Handrail vs. Guardrail. These two terms sound alike, but most building codes distinguish between the two. So what is the difference?

It’s Railing!
Creating a picture-perfect porch starts with railing. Railing is the first thing most people will notice, and the railing you choose sets the tone for the rest of the porch. Balusters are one of the railing features that change how the railing is perceived and what kind of statement it makes. Railing should never be an afterthought!

We know how it goes. People are out on the deck talking, eating, and having fun. The sun goes down, the stars come out—and no one is quite ready for the party to end. But no one wants to sit in the dark, either. Maybe there’s a floodlight on the deck—but that feels too bright. And the light from the house isn’t quite bright enough.

Trying to figure out exactly what kind and size of fence you need to meet residential pool code requirements can be confusing. Are there national standards? State requirements? What about local code?

Since May is Deck Safety month, we are taking a look at some of the best things you can do to keep your deck safe and secure for your family and friends to enjoy. Every year decks collapse, which can end in tragedy, but even if you’re not at risk of major failure, there are things to look out for to prevent injury or future damage. Preventative maintenance is the best kind! 

Porches are enjoying a surge in popularity at the moment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people began to realize how valuable an outdoor covered space can be, as a place to invite neighbors up to enjoy socialization in a safer place. (See also this Wall Street Journal article).

With porches in the midst of a comeback, we decided to take a look at three reasons why you should choose vinyl porch posts to help create this space for your family.

With the arrival of COVID-19 in early 2020, many things were thrown into uncertainty. No one was quite sure how the nation’s economy or the nation’s health would be affected. Now, a year later, there are some clear emerging trends.

These trends may have been occurring already, but the pandemic accelerated them, and even when pandemic effects have been lessened these trends will probably continue. Here are some of the trends we learned about from market research*.

It’s a snowy February here in the northeast, but that means it’s the perfect time to dream about spring planting! Trellises and arbors are a fun way to enhance a backyard and allow different plants to grow and thrive. While we normally cite the standard and well-known beauties like clematis or morning glories, here are some other options for your arbor or trellis that will really stand out in the yard. 

2020 was a tumultuous year, made so by the introduction of a new virus that forced many of us to change how we are living. With so many people working full or part-time from home, and some students doing schooling at home, the things people want in their living spaces have also changed. Here are some trends that continue to grow, per market research:

If you had good intentions to give your vinyl fencing or railing a good cleaning this fall, but never got around to it, it’s not too late! Now is the time to clean everything off before the holidays and start the
new year fresh.