Nothing calls for a refresh more than a new year. While Southern California winters look a bit different than the rest of the country, it doesn’t mean cold and rainy conditions don’t occur. Between the dipping temperatures and added moisture, there are several lumber projects which are perfect to tackle in the first few months.
Since January invites a time for renewal, why not start with the home? Here are a few ideas to get you inspired.
Refresh Your Stain
Refreshing the stain on your decks, patio covers, and/or fences protects the wood from cold weather. A stain seals pores in the wood to prevent moisture from rotting it. It also repels UV rays from the sun that can make it look warped or worn over time. Though staining is typically a project that’s best to do in the fall, it’s not too late to start now. Give your outdoor decor an extra layer of protection from the elements the early part of the year often brings.
Add a Pergola
Enjoying nights outdoors year-round is something SoCal homeowners get to enjoy. Adding a pergola to the backyard gives the cozy feeling of winter, especially with the addition of space heaters or a firepit and decorative lights. Plus, with the shorter days, the lighting for a pergola and along a patio staircase allows you to spend more time outdoors even when the sun sets before dinnertime.
Replace Fence Posts
The start of a new year is a great time to set a new foundation and keep your fence beautiful and intact for years to come. The rain, winds, and sometimes snow (depending on where you live) often loosen older fence posts and can blow them over or cause them to crack completely. Since the ground has more moisture than in the summertime, the softer soil makes it easier to dig holes and replace or reinforce your fence with metal posts.
Prep for Spring
After the turn of the new year, it’s not too long until buds begin to bloom again and spring is right around the corner. It’s a nice time to enhance the backyard with a garden box and decorative panels in preparation. There are several plants and produce that grow year-round, which means you can enjoy your bounty regardless of the season.
Again, the softer earth makes installing a backyard garden box easier than in the summer when the dirt is dry and hard. Alaskan Yellow Cedar is a beautiful wood to use, though the redwood GroGreen Garden Box Kit is a popular, long-lasting choice as well.
Additionally, installing decorative screen panels can give your outdoor space a facelift. Use them to cover air-conditioning units, trash cans, or other outdoor fixtures you’d like to be tucked away and out of sight. Or, adorn your back patio with decorative panels and comfortable outdoor furniture, greenery, and other elements to create your ideal aesthetic.
If you’ve been considering giving your outdoor decor a revamp, there’s no better time to start a new project. Our lumber yard specialists are happy to help your vision come to life as you create your ideal outdoor space. Stop by your local J&W Lumber store today.