Elyria Fence Blog

Will The Real Home and Garden Show Please Stand Up?

2011-01-18T14:35:00.001-05:00

These are trying times for Clevelanders. It seems that last year and this year, we were faced with a challenging situation! A situation that forced us to long for the good old days when there was one Home & Garden Show, and one Remodeling Show. Yes, they were simple times. It appears now that there are several shows, and they tend to occur frequently throughout the year. This is challenging for not just our local consumers, but for exhibitors as well.
In a difficult economy, exhibitors reach to snag every possible lead. In a difficult economy, consumers struggle to limit their expenses. With Home & Garden Shows averaging $30.00 for a couple plus at times parking fees ~ it’s difficult to attend more than one. For families, it’s even more challenging. Tickets must now be purchased for 4-6 people plus where there are children ~ there are growling tummies. Yes, Home & Garden Shows are pricey. Are they worth it? If you have the plans to remodel your home or yard this year ~ yes. A consumer is able to locate several contractors to interview for their project. They see the quality of their products, and can compare those products in person all in the same place. Additionally, if a company can afford booth space and manpower to work it ~ you can feel confident that they’re financially stable to stand behind their work for years to come. In a difficult economy, that means everything! When dealing with items in the home improvement industry ~ up close and personal still holds a lot of merit. Not only do today’s modern home improvement, and home and garden shows play host to the top competitors in their field ~ it also provides feature stages which present speakers that are considered to be at the top of their game in their respective fields. Lastly, for those of us in Northern Ohio, how wonderful is it to simply escape to somewhere warm with colorful flowers, beautiful dream homes and experts discussing orchids? In so many ways, the modern Home and Garden, and Home Improvement Shows give us just a little therapy that is so badly needed in our cold northeast lives! The challenge? Which show to attend? Which show to exhibit at? Consumers can’t possibly afford to attend all of them, and exhibitor’s can’t realistically afford booth space at all of them. So will the real home and garden show please step forward?
As an exhibitor, we’ve been challenged for two years to decide, and restrict where our money would go. We’ve been exhibitors at the Home & Garden Show at the IX Center for at least 25 years. We’ve also been involved with the Remodel Ohio Show organized by PRO at the IX Center for years as well. These are solid, well-organized shows. We’ve enjoyed being a part of it, and they’re quite well attended by consumers. So if there are two really nice shows at the IX Center, why does Cleveland need another show? Well, as exhibitors we are privy to a little information on this issue. The following is information that has been provided to us by the show organizers and the IX Center. In 2009, to the best of our knowledge, the contract was ended with the company (Expositions Inc) that had organized the Home & Garden Show at the IX Center for years. The contract for 2010 was awarded to Marketplace Events. Marketplace Events had to change the name to the Great Big Home & Garden Expo since Expositions Inc. owned the other name. So the answer to a question that I’ve fielded for a year now, ‘Why on earth did they change the name?’ That’s why. Now, why an extra show? Unfortunately, Expositions Inc did not take losing the contract lightly. So they planned an alternate show at the same time to compete with the IX Center. Regretfully, there is a show that has been placed in the crosshairs so to speak in the war between Expositions Inc & the IX Center. This show is called the Remodel Ohio Show, and has a long-standing reputation for high quality, local contractors. It’s a wonderful show which is managed by PRO (Professional Remodelers of Ohio). The Remodel Ohio Show is all business ~ you will not find anyone selling sunglasses or the next best mop. Remodel Ohio sticks to what consumers want most. Award winning remodeling contractors. Local companies that have consistently produced quality products for years. They have impressive feature homes with outdoor fireplaces, and an Ultimate Mancave that would make any hubby drool. The Remodel Ohio Show is worth a consumers time and money. This show runs January 21st – January 23 at the IX Center. When you stand back, and take a look at this scenario, it certainly appears that they’ve placed Remodel Ohio right in the middle of this civil war by running on the same exact date. Expositions Inc did not have a lot of locations to choose from for their new show. They chose the old Kmart at the Euclid Square Mall. This is being called the Great Lakes Expo Center this year.
There was a lot of confusion last year for consumers, and exhibitors alike. Exhibitors had to gamble as to which show to exhibit at. Consumers, had to gamble on which show to spend their money at. I encountered a lot of customers that did attend the show at the old Kmart in Euclid (Great Lakes Expo Center). Regretfully, the experience was sub par. Their response? I’m never attending another Home & Garden Show again. For exhibitors – this is a tragic opinion which hurts companies showing at all of the shows. The complaints that we received over and over again ~ there were no restrooms, only porta-potties; the lighting was dim, and it was difficult to see the displays; the gardens were less than impressive. Many of our customers also expressed that they felt uncomfortable with the location in general. Over and over and over again I was asked ~ why did they move the show? Well, they didn’t move the show. There is still a Home & Garden Show at the IX Center. They just gave it a new name. It is now called The Great Big Home & Garden Expo. That show runs from February 5th-February 13th.
As exhibitors, we were apprehensive last year. No one likes change, and we felt a bit like we were diving in head first, but trusted the long-standing reputation that IX Center has. These initial concerns were unnecessary. We were blown away at the sheer size of the gardens. They were twice the size as years past. They were more creative, and cutting age. There were more of them, and they were gorgeous. We’ve exhibited and attended these shows for years, and last year’s gardens were the best we’ve seen. The exhibitors there were top in their field, and the speakers were some of the best available in the United States. As the show shapes up for this year, the gardens are lining up to be amazing, and the speakers are superstars in their fields. So if a home and garden show with no restrooms and lots of Sham Wow displays is what you’re looking for – then head over to the Cleveland Home & Flower Show at the old Euclid Kmart (Great Lakes Expo Center). If you want a home improvement show that delivers contractors with high quality creative products then head to the Remodel Ohio Show at the IX Center, January 21st – January 23rd. If a home & garden show with drop dead gorgeous landscape displays, amazing water features, and expert after expert on hand then head to the Great Big Home & Garden Expo at the IX Center, February 5th-February 13th.
Show times, speaker schedules and discounted tickets can be purchased on each company’s website. For $3.00 off the ticket price to Remodel Ohio go to www.remodelohio.org. For discounted online tickets to The Great Big Home and Garden Expo, use Promo Code ELYRIAFENCE for $4.00 off ticket prices,www.greatbighomeandgarden.com.

