Frequently Asked Questions

Landscaping

Artificial Landscape Rocks - FAQs

Are these rocks hollow?

Will my artificial landscape rock stay stable in high winds?
Yes, these rocks feature a curvilinear shape for wind resistance.

The website says the landscape rocks can be easily drilled. What type of drill bit do I need?
Our rocks can be easily drilled for wires or hoses using standard drill bits.

Can I sit or stand on this rock?
Yes. These artificial landscape rocks are strong enough for a grown adult can sit or stand on.

Will the rocks fade?
Our rocks are coated with a long-lasting, UV-protected finish for superior fade resistance. We offer a 5-year limited warranty that covers fading and manufacturing defects.

Are there other uses for the landscape rocks?
Yes, use them as part of your landscaping! Our artificial landscape rocks look so real, they are an excellent substitution for real landscape rocks. They are much lighter than real rocks, making them easy to move for casual landscapers.

Gardening

Garden Planters

How deep is the Elevated Garden Planter?
Our 2x4 Elevated Garden Planter offers a planting depth of 10 inches.

What tools do I need to build the Elevated Garden Planter?
All you need is a power drill and a #2 Phillips drill bit. With two people, this planter takes less than 20 minutes to put together.

Is the Elevated Garden Planter made with treated lumber?
No. The Elevated Garden Planter is made with untreated wood.

Raised Garden Beds

Do the raised garden beds have a bottom?
No. Our raised garden beds offer the sides only, so roots can extend further into the native soil. If a bottom lining is desired, there are many options depending on your space. Common raised garden bed linings include landscape fabric, loose gravel, sticks, or plywood.

Why should I use a raised garden bed instead of just planting my vegetables in the ground?
It all depends on your project, but there are many benefits of planting your garden in a raised garden bed:

They advance the planting season - raised beds warm more quickly in the Spring.
If you have poor native soil, you can tailor the soil to your specific plants.
They can reduce weeds if landscape fabric is used as a bottom lining.
Since you don't walk on the raised beds, the soil is not compacted and the roots have an easier time growing.
They tend to drain better.
In addition to growing plants, they double as a focal point in your yard.

Pergolas

How many people will I need to help install a pergola?
You will need at least two people to assemble one of our pergolas.

Do I need to anchor this pergola to the ground?
Yes. Our pergolas are heavy, robust structures and must be anchored to the ground. This can be done by burying the posts into the ground or mounting the posts to the surface using approved fasteners. You must check local ordinances and regulations to determine the approved method for anchoring the pergola.

What type of wood are the pergola components made of?
The wood components are made of ProWood® pressure-treated lumber, providing superior resistance to rot and decay. For more information on this, check out our ProWood information page.

I have some building skills but am a DIYer, not a professional. Can I build this pergola?
Yes. Our pergola kits were designed for straightforward purchasing and assembly. They include all lumber and fasteners needed to assemble one pergola. All components are precut and notched or grooved to eliminate intricate cuts in the field. Before starting any assembly, it is important to read the installation instructions to be sure you have the skills necessary to safely complete the project. Hire a professional if you doubt your ability to safely complete the project.

Wood Fence

Do you have spaced picket panels with closer picket spacing?
Custom fence panels are not available, but we do offer loose pickets and rails in most markets. These can be used to create your own spaced picket panel with your desired spacing. We have a variety of picket styles to choose from.

Are gates available?
Yes. Most gates are available in 36", 42" or 44" widths. Make custom gates by using loose components or by trimming a fence panel to the proper width.

Do you offer finials or post caps to decorate my post tops?
Yes. We offer a variety of finials and finial bases to add to your wood fence posts.

At what depth should I bury fence posts?
A rule of thumb is to place a third of the length of the post in the ground. Use a diameter of 10"-12" for all post holes. We also suggest burying all gate posts, end posts, and corner posts 6" deeper than the other posts, especially in areas with high wind or extreme weather.

Should all posts be set in concrete?
We recommend that all posts be set in concrete in accordance with local conditions and standard building practices. Posts that are not set in concrete will eventually lean due to wind and weather.

What type of nails/screws should I use when installing my fence?
Use hot-dip galvanized fasteners or other fasteners as required by building codes; otherwise, your treated wood will last longer than the unprotected fasteners you've used to put it together.

How do I install a fence panel on a sloped landscape?
Pre-assembled fence panels can be installed on a slope using the stair-step method. With this method, the fence panels gradually step up the landscape with all rails level, rather than parallel to the slope. Using loose pickets and rails, a fence can be assembled and installed parallel to the slope of the landscape.

Are installation instructions available?
Yes. Click here to view installation instructions.

What kind of care and maintenance will my wood fence require?
We recommend applying paint or stain every two years or as needed. Consult our installation instructions for more detailed care and maintenance information.

Should I paint or stain my fence?
To prolong the life of your wood fence, we recommend applying a protective finish to the fence once it is installed. There are three types of protective finish: paint, stain, and waterproofing sealer. The finish you choose for your fence will depend on the finished look you desire, as well as the species of wood used.

Picnic Tables

What are the assembled dimensions of the picnic tables?

6 ft. Pressure-Treated Picnic Table - 72 in. long x 59 in. wide x 28 in. high (seat to ground)
8 ft. Pressure-Treated Picnic Table - 96 in. long x 59 in. wide x 28 in. high (seat to ground)
6 ft. Red Balau Picnic Table - 72 in. long x 59 in. wide x 25 in. high (seat to ground)
Children's Picnic Table - 35 in. long x 35 in. wide x 12-1/2 in. high (seat to ground)

What is the weight limit on the children's picnic table?
Weight is limited to two 75 lb. children per side (150 lb. maximum per side). Table top is limited to 40 lb. maximum. Sitting on table top is not recommended.

