KathodeRay Media, Author at GNH Lumber Co.

How to Keep Your Summer Lawn Healthy and Green

Posted on February 15, 2023May 23, 2023

Are weeds, insects and pets taking a toll on your lawn?

Are there patches, holes or bare spots breaking up your rich green landscape?

How can you keep your summer lawn healthy and green despite all of these obstacles?

Relax! There are a few easy steps you can take to restore your lawn, no matter the size of the project. And there are suitable Scotts Lawn Care products available at GNH Lumber to help you get started!

So, whether you need to repair a few bare patches or complete a total lawn makeover, here’s what you need to know:

Patching 101

Even with regular feedings and proper maintenance, your lawn may occasionally need to be repaired. Bare spots in your lawn are common but easy to fix. Repairing bare spots not only makes your lawn lush and more enjoyable, it also helps prevent bigger problems, like weed invasions, from happening later.

To repair bare spots in your lawn, choose a patching product like Scotts^® EZ Seed^® Patch & Repair, which is specially designed for patching bare spots in the lawn. Rake the ground to remove any debris (like dead grass and weeds) and loosen the soil to help the tiny seedlings take root once they sprout.

Apply the product so that the bare spot is mostly covered but the ground beneath is still visible. Thoroughly water the newly seeded area until no more water is absorbed. Continue to water daily (or as needed) for at least 2 weeks or until the seedlings are 2 inches tall.

Complete Lawn Overhaul

According to the lawn experts at Scotts.com, “Sometimes a lawn will simply reach the point of no return. If your lawn is showing signs of significant damage, a lawn renovation project might be the best way for you to get a green, thick lawn to enjoy.”

Clear the area by killing any remaining poor-looking grass and all weeds with a non-selective herbicide about 2 weeks before you want to seed your lawn. After everything is dead, rake the area to remove the debris.

If your soil is really compact, now is a great time to core aerate the area. After aerating, use a rake to level out any uneven areas and loosen the top ¼ inch of soil. Then add a 1-inch layer of lawn soil evenly across the entire area.

Select your grass seed. Choose a Scotts® Turf Builder® Grass Seed that’s right for your location. Be sure to take into consideration the growing conditions in your area: How much sun? How much rain? How much wear and tear from children and family pets?

Once your soil is prepped, it’s time to seed. Just fill up your spreader with grass seed and apply. After spreading the grass seed, you should water daily. Proper watering is a critical step to seeding success. Keep the soil surface moist by watering daily or as needed until the seedlings reach at least 2 inches tall.

Next, feed your young lawn with a product like Scotts^® Turf Builder^® Starter^®Lawn Food for New Grass to give developing seedlings needed nutrients so they can develop a deep root system faster.

And there you have it! You are now on your way to a beautiful green lawn!

Source: https://www.scotts.com/en-us/library/grass-grass-seed/seeding-solutions-all-your-lawn-care-needs

Amazingly Simple Home Deck Design Ideas!

Posted on February 14, 2023February 14, 2023

Crafting the perfect deck for your home is about more than what materials you use. A backyard escape should also tell a story through design — and invite you to become lost in the narrative. When it comes to building and designing an outdoor deck, there is a lot of planning and design-making. To get your creative juices flowing, we’ve put together tips and advice on how to plan out your deck.

Planning a Perfect Deck

When you plan out your deck, you’ll need to determine the size deck you’d like, establish a budget, select material, and determine whether you want to build it yourself or hire a professional. Here are some tips to ease the process along:

Decide the deck’s purpose.
Where are you building the deck?
Check with your local zoning board to find out the building codes.
Are you going to add lighting to the deck?
Do you want built-ins or benches built into your deck?
Determine what are the type of railings you want as this will be your deck’s most visible part.