White Cedar Wood for Fence

2010-06-06T15:15:00.006-04:00

There are a lot of species of wood used for fence. Some commonly found options on the market are red cedar and also treated pine. Both are easy to come by, sold by an abundance of mills, and cheap. While a popular choice for fence boards - not always are they the best choice. Treated boards are typically the least expensive option on the market. It's true - they will not rot. It is also true that they will twist and warp their way right off of their frame. Treated boards will also shrink - often so dramatically that a privacy fence is quickly transformed into a spaced fence. Red cedar, an easy material to come by, also has its share of warranty complications. It certainly boasts a much longer life than a treated board, and is a mid-priced option. It also boasts a high rate for cracking and losing its knots. The red cedar tree is a much larger tree than it's competitor, the Northern White Cedar tree. The limbs are considerably larger on the red cedar, obviously leading to a larger knot. The loose grain, which is so characteristic of the red cedar tree, not only loses the knot (leaving behind a large hole), but it also cracks easily. Consumers are plagued with a fence in need of constant repair.

Northern White Cedar - not just used in fencing, but also a very popular choice for shingles on homes, is a strong and successful player in the fence market. It does not twist, shrink or warp like a treated board will do. The Northern White Cedar board stands strong, year after year, guaranteeing that a privacy fence will remain a privacy fence. It is also a board which is low on the consumer headache list! Customers are not constantly fighting natural occurrences such as lots knots or cracked boards. The Northern White Cedar board has a very tight grain, and is a much smaller tree than the red cedar tree. Therefore, the limbs are smaller - creating a much smaller knot. The tight grain, so characteristic of the Northern White Cedar tree retains those knots year after year. The Northern White Cedar Tree is a tree that grows in the swamps of the UP in upper Michigan. Nature has evolved it into a species that has developed its own resistance to rot and decay, so that it can survive such damp extremes. If left alone, unstained and unmaintained the northern white cedar fence boards should see a lifespan of 20 years. If well maintained, stained and cared for - a consumer could easily extend the life the fence to 30 years.

