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How to Choose Replacement Windows

Posted on September 18, 2024September 19, 2024

The autumn season is the perfect time to swap out drafty old windows with new energy efficient ones. Investing in replacement windows now will equal savings on heating costs all winter long—and beyond. But how do you choose replacement windows in the first place?

One shortcut is to visit your local GNH Lumber to discuss your window replacement project with our seasoned experts.

Click here to get started now.

To help you choose just the right windows for your home and budget, we recommend considering some common cost-saving options and answering a few common questions beforehand:

1) PLANNING

Start by considering which windows you want to replace. Do you want to replace all of them, one floor at a time, or just individual units that will save energy and add convenience to a particular room in your home?

2) BUDGET

Prepare a preliminary budget. This will help you determine how many windows you can replace with the styles, features, and materials you want. Pay particular attention to the window’s thermal performance since this will factor into the cost. Windows that qualify for tax rebates may cost more initially but these costs are offset by rebates and greater energy savings over time!

3) APPLICATION

What do you want your new windows to do? Are they architectural design features or will they provide specific functionality? Do you want the windows to open and close? How they should operate? Vinyl windows like Smarter Windows from GNH Lumber will provide lower maintenance, greater convenience, and higher energy performance than most wood windows.

4) ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Finally, discuss energy-efficient window options (like standard insulated glass and low-e glass) with the knowledgeable staff at GNH Lumber. Don’t forget to work the additional cost of these features into the context of estimated savings on your heating and cooling bills. Do the expected savings justify the extra cost? Vinyl window frames are less expensive and do provide more insulation qualities.

Sources: http://www.smarterwindows.com/Page/How_to_Buy_Replacement_Windows

Winter Preparedness 101: Is Your Home Ready?

Posted on September 18, 2024September 19, 2024

It’s fall season again. The leaves have fallen from most of the trees and the air is increasingly chilled. Like it or not, we all know that winter is close behind. Before the snow starts falling and temperatures drop, it’s a good time to think about things like:

Preparing your home for snowstorms
The cost of winter heating
Ways to improve your home efficiency

Is your home ready for the coming winter? Not yet? Not sure? Don’t know? Don’t worry! There are a few simple steps you can take each autumn to protect against damage from winter storms and create a more efficient home.

So, let’s start exploring some steps you can take right now to prevent those wintertime headaches:

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5 Signs That You Need Replacement Windows

Posted on August 13, 2024August 21, 2024

Keep Your Windows Up to Date

Your windows should help keep your home feeling comfortable and looking its best. As time goes on, your windows’ performance gradually begins to fade. Weather stripping is damaged, the seals begin to fail, and the various parts of your windows get brittle and break. So, how exactly do you know when it’s time to finally replace your windows? While some of the signs are obvious, others are harder to catch before it’s too late. Thankfully, there are 5 telltale signs that let you know that it’s time to invest in replacement windows for your home.

The Pets Always Know

We’ll start with one of the most obvious signs you need new windows: How comfortable the climate in your home is. If one or more rooms in your home are overly hot in the summer or frigid in the winter, it’s likely that your windows are one of the largest factors. Aside from yourself, pay attention to your pets as well! If even Fido needs a blanket every time the temperature drops outside, it’s time to start looking into replacement windows. New windows, especially versatile and resilient vinyl windows, are made of stronger materials than older windows, and can help keep your home feeling comfy and cozy – no matter the season.

Appearances Aren’t Always Deceiving

Minor aesthetic damages usually aren’t anything to be concerned about in terms of the state of your windows. However, significant physical damages usually point to failing windows. For example, if your windows constantly have foggy panes, that’s a sign that gas is escaping from between the panes and condensation has formed inside. Over time, that heat and water can loosen the seals on your windows. Similarly, chipping paint and an inability to hold a new coat of paint can mean water damage has set in. This water damage can also lead to moldy smells, another sure sign that your windows need replacing!

Bills, Bills, Bills

If your windows aren’t performing at their best, doesn’t it make sense that your energy bills would go up? It’s true – leaking or inferior windows lead to your heat and air conditioning filtering outside, reducing their efficacy inside and wasting your energy. Even if you can afford the extra money, heating and cooling the outdoors is wasteful and consumes more natural resources than is necessary. If you’re not sure what your fuel and electricity bills should be, ask your neighbors what they pay. If their house is built like yours and their family is a similar size, their bills should be roughly the same.