Design Ideas

1) Herringbone Deck Patterns – This elaborate, fun design that brings a dynamic look to your deck surface. To create this look you repeat laying two deck boards at a 45-degree angle. You can use different deck board widths or colors to create an inspiring deck pattern. Herringbone pairs best with larger decks that have space for the pattern to repeat.

2) Picture-Frame Borders & Contrasting Hues –

A picture frame border refers to boards laid around your deck perimeter perpendicular to the inlay boards. Choose one, two, or three boards for your picture frame to give your deck as subtle or as bold of a border as you desire.

Use boards of a contrasting color to your deck surface for one or more of your border boards. This will create a truly striking and eye-popping perimeter!

Love a dynamic, high-contrast look? You can also combine white elements in your deck design with richly-hued modern composite decking for a dramatic effect. Choose white PVC trim for your fascia and stair risers to create a crisp, clean border against the saturated decking. A white composite railing with black balusters adds further contrast to the design.

3) Contrasting with Curves – Choose outdoor furniture that will complement your deck design. A curved, modular couch echoes the rounded cascading stairs while a dark frame and light cushions contribute even more contrast to an already dramatic design.

4) Wide Railing for Cocktails

– Your deck railing is more than tasteful decoration and added safety to your deck. One of TimberTech’s more fun products is the Drink Rail – part of the Classic Composite Series. The Drink Rail features a deck board as the top rail to tie your deck and railing together seamlessly. Plus, it’s the perfect place to rest your morning coffee or late-night cocktail. It’s perfect for anyone looking for sharp designs that complement their deck AND home!

5) Think Outside the Box

– Rounded decks feel organic and merge well with natural settings. They also create separate areas for cooking, seating, or housing a garden or hot tub. Try creating new and unusual decking patterns, such as basket weave, or alternating diagonals. Just remember – it’s your backyard space and your design, so don’t be afraid to try something new if it fits your budget.

6) Wrap Around Views

– Having a deck that wraps around the second story of your home will give tremendous access to views. These decks can also double as balconies for morning coffee and are a great place for anyone in the family to sit. And they provide as much aesthetic value from inside the home as they do from the outside.

7) Combined Deck and Walkway – It is important to consider the transition between the deck and backyard. Adding a paved walkway leading from your deck helps to visually join a deck and garden or large lawn area. This allows you to introduce harmonizing colors and shapes to pull the deck and yard together. Even better it provides a much-needed safe path back indoors in case of inclement weather.

8) Added Shade – Adding a pergola, canopy or a shaded archway can create a one-of-a-kind outdoor living space. It also provides relief from the sun and offers a safe place to stay outside in the rain. You can introduce shady nooks, such as planting a wall of trees or using cornered walls of your home as a framework. You can also add hammocks and shaded benches to the covered patio below a second-story deck.

9) Make a Playground Deck – Why should kids have all the fun? Turn your deck into a grown-up playhouse with built-in climbing walls, slides and more! Nothing brings a gathering of friends and family together like a chance to have some good-natured fun and feel like a kid again. Check out this cool playground deck highlighted on HGTV.com:

And don’t forget! The expert staff at GNH Lumber is ready to help you find the right home deck ideas and work through the process! At the end of the day, we want you to create the outdoor space of your dreams and stay within your budget. Place your order today for a beautiful outdoor living space tomorrow.

Looking for more deck design ideas and inspiration? Here are some of our favorite styles from TimberTech to help spark your imagination:

Sources: TimberTech Deck Design Options; TimberTech Deck Design Ideas;

How to Measure Windows for Replacement

Posted on February 7, 2023February 7, 2023

If you’re going to install replacement windows, it pays to measure windows correctly the first time and avoid the headache of placing an incorrect order.