When planning for your next fence, trellis, garden arch or pergola be sure to consider all the choices for materials. While some options may cost less in the beginning - there is little value if they need replaced or repaired in one to two years.

Take a look at the following link for additional information on common materials used in the fence industry: http://www.elyriafence.com/Materials.html

Here are some great photographs on Flikr of various northern white cedar fences: http://www.flickr.com/photos/elyria_fence/

Sustainability and Environmentally Friendly Choices in Garden Fencing

2010-05-22T14:09:00.003-04:00

More and more families are turning to home gardens to feed their families. With the cost of organic produce, it's certainly no surprise that there is a rise in popularity for the home garden. Growing your own organic and all natural vegetable and fruit garden can be a very economical and healthy way to reduce your weekly grocery bill. It seems that along with the increasing number of home gardens across the United States, the idea of going to a raised bed system is gaining popularity as well. It's easier to maintain and grow a healthy crop of fruit and vegetables when they are grown in a raised bed system. Not to mention, the raised bed system can make for a more attractive and organized garden.

Garden's, while practical and useful, can be a slight eyesore in your backyard. In addition to their awkward appearance, they tend to fall victim to the bunny. An animal that is adorably cute and fuzzy until you watch it tear through your garden! An attractive garden fence is an excellent solution. It keeps a variety of pests away from your prized lettuces; additionally separating the area from your yard - giving it a more attractive and organized look.

Many Americans are turning to organic and natural pesticides and fungicides to battle the bugs. Prefering to stay away from the harmful chemicals. If this is a priority, continue the thought all the way through including the construction of your raised beds and fences. If your plan is to use a treated material for your raised beds then consider using Osmose MicroPro. MicroPro is a revolutionary way to pressure treat wood for decks, fence posts and other products for general construction use. It is the first wood to receive EPP Status (Environmentally Preferable Product) certified by the Scientific Certification Systems. The Osmose MicroPro preservative system reduces total energy use by approximately 80 percent and greatly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The copper in wood products treated with the Osmose MicroPro preservative system bonds readily to organic matter in the soil. The result is that the copper becomes biologically inactive, thus causing no eco-toxic or other environmental impacts. Wood products treated with the Osmose MicroPro preservative system result in the release of 90 percent to 99 percent less copper into aquatic and terrestrial environments when compared to standard treated wood products.

When considering which wood to use for a garden fence, northern white cedar is an excellent choice. A garden fence may not be high on your list for things that need to be stained. So it's important to use a wood that performs well if left unstained. Northern white cedar, if left natural, will change to a light silvery gray. It is an attractive and rustic look that blends well with gardens and other cottage or garden type of applications. Other than fading to a silver gray, it will not shrink, twist or warp like treated boards will do. It will not crack or lose its knots like red cedar does. It will stand steady and strong to protect your garden for 20-30 years. We have a million reasons for loving the white cedar that we use for our wood fence, arbors, trellises and pergolas, however, one of the best parts about the white cedar that is supplied to us (and only us) is how it is forested. The White Cedar that is carried by Elyria Fence is originally grown in the National Forest in the UP of Michigan. Permission is granted by the Forest Industry to cut the trees, however, the boughs & limbs are left behind for the deer to feed on throughout the winter. The UP receives so much snow throughout the winter months that the deer population struggles against the constant threat of starvation. The program of leaving the boughs and limbs behind has saved countless lives from the inevitable fate of starvation. Once the trunk of the tree is harvested, the bark is scraped off and used for mulch. The remaining portion of the tree is then cut for boards. It of course goes without saying that the Biodegradability of wood make it the most environmentally friendly product out there for fences, arbors, trellises or pergolas.

Another helpful feature to go along with a beautiful white cedar garden fence, is a diagonal or square lattice trellis to coordinate and match the fence. Trellises make it considerably easier to grow tomatoes, squash, zucchini, cucumbers, and any other vine vegetable. They will also leave more space in your bed for other vegetables to grow along side of the vines.