Open Sesame

Even though it may seem obvious, if your windows are either too hard or too easy to get open/through, they’re probably at the end of their shelf life. And replacement windows aren’t just there for quality-of-life improvements, they can keep you safer as well. Windows that are too hard to open are a safety hazard, especially in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency. On the other hand, windows with weak seals, gaps in the caulking, holes, etc. allow bugs and other pests easier entry into your home – it’s one of the many reasons why new windows are so helpful!

Tune Out the Noise

There’s a lot more people in the world now, and a lot more noise to be heard, especially in crowded neighborhoods. Another sign of failing windows is more of that noise creeping into your home. Windows that are improperly sealed or are older can let in much more outside noise, and that means more difficulty sleeping or holding a conversation indoors. Thankfully, modern windows can be fitted with three panes of glass and special laminations – so you don’t have to shout to be heard anymore.

Even if you’re just looking to upgrade your windows and give your home a new look, we encourage you to get out and do it! Let us help you find the best choice so you can increase your home’s curb value and save on your energy bills.

How to Clean and Maintain Your Home’s Exterior Siding

Posted on June 14, 2024June 24, 2024

Keeping your home’s exterior siding in good shape is not only a great way to improve your home’s appearance, it also helps you avoid repairs and costly services down the road. With a bit of preventative maintenance, you’ll be able to extend the life of your home’s exterior siding for 50+ years!

In this blog, we’ll discuss how to clean and maintain your home’s exterior siding so you won’t have to worry about costs adding up for a few decades.

How Do You Maintain Your Home’s Exterior Siding?

No matter the materials, it’s important to clean your home’s siding every six months or more to keep it in optimal condition for many years to come. You should also inspect your home’s exterior for any damages at least every six months, or after violent storms and high winds. We asked Dominic, Manager of GNH Greenville for tips on how to properly maintain your home’s siding. Here’s his expert advice:

Vinyl Siding Maintenance

Vinyl siding is low maintenance and is designed to be left alone, which is great! However, this doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have to be maintained. The good news is that you can easily clean vinyl siding yourself.

Vinyl siding requires a good power washing about twice a year. Dominic suggests checking a few times a year to make sure no boards have come loose or are cracked. If they are, they will need to be fixed as soon as possible. High winds can cause damage and cracks to vinyl easily, so if you had a windy season, be sure to do a walk-around your home after the storm. Remember to give it a good pressure-washing twice a year to reduce damage and renew bright colors.

Tip: Making repairs early will save you money on more costly repairs further on down the road!

Wood Siding Maintenance

Wood siding will need to be treated every 4 to 6 years. In New York, sun and snow are particularly abundant so you may have to treat it more often than that. Because wood is porous and vulnerable to the elements, it also requires paint, stain or sealant to prevent it from moisture, rot and decay.

Like vinyl siding, you need to check the wood siding for cracks and breaks. Most repairs are easy to fix, so do it as soon as you notice the damage. If the color of your wood siding has been lost due to fading and old age, or if it’s spotted with mildew or rest, don’t worry! To recover your wood’s natural beauty, Dominic recommends using a stain remover, wood cleaner or brightener.

Stucco Maintenance

Often times, woodpeckers will attack your stucco siding. They tend to leave holes which will need to be replaced immediately or else they will live in your walls. Since stucco is a very porous material, if a tree leaks its sap on your siding, it can take over and cause huge problems. It can stain rather quickly so go around once or twice a year to check. To remove any stains that are starting to form, Dominic suggests using a degreaser and bleach.

Cedar Shake Maintenance

If you want your cedar shake siding to live for a long time, you want to make sure it’s treated or stained properly and checked often. Left untreated, cedar shakes can discolor and start to soften, causing it to rot. In order to maintain healthy cedar shakes, you want to make sure to paint or stain the cedar every 5 years. Stain is a more effective protectant for cedar than paint so Dominic recommends opting for stain when you can. Hiring a professional to paint or stain your cedar shakes could cost upwards of $2,500 depending on your home’s size.

How Often Should You Clean Your Home’s Siding?