How to Measure Windows 101:

Always measure the entire window, not just the glass. This includes the frame and trim as well as the window glass.
When recording measurements, follow the format “width by height.” For example, a window that is 63 inches wide and 27 inches tall is recorded as “63 x 27.” A window that is 37 inches wide and 55 inches tall is recorded as “37 x 55.” Record your measurements to the nearest 1/16 inch.
Measure window width from the left edge to the right edge. Check this measurement in three places: the bottom, middle, and top. If these measurements are not equal, use the smallest as your width.
Measure window height from the top edge to the bottom edge. Check this measurement in three places: on the left side, middle, and right side. If these measurements are not equal, use the smallest as your height.
Take an additional set of measurements inside the window frame.
Measure the width of the trim that surrounds the window. The trim on the sides may be different from the top and bottom – so measure each part.
Measure the height and depth of the sill. If your windows don’t open, check if you have a door in the same wall where you can measure the wall’s thickness.
Take a picture of a multi-paned window and record the measurements on the print to eliminate confusion. Record the overall window width and height, both inside and outside the frame. Measure and record the width and height of each window section and the measurements of any subsections. For example, the overall window may be 60 x 20, composed of two windows 30 x 20.

What’s the Next Step?

Bring your measurements and photos into GNH and talk to one of our window experts to help plan your replacement window order. Keep in mind that the windowsill’s height may be added to your window height to get the full size of the opening. When ordering replacement windows, we recommend ordering just slightly smaller than the opening. This allows for leveling and the application of sealant.

A helpful overview of the window replacement process from Marvin Windows:

DIY: How to Create a Raised Garden Bed

Posted on February 6, 2023March 6, 2023

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!

DIY: Lawn Repair 101 – How to Fix Bare Spots

Posted on February 6, 2023May 23, 2023

Ahhh! A lush lawn of perfect green! It’s what we all dream about when it’s summertime. The soft, rolling green backdrop to our cookouts, ballgames, BBQs and entertaining. That said, if you have a lawn with bald or bare spots, it can be frustrating to diagnose and fix.

Do I Need Lawn Repair?

It’s not uncommon to encounter bare spots at some point or another throughout the summer season. Take heart! There are easy ways to diagnose and repair these unsightly patches of yellow, brown and beige, and restore your lawn to its true GREEN GLORY.

A few common causes for those bare spots and patches in your lawn:

Not enough water
Over-fertilizing or spilled chemicals
Lawnmower damage
Grubs or other insects
Pet damage or foot traffic

Depending on the type of damage, there are different solutions to your lawn’s bare spots. However, most involve adding new grass seed, lawn food and water (see steps below). Considering the unusually rainy spring and summer we’ve had so far in upstate New York, it’s doubtful that your lawn has bare spots due to dryness. But if there is a dry spot, it’s an easy fix – just be sure to water frequently, in addition to reseeding to improve thickness.

If the bare spots are due to overfertilizing or lawnmower damage, you will see them appearing uniformly across the lawn. For damage caused by overfertilizing, reseed the bare spots and do not add additional fertilizer until the lawn heals itself. For lawnmower damage, be sure your lawnmower blades are sharpened regularly, and keep the blades raised high enough from the ground when you mow.

Grubs or other insects can wreak havoc on your lawn, as well. Grubs, curling white worms, are a common problem in mid to late summer, and most easily identified when your sod easily pulls back from the ground like a carpet. More than ten grubs per square foot can cause lawn damage. Grub control products are available at your local GNH.

Pet or backyard animal urine can create bare spots of yellowed-grass with a brighter ring of green around them. These can be repaired following the steps below, but to prevent future damage you will want to train your pets to do their business elsewhere. Likewise, foot traffic must be redirected to allow these spots in your lawn to heal.

How to repair bare spots in your lawn the quick and easy way:

Supplies & Tools:

Grass Seed (we recommend Scotts® Turf Builder® seed varieties)
Topsoil or compost
Fertilizer (we recommend Scotts® Step-3 Lawn Fertilizer)
Small gardening trowel and rake

1. Break Up the Bare Spot and Reseed.

Use a small gardening shovel or rake to break up the dry spot on your lawn. Remove any rocks, leaves or debris. Choose the appropriate grass seed for the spot’s shade density (such as Scott’s Turf Builder seed varieties, available at GNH) and cast the seeds over the turf. Spread about a half an inch of compost or topsoil on the strewn seeds.

