Cedar Articles

Know More Over Cedar Bird Feeders

by Merelymel13

We all have a gentle spot for birds. This implies that we try and ensure that their environment is perfect for his or her requirements. A bird home is an excellent approach to offer an instant nesting web site or house for just about any visiting birds. A bird bath placed close to a bird feeder provides a source of drinking water for consuming splash bathing and just having fun. The numerous types of feeders ensure that there is a ready provide of foods for that birds. Nonetheless Cedar Bird Feeders go over and above becoming just a bird supply merchandise. They deliver a level of advanced beauty to the backyard.

Cedar Bird Feeders from Woodlink provides you with the rustic appear that you simply desire and however this is combined with a practical use. These feeders can be used anywhere its essential to feed huge quantities of birds. Theyre also good for bird feeding sanctuaries.

Keeping this huge sized feeder in your garden is an invitation for a lot of birds to dine there. The Cedar Bird feeders are within the classic Hopper feeder style. Each sides with the feeder have lots of perching room in front of the feeding stations and you will find clear plastic panels on both sides that display you the reservoir of seeds inside with the feeder.

An internal seed baffle design and style can make positive that any empty seed shells are emptied out on to the platform below. This style feature ensures that no residue is left inside the Cedar bird feeders. The feeding platforms are green metal screens that will be removed. For your ease of cleaning and effortless refilling the roof with the Cedar bird feeders are hinged.

These huge Cedar bird feeders can hold 18 quarts of seed in them. This means that you dont have to constantly refill the feeder and when you should go in your vacation you wont be worrying about hungry birds.

Several bird species want to use this kind of feeder. These contain Wrens Towhees Sparrows Jays Grosbeaks Blackbirds Cardinals Doves Flickers Redpolls Woodpeckers Titmice Kinglets Bluebirds Goldfinches Starlings Finches Chickadees Nuthatches Grackles Siskins Mockingbirds and Juncos.

These massive Cedar bird feeders are created in The united states from kiln dried Inland Red Cedar. They are hardy and sturdy. Their physical appearance will complement not merely your garden but additionally any bird sanctuaries where theyre necessary. Because of to the dimensions of this feeder it might be greatest to pole mount it.

The most effective types of seed to make use of within this feeder are sunflower seeds combined seeds cracked corn sunflower kernels safflower seeds and peanut chunks. The use of these varied bird seeds will carry different bird sorts to your Cedar Bird Feeders.

Using the obtain of any Cedar Bird Feeders you are able to be assured of acquiring a good price and there are lots of many years of enjoyment to be had from viewing birds consuming from the bird feeders.

The Delightful Gift of a Cedar Chest

by jfravel

Article by Erik Schimek

Cedar chests were once a traditional gift to give young couples at their wedding, but these days, you don’t need a special occasion to give one to a friend or a family member! There is something special about giving or receiving these chests and not only will you be able to give them something useful, you’ll also be able to give them a gift that is traditionally associated with good feelings and warmth. Take a moment to consider the delight of a cedar chest.

Whether you are thinking about a wedding, an anniversary, a graduation or even a special Christmas, you’ll discover that an oak or cherry cedar chest is a lovely gift. Think about the recipient seeing it placed perfectly in their room or finding it underneath a tree. It makes a terrific going away gift for someone who is leaving home for the first time and it can be a great housewarming present for someone who has just bought their first home.

One great reason to give someone a hope chest is the aroma. A cedar chest is a piece of furniture that is imbued with the aromatic oils that make it smell lovely, and when you want to give them a chest that will enhance their home both through its beauty and through its scent, a cedar chest is perfect. Moreover, cedar chests come in a lovely reddish sheen, granting them a gentle glow that is different from the effect of pine or maple. If you have any doubts as to the loveliness of a cedar chest, make sure that you find one to check out, whether you find one that is brand new or one that is considered an antique!