For more information on Osmose MicroPro, take a look at their website:
http://www.osmosewood.com/micropro/micropro.html

Common Differences Among Popular Brands Of Vinyl Fence

2010-05-15T20:22:00.008-04:00

Vinyl fence has been a popular choice for a number of years. A potentially perfect fit for the client looking for a fence that never needs to be stained. Thankfully, vinyl has evolved from a product with few choices in color and style into a product, that brands such as Kroy Vinyl or Illusions Vinyl Fence, boast 300 different designs. Colors, once only limited to white or tan, are now available in tan, khaki, sandstone, pearl, along with several wood-grain pattern choices.

Along with these fantastic design and color improvements have been improvements in the quality of the vinyl itself. When vinyl fence emerged on the scene, it struggled with issues such as "yellowing", and its ability to handle extreme weather changes. The lines that were developed and born from these early on problems evolved to became top of the line products. Companies like Kroy Vinyl Products (now owned by Ply Gem) rolled out a quality product with a heavy wall. This was not a wimpy post requiring it to be sleeved over a wood post simply so it wouldn't bend or fall over. Strong posts with holes drilled in the bottom in order to allow concrete to flow through, and ensure that the post will not expand and contract - ultimately slipping out of the concrete footer. Companies like Digger Specialties and Kroy Vinyl Products also placed an emphasis on routing the posts so that the frame rails on the fence panel could be "notched" then slipped into the routed area of the post. This prevented the need for a bracketing system. The bracketing system relies on a small, usually inferior bracket to hold the panel on the post. It typically fails, and it is not unusual for the entire line of panels to blow several yards over in a storm. The early line of vinyl gates quickly proved to have some major issues. Sagging was a guarantee, and manufacturers needed to move quick to avoid this unsightly issue. Digger Specialties came out with an excellent answer with a gate that is actually an aluminum frame that has vinyl sleeved over it. It hangs on a vinyl post which has an aluminum stiffener is each gate post. A few companies followed their lead offering similar gate products. A few did not, and when you drive around and see a sagging vinyl gate - now you know why. If the gate does not have a welded frame and post stiffeners - it will sag.

Other much needed improvements are not so easily seen. It is the chemicals that go into the vinyl which make it stable in the weather. Without the proper amount of stabilizers added into the plastic, it will crack in the winter or melt in the summer. Perhaps you've driven past yards with broken pickets or warped panels. They were not properly manufactured, and now money that may have been saved in the original purchase will now be spent on costly repairs.

It didn't take long for the market to realize that in order to put out a quality line of vinyl it would need raise the cost of producing the products. Unfortunately, placing vinyl in a premium priced category of fencing. If a client wanted, a high quality, long lasting, durable vinyl fence it would cost nearly twice what a wood fence cost. In order to expand their market, the vinyl industry needed to make a choice. Limit your market to customers seeking a long lasting vinyl, or produce two lines of quality. Large box stores demanded a line that was economical, and durability was of no importance. Like many industries from faucets to lawnmowers - two lines were born. The line that was designed for value, intended to outlast all others, and perform excellently in all situations. Adding a second line, the line that was sold by box stores and lesser quality installers. The lesser quality line, be it a lawnmower or a vinyl fence has fewer features, and was never intended to last more than a couple of years. Money is saved on the original purchase, however, costly repairs easily add to the original cost. The challenging part for the consumer is to weed through the endless options. Unfortunately, companies such as Kroy Vinyl Products and Illusions Vinyl Fence do not openly announce that there are two lines that are manufactured. Both lines are sold under the identical name. Their high quality, value oriented line cannot be beat. Their low quality line, considerably less expensive, was never designed for the long haul. Regretfully, it is sold under the same exact name, and it us up to the consumer to push the issue - hoping for honesty from their contractor. You have two quotes from two different companies. They are both listed as selling Kroy Vinyl Fence. One is significantly less expensive than the other. This is the perfect example of the value line versus the economical line. The best advice I can offer is the old, tried and true advice. If it looks cheap - it is cheap. If it's significantly less expensive - there is probably a reason. A quality line of vinyl that is constructed and designed for value should cost approximately twice what a wood fence will cost.