Tip: To get good seed-to-soil contact, gently rake the seeds and soil into the grass.

2. Water Generously at First, Less Later

Water the area immediately, and then continue to water lightly three times a day for 7-10 days. When you can see the new grass sprouting, reduce watering to once daily.

Tip: After the new grass emerges, less is more. A good, thorough soaking rather than a quick watering ensures that the water gets down to the root system. This helps roots grow strong and deep for a thick, more drought-resistant lawn.

3. Feed Your Entire Lawn to Nourish It

To encourage the new growth, and keep your whole lawn looking its best, add a gentle lawn fertilizer to the spot, like Scotts Step-3 Lawn Fertilizer, available at GNH! Tender seedlings, as well as existing grass, need nutrients to help grow thick and strong.

4. Kick Back & Enjoy the Results!

Repairing bare spots in your lawn is a quick and easy project that reaps many rewards. It’s the perfect weekend task that you can finish in no time, so you can get back out in the hammock and enjoy the results! Don’t forget to improve the lushness and color of your whole lawn (and reduce the chance of future damage) with regular feeding and proper maintenance.

For more on bare spot lawn repair, check out this helpful video from Scott’s Lawn: https://youtu.be/rI4WhxUq4zM

https://www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-identify-the-cause-of-brown-spots-in-your-lawn/, http://www.planitdiy.com/how-to/lawn-garden/lawn-repair-fix-a-bare-spot/, https://www.scotts.com/en-us/library/grass-grass-seed/how-repair-seed-bare-spots-lawn, http://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoor-design/landscaping-and-hardscaping/how-to-repair-bald-spots-in-your-lawn

How to Create a Garden Oasis

Posted on February 6, 2023February 6, 2023

An inviting yard provides a calm atmosphere, a tranquil retreat and a relaxing place to entertain.

With springtime in full bloom, it’s time to start creating a detailed game-plan for your spectacular garden oasis! Remember, with a little bit of work and planning now, you can create a garden sanctuary to enjoy all season long – and one that your neighbors will envy, too.

Here are 7 ideas for creating a garden oasis that you can use to escape, relax and even entertain:

1. Add a Bird Bath

Adding a bird bath will attract birds to your garden, which are not only fun to watch but will help control pests. Place the bird bath in a relatively open area in your yard, so that birds can scan for predators. To keep your bird bath in tip-top shape, clean it approximately twice a week.

You can also put out nectar to attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Hummingbird feeders also need to be cleaned out regularly to ensure mold doesn’t build up, which can be harmful to the birds.

2. Create a Water Feature

There’s nothing more relaxing than the calming sound of a natural stream or waterfall in your garden. Turn a decorative pot into a waterfall feature, or create a built-in waterfall or stream element with large, stepped stones. A closed circuit of water can also act as circulation for a pond, serving dual purposes.

If you really want to go all-out, you can create a koi pond. While these are more costly to install and maintain, koi fish are mesmerizing to watch and they eat mosquito larvae.

Whatever you choose, a water feature is a dramatic touch that provides soft tranquility.

3. Hang Wind Chimes

Wind chimes are a quick and easy way to create a relaxing vibe in your garden. There are lots of designs and sounds to choose from, whether you prefer a softer, wooden sound, or something light and metallic.

4. Incorporate Natural Stone

Natural stone accents, like stepping stone paths, are great features to add to your garden oasis. Natural stone is an easy accent feature to incorporate into your backyard and can be inexpensive, depending on the stones you purchase.

5. Install Solar Lights

Solar lights increase the function and versatility of your garden. Add them along your stone path or hang them in your pergola to create a space you can keep using after dusk.