Another great reason to get someone a cedar chest is because cedar is considered to be a protective wood. Anything that you pack away in a cedar chest is going to have a better chance of lasting than something that you simply hang up. In our age of compact closets, you may be used to the fact that clothes have to get stretched out or worn at the shoulders; with a chest, you can simply fold it up. On top of that, you will also find that the aromatic oils that are a natural part of the cedar chest can keep pests away from clothes.

One thing that might concern you is whether a hope chest that you buy for a loved one is going to need extra care. The truth is that all you need to do is to occasionally dust the chest with a soft cloth. Occasional applications of paste wax can prevent cracking and if you keep the chest in a steady temperature, you’ll discover that a cedar chest can become a real antique!

Take some time and consider what a delightful gift a hope chest can be; chances are good that you know someone who will love it!

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Installing Cedar Roof Shingles

by GlenBledsoe

When installing cedar roof shingles, homeowner’s may sometimes be able to place the new cedar shingles over existing roofing material. Cedar shingles are durable and may resist insect damage. Cedar shingles are smooth and provide the home with a rustic appearance.

Before you begin, make sure that you have chosen a fair weather day. Avoid installing cedar roof shingles, or any other roofing material, if it is raining. Begin installation at the bottom and work your way to the top.

Steps to installing cedar roof shingles

First, apply building paper to the entire roof deck. When placing the first shingle onto the structure, take special care to ensure that the thick end of the shingle is pointing down toward the ground.

When installing cedar roof shingles, it’s advisable to use 2 rust-resistant nails per shingle. Make sure that the nail is placed 4″ up from the thick of the shingle and 1″ from each side. Wood naturally expands from moisture and, when installing cedar roofing shingles, each shingle should have up to a ¼” gap between itself and the neighboring shingles. With each shingle added, make sure that each lines up properly with it’s neighbor. If you should have an excess piece of shingle on one end of the roof, trim it to fit.

The next row of cedar shingles will be placed above the first row. To ensure that each lines up properly, use chalk to draw a line signifying their placement.

This should be a straight line atop the already placed cedar shingles. Install the 2nd row of shingles following the same steps as above, taking care to align each one horizontally. Continue each row of shingles atop the previous one as outlined.

Once you have reached the roof’s peak, place building paper on the structure before placing another row of shingles on each side. Trim the edge of each shingle so they conform to the peak of your roof’s structure. Installing cedar shingles properly will allow air circulation underneath the wood to prevent the shingles from becoming soggy or otherwise damaged.

Longevity of a Cedar Roof Shingles

Installing cedar shingles is a long term investment as they may last anywhere between 15 and 40 years. Their longevity depends on several factors, including climate and the roof slope. In general, a steep roof will allow less damage because the slope prevents rain and snow from gathering and causing damage to the wood. A flat, less sloping roof may allow elements to build up and cause added weight to the roofing structure. Excessive weight is not good for the structure and may cause a lot of problems, including the need to do an entire roof replacement.

Installing cedar shakes will give the home a natural covering, which can last for many years. Because wood is designed to withstand various types of weather and other natural occurrences, installing cedar roof shingles will require very little maintenance as the years continue. With age, they will develop a rustic look, which will add a touch of tradition to any home.

As South East Wisconsin roofing contractors, Elite Roofing & Home Improvements, LLC takes great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Briesemeister

Maintaining a Cedar Closet

by this_could_be_my_house

Cedar closets are not only functional, but a beautiful high-end addition to any home.  Cedar lined closets have recently been made popular by boutique hotels and do-it-yourself home improvement shows.  However, cedar has been a popular wood option since ancient times.  Today, we know why cedar’s properties are so valuable to us, so we use cedar where it is most beneficial, in the closet.

Cedar, specifically Red Cedar (Juniperus Virginiana), is a species of juniper native to North America.  The fragrant part of the wood is the pinkish brown heartwood, which we use for cedar hangers, liners, and shelving in our closets.  The wood doesn’t just emit a fresh scent that we all enjoy, but it actually deodorizes the air.  This makes it perfect for storing shoes, coats, and other items that are rarely laundered in our closets.