The exterior of your home needs a good cleaning about twice a year. Overtime, cobwebs, dirt and mildew can build up and shorten the life of your siding. A clean house will protect your siding as well as your investment.

How Do You Clean All Types of Siding?

Cleaning the siding of your home can be a bit treacherous, but luckily you only need to do it once or twice a year!

All types of siding benefit from a good cleaning to remove residue. Here’s how Dominic recommends cleaning your siding:

1. Check for Cracks and Damages in the Siding

Do a quick walk around your home and check for cracks, chipped paint, cracked boards, or other damages before you start the process of cleaning your siding. If you have cracks, water from cleaning could seep into the home, causing serious damage and trouble over time.

2. Invest in a Power Washer

A power washer is key to getting up in the peaks of your house by the roof, blasting away grit and grime, and takes far less time that washing the home’s siding by hand. This is especially true for homes with vinyl and wood siding.

3. Scrub the Siding with TSP

Next time you’re at GNH Lumber, pick up some TSP (trisodium phosphate). The TSP that GNH Lumber carries is phosphate-free. Mix ½ cup with 1 gallon of water and apply to a sponge, washcloth or soft-bristled brush. Start scrubbing those stubborn areas where birds or spiders have left their droppings. These are usually the toughest things to get out of your siding! Dominic recommends working from the bottom to top to avoid streaking and then rinse.

Don’t want to mix your own solution? Dominic recommends 30 Seconds Cleaner for Algae, Mold and Mildew. This powerful formula is safe to use around landscaping, plants and your lawn. Simply attached to a garden hose, spray on and hose off. It is proudly made in America and has been around since 1977 so it is a tried an true product. Stop into our Greenville or Windham locations and ask for it by name.

Keeping your home clean and maintained properly can save you tons of money in the long run!

Have more questions? Stop in and see Dominic at GNH Greenville!

Benefits of Metal Roofing

Posted on June 12, 2024June 13, 2024

Metal Roofing is a Homeowner’s Dream

When most people think of metal roofing, they usually picture large commercial buildings. But metal roofing has been surging in popularity with residential homeowners lately. It’s a viable alternative to traditional asphalt roofing, but what are the benefits of metal roofing? Well, whether you’re building a new home from scratch or updating your existing roof, there are a few distinct advantages that you can enjoy!

Better Cost-Effectiveness

One of the key benefits of metal roofing is that a metal roof will last about 40 to 70 years, whereas traditional asphalt roofs last about 12 to 20 years. Live in your house long enough and you could end up replacing an asphalt roof anywhere from two to five times in the length of time a metal roof would remain in good condition. As a matter of fact, for many homeowners, the first metal roof they install on their home is the last roof they install!

Better Energy Efficiency

If you’re looking to save some money on your home’s monthly bills, installing a metal roof might be helpful. Homes that have metal roofs can help reduce your annual energy spending due to a couple of factors:

Reflectivity: Reflectivity means how well the roof reflects the sun’s rays, which metal roofs are great at. When your roof reflects the sun, it decreases the amount of heat transferred into the attic. The less heat in the attic, the lower your electricity bill will be!
Emissivity: Emissivity means how quickly your roof cools off after the heat is removed. Your roof is exposed to extreme heat in summer, and no matter what, it will soak the radiant heat and transfer it to the attic, essentially trapping it and making your AC unit fight to get it out. With energy-efficient metal roofs, your roof will be cool to the touch after the sun goes down, allowing your AC unit to take a much-needed breather, and resulting in lower cooling costs.

Better Weather Resistance

In our neck of the woods, heavy snowfall and rain are a common concern. Thankfully, adding metal roofing to your home makes dealing with inclement weather a snap! Metal roofing is hard and slippery by nature which makes it hard for snow and water to make a grip. On top of that, if you install dark tones of metal roofing or metal roofing with a PVDF coating it doubles up the benefits of metal roofing. Dark tones of metal roofing quickly warm to the sun, encouraging snowmelt and the resin polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) coating that’s common on both Union Corrugating or McElroy Metal Roofing helps to reflect back more sunlight, further increasing your roof’s resistance to snow or rain buildup.