5. Add a Bench

Place a bench in view of your water feature or bird bath to create a tranquil spot where you can enjoy your oasis.

6. Get a Pergola

Pergolas are a great way to get more use out of your yard. Perfect for entertaining guests, you can set up patio furniture beneath them, plant vines that grow on them and hang solar lights to keep the party going after dark. During the day, they provide a nice shady place to keep cool and enjoy your garden.

7. Surround Yourself with Plants

Let plant life create the outdoor retreat of your dreams! By selecting tall, large-leafed plants, you can simulate a tropical rainforest experience.

Adding vines to fencing, trellises, benches and other structures in your yard will create a soothing retreat with added privacy. Creeping vines that flower such as clematis, honeysuckle, trumpet vine, and morning glories will provide a pop of color against all the green vegetation as a lush backdrop.

Adding a few of these simple features to your backyard will go a long way towards creating your tranquil retreat. A garden oasis is fun to create, and will provide a great place to decompress after a long day or even entertain your friends and family. Now get a head start on designing your garden oasis!

How to Replace Windows in Zones

Posted on February 3, 2023April 26, 2023

Should you replace windows in zones?

Replacement windows can save you as much as 15% on your energy bills while reducing wear and tear on heating and cooling systems. Plus, updated windows will improve your quality of life by introducing more light and fresh air to your favorite room or home office.

If you’re overwhelmed by the idea of a full window replacement, don’t worry. You don’t have to replace every single window in your home to start enjoying beauty, function, and energy-savings. Instead, you can replace windows one zone at a time.

Explore replacement Marvin windows in a wide range of styles at GNH Lumber! Simply request a project quote today!

Want to learn more about the benefits of new windows? Get the FREE guide!

Window Replacement by the Zone

Now is the perfect time to replace your home’s older or malfunctioning windows before the chill of autumn comes and begins stealing away precious heating dollars. But how do you know which windows need replacing? Some signs, such as condensation or cosmetic damage, might not need replacement at all and are actually perfectly normal. Others, like water stains and wood rot, need immediate replacement.

Knowing the signs that require prompt attention versus those that can be easily fixed can help you evaluate whether and how soon a replacement is needed. This will help you replace windows in “zones” for a more targeted, cost-effective approach.

Remember, you don’t have to replace every single window in your home in order to make a dramatic improvement in your home’s style, airflow, and energy savings!

Here’s our guide to evaluating your home’s overall window health and creating “zones” for targeted window replacement.

Zone #1 – Immediate Attention Needed

Sometimes replacement windows are non-negotiable, especially when they greatly compromise your home’s energy-efficiency and/or security. Look for these signs that you’re in the “red” zone:

WATER DAMAGE – Water between glass panes, leaking, water stains or evidence of wood rot can be signs excess moisture is accumulating where you cannot see it, which means your windows are no longer effective. This can lead to mold, mildew, warping, or structural damage.
COMPROMISED SECURITY – As entry points into your home, you should address broken windows immediately.

Zone #2 – Time to Investigate

Sometimes replacement isn’t immediately necessary, although it would still help with ease of operation and climate control. Here are some warning signs for windows you should keep an eye on:

FAULTY OPERATION – Difficulty opening or closing, sticking sash and pesky operational issues can sometimes be solved with a thorough cleaning or small repair. However, these can also be signs that parts are nearing the end of their lifespan.
LESS CLIMATE CONTROL – New windows can get rid of drafts to make rooms more comfortable. But if the time isn’t right, replacement can wait!

Zone #3 – No Need to Replace

Some of your home’s windows may not need replacing at all! Don’t mistake these signs for critical damage. They are likely normal and can be corrected during routine maintenance:

CONDENSATION – Condensation is perfectly normal. It simply indicates the presence of humidity, which means your windows are doing their job and holding heat inside your home. There are many easy ways to remove condensation that don’t involve replacement.
COSMETIC ISSUES – Issues like chipped paint, tarnished hardware, and dirty weather stripping can be addressed on your schedule with routine care and maintenance.