If your heart is set on a vinyl fence be a smart and informed consumer. When economies get tough - lesser contractors become desperate. They offer cheap products with no intention of ever honoring your promised warranty. Recessions often end with many of the lesser quality companies closing their doors. Again, the consumer is left with a broken down vinyl fence, and a company that is out of business. Agencies such as Angie's List or the Better Business Bureau do an excellent job of rating businesses and reporting how they handle their warranties. Everyday common sense is also as good of a tool as any - if the contractor has not been in business for long - keep looking. It is not uncommon in this industry for contractors to be open for business for two or three years, close their doors (taking all of those customer's deposits with them). They then open two or three months later under a new name. If a company does not promptly return your calls every single time this is a good sign that they will have the same lazy attitude regarding your installation and possible warranty later down the road. Confirm the level of experience that their installers have. A high end vinyl can look terrible if not installed properly. Drive around and look at some yards - the fence line should look even and straight. It is not supposed to be sagging or leaning. The fence sections should be the exact same length. Not every yard breaks down into a perfect eight foot section. The solution offered by poor quality installers is to fill in the end of the line with a two foot stubby section. It looks terrible, and it will be obvious that you've chosen a company that doesn't care how it looks, or doesn't have the skills to install the fence properly. A vinyl fence is not inexpensive. Make sure it looks fantastic when it's done by choosing a highly experienced company to install it. Thoroughly comb through the contractor's website. Are the photos on there from previous fences they've installed? Look closely, they are often photos from literature that has been scanned in. It is easy to get a feel for a company's professionalism simply by spending some time on their website.

It is not unusual for consumers to plan on a vinyl fence due to its maintenance-free reputation. Not every product is perfect. Every yard is unique and different. What works for one will not work for another. While it is wonderful to not need to stain a fence - it's important to consider both sides of the story. No, you do not need to stain a vinyl fence. However, vinyl has some fairly magnetic qualities. Dirt and debris seem to be very attracted to the product, and truthfully it is clean for about five minutes. If you do not regularly clean your vinyl fence, and you allow dirt and other organic matter to accumulate, it can have a tendency to mold in shady areas of your yard. Vinyl fences and weed whackers or other lawn equipment are not friends. Weed whackers can permanently scratch your fence - leaving unsightly marks. As adorable and loving as our dogs and other pets are - their finger nails can easily scratch a vinyl fence the same as a weed whacker will. Lastly, it's not unusual to see beautiful pictures of horses grazing in their pasture that is fenced in by a beautiful vinyl paddock rail fence. If this is your plan, we insist that you also run electric fence inside the border of your vinyl fence. A horse, lamb, cow or any other farm animal will easily walk right through a vinyl fence. They are beautiful, however, even the best brands are no match for a large farm animal.

Recessions can be difficult on consumers. They are flooded with choices, and offered great deals by companies simply hoping to stay open for one more day. It is important to be an educated consumer. Do not be taken down a road of deceit simply to get a good deal. Save money in the long term by placing a very high importance on value and quality. Here are a few links to help you do your own research on some common brands in the industry. Below are listed the current lines known to manufacture the best quality.

Kroy Vinyl Fence, http://www.kroybp.com/index.htm

Illusions Vinyl Fence, http://www.easternfence.com/illusions%20pvc%20fence%20products.shtml

Digger Specialties, http://www.diggerspecialties.com/products.php?cPath=1

For some photos of our previous vinyl fence work, check out the vinyl fence page on our site:

http://www.elyriafence.com/Vinyl_Fences.html

What Causes A Wood Gate To Sag?

2010-05-08T16:24:00.008-04:00

There are a lot of contributing factors when homeowners finds themselves with a saggy gate. An unsightly and frustrating problem that is not always fixed easily. The best remedy for a saggy gate is simply to install it correctly the first time. However, even the best installed gates can need a "tweak" every now and then. Which is the second most important piece to good gate health ~ go with a company that will actually call you back, and happily give it a "tweak" for you.