Better Curb Appeal

Every homeowner is going to have an opinion about what looks best on their home. But even for those who only prefer the look of shingles on a home, there are specialty metal roofing options available that look just like them! In fact, there’s a ton of metal roofing options available in a wide variety of both styles, colors, and finishes. Shingles, on the other hand, typically only come in a limited number of colors. With a metal roof, you get the benefit of using the most energy efficient materials that save you money for several decades – on top of making your home look even more fabulous.

Add Innovation & Durability with Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has truly come full circle over the years! More and more homeowners are discovering the benefits of metal roofing and are adding it to their homes with great results. Get in touch with the GNH Lumber team today to learn how it can improve your home!

Design Smarter with LP SmartSide Exterior Home Siding!

Posted on June 12, 2024June 13, 2024

Experience High Performance Siding with Less Maintenance!

It’s always important to keep a close eye on your home’s exterior siding! If you’ve noticed any leaks, cracks, chips, or any other visible problems that have developed over the years – it may be time to replace or restore your siding! But not all siding is created equal, and some siding is more difficult to keep looking beautiful without extensive maintenance on your part. Thankfully, there is a siding option that is not only high-performance, but also requires only basic upkeep! LP SmartSide Siding is the perfect engineered wood siding to improve your home’s curb appeal while requiring little maintenance!

Let It Shine with Basic Cleaning Techniques

Taking care of your home, siding included, should be a year-long effort. Even taking the time to do an annual visual home inspection can pay dividends for you in the long-term. We recommend taking a yearly inventory of your home’s exterior and siding to check for any stains, mildew, or mold that may have cropped up over the last year. You can keep your home’s exterior and LP SmartSide Siding looking beautiful by performing some basic periodic care and maintenance. Follow these tips to keep your home free from mildew, dust, dew, and other environmental damages:

Dust and dirt can build up on your home’s exterior siding, no matter where you live. If you want to keep your home looking its best, we advise using a soft cloth, sponge, or light brush along with a mixture of mild soap and water to wash and clean the surface of your siding. You can then lightly rinse off with water from a garden hose – be sure not to pressure wash, as this can damage your siding and increase your risk of damaging or discoloring the paint on your home.
For mold, we recommend using a lighter solution of three-parts water to one-part white vinegar to safely remove any intrusive mold or mildew stains. This can help remove pesky discolorations without risking any damage to your paint or wood stains!

Simple Monthly Maintenance

In addition to basic maintenance to keep your home siding free from stains and mildew, you should also take note of any chips, wears, or tears within your siding. Thankfully, small imperfections like these are easily fixed – especially with LP SmartSide Siding! For any small chips or cracks in the paint finish your home’s exterior siding, you can simply touch them up with matching paint. We recommend that you don’t paint over existing paint or try to blend the paint out into existing paint – and that you allow at least 24 hours for the paint you use to dry. When checking your siding, it’s also key to check on your gutters and sprinklers. Make sure your gutters are draining properly and your sprinklers aren’t exposing your siding to water spray – issues with either of these can lead to irreparable damage to your exterior siding.

If you notice any damage to your siding’s caulking, it’s best to contact a professional contractor to help repair it. They’ll know how to replace caulking around LP SmartSide siding that has cracked, hardened or lost its seal.

Responsibly Made, Environmentally Committed

Choosing LP SmartSide Siding not only improves the curb appeal of your home, it’s also great for the environment! All LP SmartSide Siding products are made with renewable wood, grown and gathered under strict Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) standards. These standards include responsible forestry practices that protect water quality, biodiversity and wildlife habitats. All wood used by companies participating in the SFI program must come from legal and responsible sources, whether the forests are SFI-certified or not. These standards ensure forest products remain a sustainable resource now and for generations to come.

By adhering to these standards, all LP SmartSide Siding products benefit your health by using:

Low-emitting binding agents and resin – Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals found in many products we use to build and maintain our homes, including siding. The binding agents and resins in LP SmartSide products release low levels of VOCs, which may decrease some people’s risk of health problems.
No added formaldehyde – Formaldehyde is a common chemical used to make building materials. It irritates the airways and is known to cause cancer. No urea-formaldehyde is added during the manufacture of LP SmartSide products.

Your home’s siding should do more than improve its looks – it should also protect it against the elements and keep your energy costs down! If you’re looking to replace or restore your home’s siding, be sure to reach out to the talented team at GNH Lumber. We can help you find the best siding for your home and ensure it’s installed successfully!