By dividing your home into zones using the evaluation methods above, you can make the right window replacements now while keeping less urgent updates on the back-burner for a later date.

5 Things to Include on Your Yard Cleanup List

Posted on February 3, 2023February 3, 2023

Can’t wait to get back out into the garden? Well, here’s the good news! It’s time to get a head start on your spring cleaning checklist, and that includes taking care of your yard and garden beds.

To look and feel its best after the harshest winter months, your yard and gardens require spring cleaning the same as the inside of your home. Taking a weekend to clean up as the weather begins to warm will save you time later, and it helps prevent some problems further down the road in summer.

First, look over your yard before creating a specific checklist of what needs to get done to be ready for the season.

To help you get started, don’t forget these 5 things when cleaning up your yard this spring:

1. Clean Up Around Plants

To help your plants and shrubs get ready for new growth, clean up any debris left over from the winter months. Make sure you rake out fallen leaves and dead foliage, since this can smother your plants and help foster disease. Don’t forget to cut down any mums or other fall-season plants that you haven’t had a chance to cut down due to the snow and ice.

Toss your yard waste into a wheelbarrow for easy disposal and cleanup (ideally, this is done after the threat of frost has passed). Next, you’ll want to remove existing mulch to set the stage for a new layer after spring planting. You’ll also want to push heaved plants back into flower beds and borders. To encourage new growth, you can also spread a pelletized fertilizer tailored towards your existing plantings onto the soil’s surface. Spring rains will then carry these nutrients to the root systems.

2. Prep Your Lawn

The first step to a gorgeous lawn all spring and summer long is a good feeding now. Fertilizing your lawn with Scotts STEP-1 Crabgrass Preventer Plus Lawn Food can improve a lawn’s ability to absorb water & nutrients. Apply to your lawn for a fast green-up after winter. It also controls crabgrass for up to 4 months!

Apply in early spring, anytime between February and April when temperatures are still cool (under 80° F). Step-1 prevents crabgrass before it can germinate. It also feeds to green up a winter-weary lawn, too. Learn more about the Scotts Program.

In mild climates that experience little to no snowfall, winter lawn damage is usually minimal. However, that’s not the case for us here in the Catskill Region. As a rule, it’s best to avoid walking on soggy areas of the lawn until they are dry so the grass doesn’t become damaged. But there is usually some damage from snow removal, ice prevention, shoveling and the mud of thawing.

Remove any turf damaged by salt, plows, or disease to prepare for the seeding that should follow in a few weeks. Resume mowing once the grass grows to 4 to 5 inches tall and only trim it back to 3 to 4 inches. But don’t start mowing too early! Mowing too early in spring, or trimming your lawn too low, results in weak grass that is more prone to summer damage during dry periods.

3. Clean Walkways and Patios

The early spring is a perfect time to neaten up your hardscape surfaces, too. This includes both walkways and patios.

Make sure to rake escaped gravel back into your walkways and patios, and purchase more gravel to spread if needed. Refill joints between flagstones by sweeping in new sand or stone dust; water with a hose to set it, then repeat. Use a pressure washer with a low-pressure tip to remove any algae spots or leaf stains.

4. Replace and Paint Worn Wood

Remove badly rotted or damaged pickets or boards in your fencing, then scrub the wood clean by mixing water, bleach, and liquid soap. Once you’ve fully cleaned it, allow it time to dry before continuing. You can patch rotted sections with wood epoxy, and subsequently install new wood as needed.

Check to make sure that you don’t have any wobbly fence posts that need to be replaced. You should also scrape off old paint, sand the wood, and apply a new finish coat. Once temperatures go above 50° F, brush on a new coat of paint or stain.

