lumber and building material product available. We are proud to provide fast and efficient deliveries to homes and job sites throughout Westchester, Putman, and Connecticut's surrounding counties and portions with our fleet of trucks. We've also expanded our wide range of services by adding two showrooms to our retail and outdoor area. We've also added a sawmill, allowing us to take locally sourced and reclaimed wood to create one-of-a-kind pieces for our valued customers. 

 

To discover more about how we can serve your needs, please visit our website or contact us today. Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on everything and anything Dain's Lumber.  

 

 



Sources

https://www.livabl.com/2019/02/5-ways-to-tell-your-home-suffers-poor-insulation.html

https://www.wcmanet.org/door-insulation/

https://www.thespruce.com/is-there-insulation-in-your-walls-1822003 

 

Which Fence Is Best for My Home?

They say fences make the best neighbors and because of all the benefits, this might be a true statement! A fence not only protects children and pets from going outside of the yard, but it also ensures that they stay safe inside. It prevents unwanted animals or strangers from entering your home without permission. A good fencing system can protect you and your belongings by preventing entry to those who do not belong in your house!


At Dain’s Lumber, the perfect fencing option is available online using our Virtual Deck and Fencing Show page. We have a wide selection of materials to ensure your satisfaction, such as privacy fences for those who want their own space or decorative options that enhance the appearance of any property.


Wood

Customize your wood fence with paints, stains, and other treatments to create a personalized space. Wood fencing is known for its rustic feel which gives it an authentic look while providing more natural spaces. Installation of the product is simple regardless of whether you want a classic or modern design such as picket fences or privacy options. Wood Fencing provides aesthetic beauty that enhances serene spaces through simplicity in terms of designing them into whatever aesthetics one desires despite being cost effective.

Our in-stock selection includes; 

  • White Cedar Post and Rail Style (2 rail)

  • Eastern Brand Spruce Stockade Fence.

  • We also stock Pressure Treated SYP Split Rail Fence.


Vinyl PVC

Who doesn't like the idea of easy maintenance? Vinyl (PVC) fencing ticks that box, with no need to ever restain or repaint because the color lasts as long as the fence does. Lastly, PVC is incredibly durable and strong; it can withstand harsh weather conditions without compromising its structure. Vinyl (PVC) fences are popular for residential homes because they check so many boxes: cleaning is simple through a hose; there's never any staining or painting needed since colors last forever on these fences; perhaps most importantly though, vinyl fencing has incredible durability in all seasons which makes them extremely safe around children.


Chain link

One of the top reasons people install chain link fencing is for security. Chain links are made out of steel and wrapped in wires, which makes them incredibly secure. But beyond that benefit to having a fence around your house or other property, there’s another aspect that goes underappreciated: You can see through it! It has wide spacing between each wire allowing great visibility.


Aluminum 

Aluminum fencing is a great option for your home or business thanks to its durability, affordability and good looks. Aluminum fences can be ordered in special sizes with Eastern, which carries an impressive selection of aluminum ornamental fence lines.


Every generation of our family has grown up in the lumber business. And we love that we get to share our passion with our customers every day. But, most of all, we take the Dain’s Lumber legacy of quality, expertise, service, and craftsmanship very seriously. When you come to us, you know you’re getting over 170 years’ worth of history behind every product, piece of advice, and interaction you receive. Fill out our contact form or give us a call at 914-737-2000 to discuss your projects today!


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