Another big benefit of cedar is its absorbent properties.

 Cedar absorbs moisture from the air.  This is important when hanging coats and storing boots that are wet with snow.  It’s also popular in humid climates because the humidity alone can make your clothes smell musty.  The odor that you smell when something has been in storage, is actually mold and mildew.  Cedar controls the growth of mold and mildew by keeping the closet at a low moisture level.

Cedar is a fine, densely grained wood that does not require stains or varnishes.  This makes it possible for us to enjoy the beauty of its natural color while reaping the benefits of using cedar in our closets.  Cedar is rot resistant and repels many insects, including moths, silverfish, and cockroaches.  If you have a cedar closet in your home, then I’m sure you love it!

When a cedar closet gets to be a few years old, it may start to dry out and lose its fragrance.  You may notice a waxy build-up or that your cedar has lost its shine.  Caring for your cedar will enable it to last for many years.  It should not be exposed to rapid temperature or moisture changes, so don’t store cedar items in a basement or garage.  Rapid changes can cause cracking.  If you get a crack, you can place fresh orange peels, white side down, tightly against the wood for several days.  The oils in the orange peels will pull the crack shut again.

Antique cedar products should be treated by a professional to avoid damage.  Newer cedar products may get a waxy coating on them.  Clean the wax away with oil soap cleaner.  Regular dusting with a vacuum attachment is generally sufficient, but you can wax cedar to restore shine.  You have to use a specific kind of wax called carnauba wax to fill in cracks, restore shine, and protect the surface of your cedar closet.

Restoring that wonderful fragrance that you love is as easy as gently hand sanding the surface of your cedar shelves and cedar coat hangers with a fine-grit sandpaper.  Cedar clothes hangers are not only beautiful, but protect your coats and suits from damage.  Cedar hangers are the most popular wood hangers on the market.  Taking care of your closet cedar will ensure years of pleasurable use for you and your family.

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Hardiplank Siding Vs Cedar Or Vinyl Siding

There is plenty of debate in the building and home improvement industries about the topic of Hardiplank Siding vs. Vinyl Siding and Cedar Siding which have been around for a lot longer. Thousands of homeowners have looked to United Home Experts to help them determine the answer to this question. If the solution was so cut and dry, we wouldn’t still be installing all 3 clapboard style siding products. The truth is, it really depends on what you are trying to accomplish and what your long term goals are.  Although we’ve constructed a detailed comparison on our website, here are some quick rules of thumb to help you navigate this topic. You may fall into one of these categories.

Homeowner #1: You prefer the most autentic, natural, and traditional product, and are willing to pay for the initial installation and more frequent maintenance.

We would recommend sticking with CVG Western Red Cedar Clapboard.

Homeowner #2: You prefer the lowest maintenance product, and are willing to sacrifice a little bit of aesthetic appeal and color choices in order to avoid much upkeep in the future.

Vinyl Clapboard is probably right for you.

Homeowner #3: You really want the look and character of wood, prefer not to be limited by a narrow color selection, and want a product that is highly impact resistant, and impervious to insects, woodpeckers, and other indruders.

Hardiplank Siding is probably the way to go.

Hopefully this quick overview sends you well on your way to choosing a siding product or your new or existing home.

Installing Closet Cedar

by antefixus21

Cedar closets are all the rage and with good reason.  Cedar gives your closet a luxurious and sophisticated look and feel that transforms the ordinary into extraordinary.  Lining your closet in cedar is a great way to update the look with a timeless beauty and style that is unmatched by any other upgrade.  It looks beautiful, gives your closet a fresh scent, and protects the investment that you’ve made in your wardrobe.

Oils in Eastern red cedar evaporate slowly to release the fresh scent that so many know and love.  Cedar scent seems to remind a lot of people of their childhoods, where they grew up with cedar hope chests, beautiful armoires, and other heirloom quality furniture.  Cedar is great for closets for a multitude of reasons other than the great smell.  It doesn’t cover up odors, but rather eliminates odors by actually deodorizing the air around it.