We often see wood gates that are hinged (hanging) on a post that is simply too small for the size and weight of the gate. Often they are not even set into a concrete footer. Determining the accurate post size should be done by an experienced contractor. Not every wood gate needs a 6x6 post, however, some do. Whether it's a wood gate, chain link gate, vinyl gate or a pergola with a gate underneath ~ each style requires specific specs.

When speaking with your fence contractor, be sure to inquire as to the size of the post. Confirm that it will be large enough and strong enough to hold the gate that you've chosen. A single wood gate (3' to 4' wide) in most cases needs to hang on a 4x6 post. A large double drive wood gate will often require a 6x6 post.

A second critical detail will certainly be in the way that the gate is built. Will your contractor be using an "anti-sag kit"? If so, this may be a clear sign that they have no idea how to build a gate in a way that will prevent it from sagging. A properly framed gate will have measures built into it to prevent sagging, and will look much more attractive than an ugly wire anti-sag kit.

Lastly, heavy-duty, properly sized and properly placed gate hardware is a key ingredient. Light weight, imported hardware will often break, bend or simply detach from the gate. A well made domestic hardware is always an important factor. Be sure to confirm with your contractor where the hardware was manufactured, and the brand name. Ask to feel it and look it over so you can inspect the quality up close. Chances are, if it looks cheap and feels cheap - it probably is.

While all of the above are the responsibility of your contractor, there is one thing a homeowner can do to keep their gates in good health. If you are not going in and out of the gate, simply keep it properly closed and latched. The hardware and posts cannot do their job if they aren't being used. A gate that is just free hanging all day long, day after day could be prone to sag due to the extra pressure and stress placed on it. You also, run the risk that a storm will do some severe battering and damage to your gate if it is not properly closed and latched.

For additional information on our wood gates, along with our vinyl gates, aluminum and chain link gates visit the gate page of our website: http://www.elyriafence.com/Gates.html. You may also call us at 1-800-779-7581 or visit us on the web at www.elyriafence.com.

How To Properly Maintain Your Wood Fence, Pergola, Trellis, Arbor Or Deck From Elyria Fence

2010-05-08T15:53:00.000-04:00

One of the most commonly asked question from our customers is in regards to staining. Our company doesn't offer a staining service, nor do we sell stain. We feel that this allows us to be very unbiased in the products that we recommend. How do we come up with our recommendations? Mostly from feedback from our clients, and we take the time to do our own reading and research. So here are our recommendations for 2010!

In addition to customers asking for advice on maintaining their new fence, pergola or deck, we often hear their insistence that in order to have the classic white picket fence - it must be painted. Most are shocked to find out that this could not be further from the truth. To prove it - we have a picket fence in our showroom that is stained with a white opaque stain. While paint at one time was a solid classic choice, it's also a guarantee to rot your wood fairly quickly. In addition, when the paint weathers - it begins to peel and chip and look quite unsightly. To repaint, you must sand, chip and labor for hours to regain that white picket fence you desire. On the other hand, if you choose to stain the fence with an opaque white or any of the other transparent, semi-transparent, opaque color choices you'll simply need to reapply it when it fades. No chipping, no sanding, no back breaking labor under the hot sun.

There are a multitude of choices when it comes to brands of stains. The important thing to keep in mind is that the better quality stains will protect your fence, deck or trellis better. They will need to be reapplied less often, and in general just look nicer than the lesser quality stains. The best advice we can probably give is to encourage everyone to swing through their local paint stores, and to stay out of the big box stores. Discount stores sell discount stain, and while some products are well worth discounting - stain is not one of them. The cheaper the product the more work for you, and less protection for your fence. In the end, you'll spend more on the cheap stain by using more of it, and applying it more frequently. So if have a local paint store, stop in and talk to them. Those are the people that live and die by staining and painting. it's their life, and it's their job to know all the best products currently on the market. In our local area, Elyria-Lorain Paints is a definite authority on the subject. If you are not a west-side, most areas have a locally owned paint store that is just as knowledgeable.