How many people can fit on the adult picnic table?
When assembled, the 6 ft. picnic tables seat six adults. The assembled 8 ft. picnic tables seat eight adults.

What is the maintenance plan for the Red Balau picnic table?
To maintain the beautiful appearance of this premium picnic table, we recommend sealing it with a finishing oil every year.

What type of wood are the pressure-treated tables made of?
The 6 ft. and 8 ft. pressure-treated picnic tables are made out of southern yellow pine.

Do I need to paint or stain the pressure-treated picnic tables?
At minimum, we recommend applying two coats of water repellant to the picnic table every two years. These picnic tables can also be painted and stained to create a desired look.

Do the picnic table kits include hardware?
Yes, hardware is included in all picnic table kits.

Vinyl Fence

Product Information

What is Outdoor Essentials® vinyl fence made of?
Vinyl is an abbreviated name for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is used for pipe, windows, and other construction components. Outdoor Essentials vinyl fence also includes titanium dioxide (TiO2), UV inhibitors and acrylic impact modifiers. This blend of ingredients yields a durable, low-maintenance fence that's guaranteed to last.

What is the difference between the Pro Series and the PicketLock Series vinyl fence lines?
The PicketLock™ Series utilizes technology that securely locks pickets into place between the rails without glue or fasteners. Fence rails attach to posts with brackets and no special tools are required for installation. The Pro Series line does not require external hardware. The rails lock into routed posts to create clean lines. The bottom rails include rail reinforcements.

How wide are Outdoor Essentials fence pickets and what is the spacing between each picket?
Outdoor Essentials vinyl fencing is available through three product lines—PicketLock, Pro Series and Ranch Rail—to best suit your fence application, budget and décor. On each product line page, you can view an image of each fence panel style available through that product line. Each of those fence panel images can be clicked on to view more detailed dimensions on the fence panel, including picket width and spacing between pickets.

How strong is Outdoor Essentials vinyl?
Our vinyl contains impact modifiers that meet or exceed all ASTM standards for vinyl fencing. Vinyl has five times the tensile strength and four times the flexibility of wood. If an unusual impact does damage your vinyl fence, it can easily be replaced.

Does Outdoor Essentials vinyl comply with building codes?
Our vinyl is designed to meet or exceed most major building codes. Because codes differ from region to region, consult your local code official before installing your fence.

What type of warranty is included with Outdoor Essentials vinyl fencing?
We offer a lifetime limited warranty for our vinyl fencing products.

Does vinyl become brittle in cold temperatures?
Vinyl loses some flexibility when exposed to cold but is designed to accommodate normal fluctuations in temperature. The added impact modifiers in Outdoor Essentials vinyl prevent it from cracking or breaking unless it sustains unusual impact.

Will weed trimmers damage vinyl?
Vinyl fencing can be damaged by direct contact with lawn and garden equipment. Exercise caution when using such equipment near your fence.

Will vinyl turn yellow over time?
No. Outdoor Essentials vinyl contains TiO2, which prevents discoloration caused by exposure to the sun and the environment. All of our vinyl fencing products are guaranteed to resist discoloration for 20 years.

Will vinyl burn?
Vinyl will burn but, unlike wood, self-extinguishes once the flame has been removed.

Can I paint my vinyl fence?
Because vinyl is a non-porous material, most paint does not adhere to it well. Moreover, paint can damage the vinyl's surface; therefore, painting your fence voids the warranty.

Is vinyl graffiti-proof?
While not classified as graffiti-proof, vinyl's non-porous surface makes it difficult for graffiti to adhere to it. Most paint can be easily removed with water and mild detergent. A pressure washer or paint thinner can be used for stubborn stains.

Does vinyl fencing resist mildew and mold?
The surface of vinyl fencing is smooth and non-porous, making it difficult for mildew to grow there. Mildew forms only under the wettest conditions and is easily removed with mild detergent and water.

Is vinyl more or less expensive than wood?
Over time, vinyl proves more cost-effective than wood. The cost of maintaining a wood fence adds up over the years, while vinyl is virtually maintenance-free. Vinyl doesn't require painting or staining and rarely needs repair.

Installation

Are your posts designed to go over a 4x4?
Yes they are, but our vinyl posts are structural and do not require a wood post inside. We do recommend a wood post inside a hinge post for a gate to give the hinges a solid attachment.

How does vinyl installation compare to wood installation?
Vinyl fencing is installed much like a wood panel fencing, but we recommend installing one fence section as you dig, prepare, and fill each post hole. Please refer to our installation instructions for more information.

Should I fill my vinyl fence posts with cement?
In most applications, you will not need to cement your vinyl fence posts. If you live in an area with extreme weather or high winds, it is a good idea to cement all of your posts for extra stability.

Care and Cleaning

How do I care for and maintain my vinyl fence?
Vinyl is virtually maintenance-free. You'll never need to paint, scrape, or stain a vinyl fence. As with most exterior products, an Outdoor Essentials vinyl fence may get dirty when exposed to the elements. To keep your fence looking new, pressure-wash it occasionally with a mild detergent and water. To remove stubborn stains, use a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive cleanser.