 It is a very absorbent wood, so it soaks up humidity.  This humidity is what helps molds and mildews grow in closets and gives your clothing that musty smell.  It also repels common closet pests that can damage clothing, such as moths, cockroaches, and silverfish.  The oils in your skin get on your clothing and shoes, attracting these pests, so using cedar is a good idea for any closet.

Make sure when you choose your cedar lining or accessories that it is Eastern red cedar.  Western red cedar does not produce enough oil to be an effective barrier against pests.  However, it is still very absorbent, so if you’re not fond of a strong smell, you might prefer the Western variety for your closet.  Both varieties are beautiful, possessing a deep red wood grain that looks great with any décor.

Lining your closet is not as difficult as you might think and many people choose to install it themselves.  You can use a prefabricated liner, a sheet of cedar, or cedar planks.  Many people choose a precut liner because it is very easy to install.  Planks can be installed with industrial glue, or nailed into place with small finishing nails.  You will need to use some long, larger screws to attach load-bearing planks to studs inside of your closet.  Because cedar splits so easily, you will need to predrill pilot holes in the wood before inserting the screw.

Another way to incorporate cedar into your closet is to upgrade your hangers to cedar clothes hangers.  You’ll love how they look and feel.  If your cedar closet accessories ever start to lose their scent or luster, simply wipe over them gently with a fine grit sandpaper to restore them to their original state.

Walnut Cedar Chests

by jfravel

Chests are pieces of furniture that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They could add much needed flair in any room in the house, and could serve as a container for other articles. Chests in bedrooms could contain children’s toys, clothes, books and other things. It could hold important family memoirs like letters, papers, pictures and photos. Many chests are designed and carved to give out a classic vibe, while some designed to be more minimalist and streamlined. But whatever design or purpose a chest may have in your home, it all comes down to the question of whether or not your chest will last. Whether it will outlive you and become an antique is another question. This is why it is important to consider the materials that are used to make the chest.

Choosing the Right Materials

Hardwoods are the most reliable materials that are used when it comes to wooden chests and furniture in general.

Hardwoods are strong and tough, and they come from natural sources. Synthetic woods like plywoods break down easily, but hardwood are more resistant to wear and tear. Furthermore, many hardwoods have beautiful natural colors that add to the beauty and design of a piece of furniture. Some hardwoods even vary in color depending on how they were processed. This gives hardwoods a lot of versatility when it comes to using them as raw materials for furniture.

A good hardwood combination to use to make wooden chests is cedar and walnut. These two hardwoods have distinct characteristics that combine beautifully to make a very striking article. The very fact that they are hardwoods would assure you that chests that are made of walnut and cedar would be very strong and would last more than a lifetime.

Cedar wood is popularly used as materials for furniture because of its properties.

Cedar trees are chiefly grown and harvested in some areas because of high demand for its quality wood. Cedar wood is very tough and long lasting, and so many of cedar furniture become antiques. It is decay-resistant and weather-resistant and scented. Cedar is also most popularly used as wooden linings for closets and cabinets that are made to hold clothes especially woollen ones because cedar wood repels moths and their grubs. It is can also absorb moisture and deodorize and so it is used to make shoe holders and trees. Cedar is also known to be one of the ‘tonewoods’, because solid aged cedar produces warm tones in guitars and other musical instruments. Walnut wood on the other hand, is another good hardwood prized for its attractive colors and its tight grain which when polished produces a very smooth finish. Walnut is one of those hardwoods that change its color depending on how it is processed. Walnut wood color ranges from creamy white to the very dark brown color, similar to dark chocolate. It could also have a dull brown color when oven dried and a purple-brown color when air dried. Because of this, it has been used for many furniture. Walnut wood is not only used in furniture, but also in car dashboards and in guns and rifles. Like cedar, walnut is also used to make stringed instruments.