DIY: Raised Garden Beds are on the Rise!

Posted on May 14, 2024May 14, 2024

Spring is here! That means it’s time to start your gardening projects in time to have delicious, fresh veggies and herbs, or a bountiful flower garden all summer long!

Not enough space in your backyard for a big vegetable or flower garden? Raised garden beds are the perfect solution for gardeners with limited space!

In this blog, we’ll run through a step-by-step guide on how to create a raised garden bed for vegetables or flowers.

1. Choose Your Materials

Select your bed frame materials. This can be as simple as regular 2×4’s or even patio retaining wall blocks. The size is up to you!

The height of the bed should be at least 6 inches high, which gives the plants’ roots plenty of room to grow.

2. Mark the Perimeter

Once you’re done putting together your raised garden bed, it’s time to select a sunny spot ideal for growing and relocate the frame. Remember, if you’re growing vegetables, you need to find an extra sunny spot with plenty of late day sunlight.

Using an edger or spade, mark the ground around the perimeter of the frame.

3. Prepare the Soil

Now that you’ve created the frame and marked the perimeter, set it aside so you can start preparing the soil. Use a sod cutter or grub hoe to skim away the grass layer, if one exists.

4. Anchor the Raised Garden Bed

Once you’ve leveled it out, dig a 5- to 6-inch deep hole for each of the corner posts. Then sink each post into the ground, using a 4-foot level to level it out.

5. Add a Layer of Hardware Cloth to Keep Out Pests

Gophers and moles can sometimes be an issue with garden beds. To keep them out of your garden, add a layer of hardware cloth before you pour in your planting soil. Rake any existing soil at the bottom of the bed to level it out. Then smooth it out. Line the bed bottom with hardware cloth, making sure the cloth is flat against the bottom of the bed and touching each side. Secure the cloth by stapling it to the sides of the bed.

6. Add Your Soil

Fill the bed with a 50/50 mixture of planting soil and compost. Once the bed is full, rake the soil smooth and moisten it with a slight spray from the hose.

7. Plant!

Now it’s time to plant your vegetable, flowers and herbs! Plant anything you like that works in your area.

7. Water Regularly

Don’t forget to water your plants often! After all, you’ve spent a long time putting together your garden bed, so you want to make sure you are taking good care of your vegetables and flowers.

Now get started on your spring garden bed project, and start enjoying fresh produce and gorgeous flowers!

Bring the Outdoors Inside with Marvin^®

Posted on April 11, 2024April 19, 2024

Marvin introduces more light and airflow into your home.

We all know how important sunshine (and good old Vitamin D) are towards maintaining good body and mental health. But did you know that aside from spending time outdoors, you can help bring that lovely sunshine and outdoor feel into your home as well? It’s true, and it can still help improve your overall health!

Humans are hardwired to be exposed to nature. What’s more, studies have shown that there’s a positive biological response that happens when we come into contact with nature, as well. You can bring the outdoors into your own home with Marvin – and this exposure to natural light can improve your health from head to toe!

Natural Light Improves Well-Being

Before we ever had lamps and lightbulbs, the sun was our primary source of light. As such, our biology revolves around the sleep/wake cycles we’ve established due to the natural rotations and guiding flow of the sun. This means that maintaining healthy levels of exposure to natural light is crucial to your overall health. Without proper sleep and access to natural light our immune systems can’t function at their best. Besides that, our energy is reduced, and we can find it harder to concentrate or remember things. Now, we can try to get outdoors as much as possible, but the average person spends nearly 90% of their time indoors. With so many work-from-home arrangements, we need our lighting to work in our favor to keep ourselves feeling and thinking healthy! Thankfully, thanks to the many advances in window and door design, you can easily amplify your access to natural light in your home.

Enhancing Your Home with Natural Light

Your patio door can work with the rest of your design choices to create a sharp, healthy and workable light-filled home. Especially when you add Marvin to an existing or planned outdoor deck! Nowadays, most modern homes (and many recently remodeled homes as well) have more windows with narrower frames. This increases the capacity for light to pass through and offers better views, so a sliding patio door can add even more lovely, natural light.