5. Prune Dead and Damaged Branches

Many non-flowering shrubs, trees and woody plants respond well to spring pruning, which cleans up their appearance. Prune back to live stems if damaged, and shape hedges with hand pruners rather than electric shears. Electric shears have the tendency to cause a thick outer layer of growth, which prevents sunlight and air from reaching the shrub’s center.

Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal with Cultured Stone Veneers

Posted on February 2, 2023February 3, 2023

Textured Tradition

It’s no secret that some of the most beautiful and memorable structures in the world are made with stone.

Whether it’s a grand work of art or an average office building, stone is a material that has shaped our lives. Nowadays, stone has its place in redesigning your home’s interior as well. According to a recent Zonda Media report, manufactured stone veneer (MSV) ranks number two nationally for providing high ROI. Only garage door replacement ranked higher on this list! If you’re looking to improve your home’s curb appeal, try Cultured Stone veneers.

What Are Cultured Stone Veneers?

Cultured Stone veneers are a type of manufactured stone. They’re made in flexible molds using a concrete mixture. Afterwards, they’re hand-colored with iron oxide pigments to resemble natural stone. The result is a versatile and lightweight material that adheres to most surfaces. It comes bearing the best credentials as well. Every veneer produced meets AC-51 criteria – the strictest requirements in the industry. As long as you see that CSV® stamp, you can rest assured that you’re getting the highest quality material.

Less Weight, Less Problems!

CSV® offer both the home DIYer and the expert many advantages over natural stone. Due to its unique composition, it is almost one-quarter the weight of natural stone. A standard box of CSV® weighs about 10 pounds, and comes pre-sorted for variations in size and color. This means that once you’ve got your stone veneers on hand, you can spend less time moving material around!

This makes the entire installation process easier as well. Natural full-bed stone puts a tremendous amount of strain on surfaces. This means that even the most expert stonemason can only make so much progress each day. That’s not the case with CSV®! Its lightweight properties let you work more with less physical strain. Anyone working with this material is sure to be upright at the end of the day and have a spring in their step.

A Variety of Choices

Touching up your firepit? Adding some extra beauty to your home exterior? Then there’s a CSV® in whatever color or style you need! You don’t have to feel confined to standard shades of brown or gray either. A wide variety of the options available are modern, trend-setting, and much newer to the market.

Whether you’re going DIY or hiring an expert, the range of customization is almost endless. CSV® is the perfect material for artistic expression and creative layouts. Working with material like this means the only limit on any of your projects is your imagination!

Traditional Beauty Meets Modern Style

Looking for some ideas to jump start your project? We recommend smaller, simpler ideas to get your home interior feeling new!

For example, if your home exterior needs a new look, why not give it a CSV® makeover? This Sculpted Ashlar is modern-meets-classic, with just the right amount of warmth. It looks great both inside your house and out!

There’s no better time than now to get that firepit or outdoor bar looking its best for the warmer months! Add beauty and value to yours with this Pro-Fit Alpine Ledgestone. Give your backyard get-togethers the feel of a Northern Ski Lodge!

Using CSV® for your next project gives you the timeless look and feel of stone, at a much better value! Get in touch with the team at GNH Lumber today for any advice and guidance you need with your next home project.

Sources: https://www.culturedstone.com/blog/stone-savants-the-artistic-evolution-of-the-modern-mason; https://www.culturedstone.com; https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2021/

How to Install Cultured Stone Veneers Inside Your Home

Posted on February 2, 2023February 3, 2023

Add Elegance to Your Home Interior

Looking to add the perfect complement to your living room? Or maybe you need the right accent piece to add to your den? If so, Cultured Stone veneers are a great choice! Whether it’s residential or commercial, large-scale, or small, there’s a Cultured Stone veneer that will work for you. Even better – these natural-looking and customized manufactured stone veneers are straightforward to install inside your home.