These properties when combined make a very good piece of furniture, especially on wooden chests. The colors of walnut wood give distinct aesthetic value to your wooden chest. With the variety of colors that walnut wood can assume, it will be easy for you to choose the color that suits your preferences. You can also choose the color that best fits the theme and design of the room you want to place your chest. Since it produces a very smooth finish, it can immediately command attention and brighten up any dull room. It’s strong qualities make walnut wood great for the chest’s exterior. It’s weather proof, so it can resist common changes in humidity and sunlight. It makes it easy for the chest to last longer because of the resilience of the wood. Walnut wood is also known to age and become more beautiful as it ages. The beauty of your wooden chest appears more as the piece of furniture lasts longer with you.

Interior Considerations

Wooden chests with cedar and walnut combinations usually have the cedar as the lining of the chest. The properties of cedar make it good to be the material most in contact with the things you put inside it. This makes it good for storing clothing articles and other cloths. Since cedar is moth resistant, storing clothes in a chest made of cedar would help preserve your clothes, especially woollen ones. Same goes for the other things you put inside the chest. Books, photos and other memoirs stay well protected inside the chest. Since cedar wood has this nice fresh scent, you wouldn’t fear to have your clothes smelling like the dull smell of wooden cabinets. Cedar also deodorizes so it can neutralize any strong smells that can take away the freshness of newly washed clothes. Since cedar is strong and resilient, you can be sure that the chest will remain as beautiful and functional as it is whatever you put inside it.

This combination of two strong hardwoods would guarantee the fact that your wooden chest will last. It can even outlive you and be part of your family’s heirloom. This furniture is made to be the antiques of the next generation. A cedar walnut chest is surely an excellent purchase to make.

Why Cedar Fencing Is the Best Fitting Fence in America

by road_less_trvled

Article by Chris DiCicco

Cedar fencing is a very popular choice of wood for fencing and may very well be the best wood for all fencing jobs. Cedar fencing has become even more popular as they are naturally termite resistant and they do not decay from weather and wind. This quality of theirs has made cedar fencing one of the most viable options for outdoor fencing. Cedar fencing is a naturally beautiful choice for privacy and security. Being a product of nature, cedar has variations of texture, color, and grain that add to its beauty and naturally rugged appearance. Cedar fencing should be your first choice when you consider its appearance, longevity, its unbeatable quality and having natural oils that increase its durability and its resistance to the weather. With its beauty, grain patterns, and different textures that are available, an unbeatable choice is cedar fencing.

Cedar fencing is some of the best available out there. Sometimes cedar fencing will be labeled just that simply, while at other times you may have to look for the fencing materials that are actually marked as Western Red Cedar.

Northern White cedar is easily molded and shaped, enabling it to be transformed into one-of-a-kind designs. Northern White cedar is arguably even stronger and more enduring than its counterpart. Northern White Cedar, the most popular choice for wood fence here in the Northeast, comes mostly from Canada. The wood is dimensionally stable, naturally resistant to rotting and insect damage, and will readily accept solid or transparent stains.

Cedar fencing is virtually maintenance free. The fence can be left to weather naturally to a silver gray or be stained or painted at any time. Cedar fencing is a bit more expensive than pine, but the wood is naturally resistant to warping, insect damage, and rot. Cedar fence posts should not be set in concrete, but directly into the ground to improve drainage. Cedar fencing is an excellent choice for either residential or commercial installations.

Western Red Cedar is the top choice for fence boards in many regions of the country and especially in the wet climates of the Northwest where the Western Red Cedar is abundantly grown. Western Red Cedar is uniquely different from other cedars in that it grows in the forests of the western slopes of the Cascades where the temperate wet climate permits the western red to grow tall and stout for a beautiful appearance with natural decay resistant qualities not found in the shorter wind blown cedars growing in more arid climates. Western red cedar comes in some different grades. You can get a knotty variety or something more clear, and you can also choose the kind of surface you want, either rough or smooth.