Healthy home design revolves around ensuring our doors and windows and our exposure to natural light work hand-in-hand. We recommend choosing a Marvin brand patio door to not only increase your home’s comfort and functionality – but also improve its curb appeal! Marvin provides reduced sightlines, thanks to a large expanse of glass. That means your backyard views are always picturesque and stunning! This also enables you to achieve the optimal amount of sunlight in your home. So you can connect with the outdoors, restore your health, and feel free – even while indoors!

Blend Looks for Indoor & Outdoor Chic

One of the best things about adding a Marvin to your home is how customizable they are – so they can complement any existing or planned deck/outdoor space!

If you’re looking to create a sleek, modern patio for outdoor entertaining this summer – try the Marvin Signature^® Ultimate sliding patio door! Featuring enhanced security features, heights of up to 16 feet, durable and weathertight performance, and personalized aesthetics and framing, it’s a great “plug-and-play” option for your next home remodeling project! We recommend pairing it with TimberTech AZEK Weathered Teak Decking to keep your deck cool while ensuring a sharp, contemporary look.

Don’t forget about the rest of your outdoor space as well! Having the entrance/exit from your backyard match the entire space only adds to its entire flow and feel. Try combining the clean lines and added visibility of a Marvin Essential^™ sliding patio door with a stylish new TimberTech Paver pathway for added aesthetics! These products are not only incredibly customizable and easy to care for, but they can also improve the functionality of your home – inside and out!

It’s easier than you think to add to your home’s entire curb appeal with Marvin! They can improve the looks of your home – and can also protect it against the elements and keep your energy costs down! If you’re looking to improve your home inside and out, be sure to reach out to the talented team at GNH Lumber. We can help you find the best door and decking options for your home and ensure it’s installed successfully!

DIY: Staining Versus Painting Your Deck

Posted on April 11, 2024April 11, 2024

It’s the age-old question for deck care: staining versus painting? So, which is better for your deck, staining or painting? Simply put: it’s a matter of personal preference.

Whether you stain, paint, or simply just seal your deck, it is extremely important that you protect your deck with regular maintenance!

Is it Time to Paint or Stain? Try the Sprinkle Test

One of the easiest ways you can check to see if your deck needs a refresh is the sprinkle test! Simply sprinkle some water on the surface of your wood deck. If it beads up, wait a few days and try again to see if you get the same results. However, if the water sits and then absorbs into the wood, you’ll know it’s time to stain, paint, or seal it again.

Deck Stain Basics

Stains can make wood look amazing. They do a great job of highlighting the beauty of the natural wood grain. Many people prefer stain simply because it has a more natural look.

If you are using stain, you’ll have to do maintenance on your decking from periodically. The frequency of maintenance will depend on things where like you live, how much you use your deck, what type of weather you have, the color of the stain, quality of the stain, and the prep work that went into staining the deck. Therefore, it pays to do it right the first time.

Since there are both solid and semi-transparent stains, wear and tear will affect them differently. On average, a deck should be re-stained every few years in most cases to protect and preserve the wood.

What are Water and Oil Stains?

There are different kinds of stains to consider. You may see water-based stains, which can adhere to water or oil-based coatings already present on the deck surface, depending on the area. These stains are easily cleaned up with water as well.

However, oil-based stains will ONLY adhere to wood previously stained with an oil-based product. So, in this case you cannot layer paint or water-based stain over it without sanding off the old stain first. Oil-based stain can be cleaned up with paint thinner.

Deck Paint Basics

Paint is another common protective coating. If you choose to use paint, you won’t see the discoloration of the wood or any imperfections until the paint itself is removed. Although the required maintenance for a painted deck may be less, just like stain, it will depend on the location, the weather, and how much use your deck gets.

Also, when you select paint, you need to look for exterior deck/patio paint, which is formulated for outdoor weather and foot traffic. Don’t use the leftover paint you used to paint your bathroom!

Just know that in some areas of the country, or if the surface is not properly prepared and sealed, paint can flake. If that happens, you may find painting takes a lot of work to maintain. If you are wondering if this will be a problem, look at other exterior places that are painted and note their condition.

Understanding Sealers

Many don’t know you can get a clear sealant for your deck if you love the unique look of the wood. No matter what you choose to do, it’s always a good idea to make sure you reseal your deck once a year.