Materials Needed

Before you begin the interior installation process, make sure you have the following tools and materials on hand:

• Cultured Stone manufactured stone veneers
• Flashing (if finished product will be exposed to water)
• Jointing tool
• Masonry brush
• Water resistant barrier (WRB)
• Grout sealer
• Pointing trowel
• Notched trowel
• Welded wire lath complying with ASTM C933
• Corrosion resistant fasteners (staples, roofing nails, etc.)
• Mortar (scratch coat, setting bed, and pointing)
• Drop cloths and cleanup supplies

Set up your worksite, removing all tripping hazards and setting down your drop cloth to make cleanup easier!

Wall Prep

If your project has metal or wood framing, begin by applying two layers of WRB as independent layers, lapped in “shingle” fashion. Evenly install your flashings across the primary layer. Make sure that your primary WRB meets all building codes and manufacturer requirements, depending on your project.

After installing the primary layer, apply the second “sacrificial” layer of WRB, to allow incidental water to drain down and out. Lap each material 2” horizontally and 6” vertically, fasten with WRB-approved fasteners.

Make sure that any contact with doors or windows are flashed properly. Head flashings and drip screen will help resist water damage.

Lath Application

Depending on whether you use expanded metal, woven wire, welded wire, or alternative lath, it needs to transfer cladding load to your framing. Make sure your fasteners penetrate the framing and are spaced evenly. Typical applications would have fasteners 16” on center, spaced a maximum of 7” vertically.

When placing lath, always end lap joints over framing and fasten them there. Any that does not land on framing will need to be wire laced. For all overlaps, use at least 0.5” horizontally and 1” vertically and at end laps. NEVER end your laps at a corner, as this creates sharp edges and breaks in the barrier.

Once the lath is installed, check for roughness. This will tell you the direction of the cups and determine which direction to apply the mortar. Follow the same path as the cups, using consistent pressure to ensure mortar completely fills the lath. Whether your mortar is pre-blended or created on-site, make sure it meets NCMA standards.

Mortar Application

Aim for at least a 0.5” to 0.75” layer of mortar, as anything less than 0.5” inches is too thin and runs the risk of cracking. Cover all lath at your target thickness, keeping at eye out for thin spots. You may need to apply a second layer to achieve desired thickness and levelness.

After letting the mortar cure for a few hours, it’s time to texture the surface with a scratch coat. Use your notched trowel in even, horizontal strokes across the mortar. This will allow your Cultured Stone to connect easier to the walls or surfaces. Allow at least 24-48 hours for the mortar to cure completely.

Setting the Stones

Before installing the stones, check the back of each and remove any dust or debris. Then, gently dampen the scratch coat and stone units with clean water. Make sure both look saturated, but not shiny with water.

Apply your setting bed mortar onto a few square feet of the prepared surface with your trowel. Then apply a thin “back butter” of mortar to the entire back of the stone unit. Press the stone into the setting bed mortar on the wall. Leave enough space for joint gaps, and then leave the stone be.

Clean out mortar droppings as you go along and check stone bonding periodically. If a stone needs to be re-mortared, remove all original mortar first before re-applying and re-setting.

Be aware that if you’re setting stones in corner layouts, that flat stones can be nested and alternated to create a uniform look.

Joint Treatment & Wrap-Up

With your stones placed and spaced appropriately, you’re now ready to fill in your joint gaps. Make sure the mortar you use is smooth enough to flow easily through a grout bag. Carefully remove any excess setting board mortar from the joints before filling.

Fill in each joint gap evenly with mortar, being careful not to disturb the stones as you go along. Once filled in, wait until the mortar is thumbprint hard, then you can tool the joints as needed. Depending on your desired look, use either a tooling joint or a wooden stick to shape them.

After the mortar has had time to set, be sure to go over it with a masonry brush to remove any additional debris.

From here, it’s just a matter of cleaning up your worksite and letting your new wall set. For more information on installing Cultured Stone veneers in your home, be sure to contact our talented design team!