Cedar fencing is perhaps the best “fitting” fence in America. It typifies the generous foliage we all enjoy in this area and blends nicely. Cedar fencing is one of the most commonly-used fencing materials today. This is because cedar wood has many attributes that make it an ideal material for decking and fencing. Of coarse other woods can be used in place of Cedar when building a fence or deck and you can also save money at the same time by doing so but the final product should be the decision maker. Nothing looks better than a brand new Cedar Fence.

As always just be sure to do your homework when trying to find the best contractor for the job. The lowest price is not always the best way to go and if you choose to make your final decision on just that fact, be prepared to be disappointed most of the time.

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Easy and Scrumptious Formulas with regard to Cedar plank salmon

by Andrew 94

Article by Christine Mary

Do you think you’re a hectic mama with out much time to deal with for you to sacrifice around setting up a fantastic bowl for the family? Can you need you could potentially prepare food something genuinely delicious in just a few minutes? If you are looking for your nice recipe ingredients to create the entire family, you should check away these kinds of excellent strategies. You might need to consider setting up a salmon recipe that doesn’t eat up your time and efforts. Your family will certainly enjoy acquiring salmon for lunch or dining. Additionally, this bowl is sold with loads of nutrition that make it even more enjoyable to eat.

Cedar plank salmon is a superb recipke to arrange, in case you are usually website hosting its own lunch by using relatives and friends. It is possible to arrange an open-air meal dining room table in the backyard, as well as offer this plate sizzling journey grill. Absolutely everyone will like this specific scrumptious recipe through an enticing fragrance. Consequently, you should definitely consist of this particular salmon recipe inside selection.

Look at this recipke to get cedar plank salmon. You can create this kind of recipe within one hour. As a result, you simply will not keep friends anticipating hrs for that bowl cooking. Enjoy thus, making this recipe where you can truly fascinating nourishment.

Fish in Cedar planks by using Spice up and Baby
The following appetizing salmon recipe can take regarding Twenty or so minutes connected with get ready efforts and 30 minutes involving cooking time. Have these ingredients wanting to begin to make the actual plate.

Cedar snowboards (unattended),2 portions (14 half inch each bit)
Fresh new blueberry juice, 1/4 glass
Scented soy hot sauce recipe, 1/3 goblet
White wine vinegar, 2 tbsps .
Fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsps .
Extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon
Fresh honies, 3/4 tumbler
Brown leafy sweets, 1/4 tumbler
Black pepper (surface), 1 tsp .
Red pepper cayenne, 1/2 tsp .
Paprika, 1/2 teaspoon
Garlic clove powdered, 1/4 tsp of

Fish fillets (skin free), Half a dozen portions studying Half-dozen oz .. every single
Spice up plus salt

Cooking Process:
Load the pot having trouble. Place the cedar plank cedar plank around along with soak these for a couple of hours. You can even attempt to add any splash of whiskey to mix in water. Then, prepare yourself your spices simply by having each of the the liquid compounds (soy hot sauce recipe, pineapple drink, fresh lemon juice, essential olive oil, honey plus white vinegar) in a pot. Simmer the ingredients above medium heat location. After it comes, limit the setting to help low. Put in this dark brown sugar, black pepper (your teaspoonful), paprika, garlic clove natural powder along with the cayenne pepper. Simmer the amalgamation along with wake often. Just after 15 minutes, as well as as soon as the spices has got converted thicker with texture, shut off the heating. Reserved.

On the other hand, preheat the actual outside barbeque grill together with medium warm setting. Placed the cedar across the grate. If you notice several smoke cigarettes and also a crackling good, you may by now begin cooking food your salmon upon these kind of snowboards. Place the fish on an eating plan and also drop many pepper plus salt. Arrange the sea food on the planks panels along with close up a grill’s top. Cook dinner this fish to get Ten minutes.