Whatever you decide, the team at GNH is here to help with all your painting and staining needs.

4 Ways to Create the Perfect Deck Retreat

Posted on April 11, 2024April 12, 2024

Want to create a peaceful deck retreat? It’s fun and easy to transform your deck into a lounge that your family and friends will enjoy all season long! If you’re thinking of building a brand new deck, or rethinking your existing deck, GNH Lumber is ready to help you make your dream deck a reality! There’s a wealth of great decking producers out there – and with them you can create a deck that’s beautiful AND durable.

TimberTech^® composite decking is an excellent choice for low-maintenance durability and style. That’s because TimberTech® decks are durable enough for your family to enjoy for years, without the hassles of annual staining and sealing. They give their traditional capped wood composite decking the strength it needs to battle almost anything Mother Nature—or your family—throws its way. But they don’t sacrifice beauty for backbone.

Get your deck or porch project started!

Want to create a deck that will help you relax and regenerate? Well, get ready to light up the grill, kick back, and enjoy…

Here are 4 easy ways to create the perfect deck retreat:

1. Create a Corner Nook

If your deck has a corner, try assembling benches with throw pillows inside the cozy nook, or add comfy lounge chairs or even bean bags. These spaces are the perfect for comfort and will have your family and guests relaxing and chatting the day away!

No corners available? No problem! You can also screen off larger portions of deck with room-dividers or trellises covered with fabric to create custom corner nooks. The bonus of creating these custom nooks is that you can choose fabrics, plants or flowers that accentuate your deck color scheme.

2. Wrap Around Views

Decks that wrap around the second story of a home give tremendous access to views, and they create a feeling of spaciousness and peace. They’re the perfect place for late-night conversations or just secluded getaways to sit and think.

Decks like these can double as balconies for morning coffee. Plus, they provide as much aesthetic value from inside the home as they do from the outside. Never forget that a well-maintained deck is great for the valuation of your entire home as well!

Quick Tip: If your property has a great view of the mountains or your gardens, why not feature the view from a top story when planning the layout of your deck?

3. Keep the Sun at Bay

Adding a roof, pergola or awning to your deck, is another great way to create a cozy retreat. These kinds of structures or additions allow for lounging during parts of the day when sunlight is at its strongest. Creating cool, shady places to sit and sip a beverage or rock in a hammock is a great way to maximize deck usage. You can also use the covered patio below a second-story deck to introduce swinging hammocks and shaded benches.

Quick Tip: A roof provides the densest shade, while a pergola allows partial sun and a more open feel. Awnings provide partial shade, with the added benefit of being retractable or removable. They also come in materials that screen out the most harmful sunrays. The right awning can also enhance the overall look of your deck – there’s plenty of room for customization!

4. Use Soft Built-In Lighting

Dark evening deck? You can create a serene mood and add lighting at the same time! Try placing votive candles and string lights along the rail of your deck. Or, better yet, add LED lights to the decking itself! All of these options are easily installed, cost effective, and work wonders for adding a vibrant atmosphere to your deck – no matter how late it is!

You can enjoy your TimberTech^® Deck long after deck after dark with the subtle glow of low-voltage, energy-efficient LED lights in five functional styles. Each style creates a different dreamy effect on evening decks:

Accent Lights: Adding a delicate downlight effect on posts or near stairs with accent lights creates ambience and improves visibility.
In-Deck Lights: Mount in-deck lights to your deck’s surface for an ambient glow. Place them around your deck’s perimeter for outer glow and added safety.
Post Cap Lights: lluminate the edge of your deck with the soft glow of post cap lights. Add them easily to any TimberTech^®RadianceRail^® or RadianceRail Express^® 4″ and 5″ posts.
Riser Lights: Add safety and a soft glow to your stairs with riser lights, warming the path up to your outdoor living space.
Under-Rail Lights: Enjoy the subtle downlight of under-rail lights, hidden between balusters in the underside of your TimberTech^® top rail.

Have fun creating a peaceful deck retreat that’s all your own! If you ever need assistance, or just need more inspiration to craft your dream deck – get in touch with us! Our talented team is ready to help you today.

Source: https://timbertech.com/products/lighting