Benjamin Moore has come out with a new line this year called ArborCoat, a waterborne stain that boasts to beat out all the alkyd stain on the market. I'm sure most would agree that all things Benjamin Moore are good. The ArborCoat line is available as clear coat, transparent, semi-transparent, semi-solid and solid stain. It is a water repellent, UV protector, and is scuff resistant. Best of all it has a self renewing finish that renews itself year after year. If staining is on your to do list this year, I would certainly take a look at the ArborCoat stains. Here's a link to their site: http://www.benjaminmoore.com/bmpsweb/portals/bmps.portal?_nfpb=true&_windowLabel=contentrenderer_1_3&contentrenderer_1_3_actionOverride=%2Fbm%2ecom%2F ContentRenderer%2 renderContent contentrenderer_1_3cnp=public_site%2 Articles%2fmain_page Articles%2ffh_findproducts Contentrenderer_1_3np=public_site%2 Articles%2Farborcoat_articles%2FArborcoatExp&_pageLabel=fh_findproducts
Duckback products, while not widely known or as well advertised, also offer a nice line of stains. Expensive commercials do not always mean a better product. The stain line is sold under the name SuperDeck, and it's available in everything from a transparent to solid. Westsiders can find these products at Elyria-Lorain Paints on Lake Ave, East Siders can pick them up at Hambden Building Products in Chardon, for our southern area customers, you might try Gilbert Hardware in New London or Hoffman in Akron. For more information on their products, color choices, etc. take a look at their website. Here's the link: http://www.superdeck.com/Superdeck-Products/index.html

The Flood Company has put out a good quality product since 1841. They've been around even longer than us! Depending on the color and the line you choose, their products boast a lifespan of 3-5 years. I think expecting 3-5 years on a good stain should be assumed. However, it's nice to see that Flood publishes that right on their site. In today's market, customers do not have the time to retain their fence or deck every year. A stain has to last that long! Take a look at what Flood has to offer at their website. Here's the link: http://www.floodco.com/wood-care-solutions/help-me-choose/finish-products/index.jsp

Last but not least, Sherwin Williams. Most cities have a Sherwin Williams store front nearby. They are stocked with well trained, knowledgeable staff that can point you in the right direction. We've had good feedback on Sherwin Williams stains, along with all the other above mentioned stains. This link will take you to their stains page: http://www.sherwin-williams.com/do_it_yourself/sherwin_williams_products/exterior_house_paint/stains/index.jsp
A stain that has been getting some attention in the press lately is called One Time. This product boasts a lifespan of 7 years! It costs a bit more, but in the long run you pay considerably since it will not need to be reaplied as soon. Unfortunately, it is not available in a solid color, so for those of you looking for a solid white fence - this is not the product for you. If you like the look of the semi-transparent stains, and plained to go with a color that would be similar to a natural cedar, chestnut or something in that color range - take a look at their website. This just might be the product for you. If you try, and you like please let us know so we can pass along the advice. If you try it, and really dislike it - we need to know that too. Here's the link to their site: http://www.onetimewood.com/

Lastly, while we cannot speak for other materials used by other companies, we can speak for our white cedar fences. You can stain a white cedar fence as soon as it is installed. White cedar takes a stain beautifully as you can see by the two photos below. If you're busy, and you do not get the fence stained right away - no problem! You can stain it at a later date when it's more convenient for you - even if it's a year or two later! If you choose to not stain your white cedar fence at all you should still have a beautiful fence in your yard. White cedar does not twist, warp, or shrink like a treated fence board does. It will not lose its knots or crack like a red cedar fence board does. It will simply weather to a light gray, and should be a beautiful enhancement to your yard for at least 20 years. If you do decide to stain and protect your white cedar fence from the UV rays, rain, snow, and other Cleveland weather elements then be sure to use a quality stain like one of those mentioned above.

Hopefully, the feedback and experiences of our previous clients can guide you through the maze of stain options. If a DIY staining project isn't on your to-do list, we always provide our customers with a couple of names of quality painters in the area that are happy to do the job for you. As always, we make every effort to guide each of our customers through any assistance they might need before, during and after their fence, deck or arbor is installed. If you're a previous customer, and you've had a great experience with a stain - please post it. It's a big help to all of our other clients!

For additional information on Elyria Fence, please see our website www.elyriafence.com or call 1-800-779-7581.