Next, amenable your motorcycle as well as distribute slightly number of gravy with top area of the salmon. Nearby the particular sport bike helmet again along with make meals for another 5 minutes. Soon after, remove the fish from the actual barbecue grill along with offer with an eating plan. Include the remaining spice up and also honies hot sauce recipe.

Any person go excited about that scrumptious recipe ingredients which makes a wonderful key system for lunch as well as supper. Contemplate having this salmon recipe within the list, which can be actually on the way of create.

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5 Easy Tips for Updating Your Cedar Deck

by deckdesignideas

Article by Dave Nichols

Today’s consumers may not be confident enough about the state of the economy to erect entirely new cedar decking. Washington and Oregon unemployment rates are still high, and residents may simply be unable to afford entirely new cedar decking. Alternatively, many Vancouver and Portland homeowners are too busy to dedicate an entire weekend to building a new deck.Such residents are instead looking for easy, relatively quick ways to jazz up their decking situations. Fortunately, there are ways to improve your deck; Vancouver and Portland residents can easily do so without spending huge amounts of money or time. The following is a list of ways Washington and Oregon homeowners can update their cedar decking without breaking the bank or sucking up too much time.1. Add post caps.“The icing on the cake” is often seen as an extravagant treat, but the truth is that very few people will eat cake without frosting. Adding frosting makes any cake more appealing, and it doesn’t usually take too much time to add this extra layer of sweetness. Similarly, deck post caps can add a finishing touch to the area around your decking. Washington and Oregon backyard decking is typically enclosed with railing, which helps create a sense of being in a private oasis.As you choose the best post caps to compliment your home and cedar decking, keep in mind that there are many available styles of caps. Deck post toppers with copper or other metal accents may compliment Portland and Vancouver craftsman homes, for instance. Some even come in the form of solar-powered lighting, which can add some ambience to your deck. Match the shape and materials of your new post caps to your home’s décor.2. Add solar or LED lighting.New lighting can make you more likely to spend time on your deck. Vancouver and Portland are both located above the 45th parallel, at such high latitudes that both cities see long, dark days in the winter. New lighting will make your cedar decking more attractive throughout the year.As mentioned above, solar deck caps are one option for lighting the boundaries of your decking. Since they require no external wiring, solar deck caps are extremely easy to install. LED lights represent another wise lighting option for your cedar deck; Vancouver and Portland techies appreciate the fact that LED bulbs are long-lasting and highly efficient. LED lights may be aimed directly at the floor of your deck to keep visitors safe, or you may choose to accentuate striking landscaping with your new LED lights.3. Add or change handrails.Sometimes, a major life change requires you to update your cedar decking. Washington and Oregon, for instance, have many new parents who find they must erect handrails for their decking in order to prevent their small children from falling off the edges. Handrails are an excellent safety feature to add to your cedar decking.In addition, handrails can compliment your home’s surroundings. Changing out the standard wood handrails for a more customized option is one fairly inexpensive way to update a deck. For example, if you’d like to preserve the gorgeous view of Mt. St. Helens visible from your deck, transparent or wire handrails are good design options.4. Build an outdoor cooking or gardening station.Sometimes, cedar decking needs nothing more than a new piece of furniture to boost its appeal and utility. If you’re passionate about gardening, a new station for potting plants will be sure to bring you to your deck more often. Alternatively, if you’re the type who enjoys entertaining friends and family members on your deck, a new cooking station could be just the update your deck needs.5. Add colorful potted plants, outdoor furniture and other accessories.Does “plain Jane” describe your cedar decking? Washington homeowners who answer yes may find a trip to their favorite home décor store may be just the ticket. New outdoor furniture can add color and comfort to any decking area. Alternatively, a trip to the nursery can inspire you to add colorful new pots and lush flora to your deck.Home improvements don’t always have to be complicated or expensive in order to be effective. By adding charming deck caps, lighting, handrails, workstations and other accessories, you can transform your lackluster cedar decking area into an enchanting retreat for your family and friends.

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