Irrigation & Watering Tips for Your Garden | Hills Flat Lumber

 In this newest video from our garden and nursery department, Jessica will share a few basic tips on watering and irrigation for your summer garden.





Hills Flat Lumber is your source in the Grass Valley area for everything you need to keep your yard looking beautiful all year long. Our diverse selection of products includes a wide variety of plants, potting supplies, and yard decorations, and our friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to help you select just the right items for your needs.

Learn How To Restring Your Stihl String Trimmer | Hills Flat Lumber

In our latest vlog, Chris from Hills Flat Lumber will show you the quickest and simplest way to rethread your Stihl string trimmer. All of our outdoor power tools at Hills Flat Lumber leave the store oiled, fueled and ready to work!


 

We're proud to carry products from the industry's leading manufacturers. Some of our best-selling tools include STIHL's gas-powered outdoor power equipment. No job is too big or too small for STIHL's line of reliable chainsaws, trimmers, leaf blowers, pole saws and more. Our Husqvarna outdoor power products are also very popular among buyers. Our inventory includes garden tractors, trimmers, chainsaws, robotic lawn mowers and other more.


We keep up with the latest in industry developments in order to provide our customers with quality products that can tackle any type of job. View our online inventory of products or talk to a sales associate to locate the tool or power equipment you need.

Get The Scoop On Dirt from Hills Flat Lumber!

Get the scoop on dirt. Jessica from Hills Flat Lumber’s nursery department will show you how much soil you need for different sized planting pots.

 

Hills Flat Lumber is your source in the Grass Valley area for everything you need to keep your yard looking beautiful all year long. Our diverse selection of products includes a wide variety of plants, potting supplies, and yard decorations, and our friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to help you select just the right items for your needs.

2018 Outdoor Living at Hills Flat Lumber

Hills Flat Lumber - Washers, Washers and Washers!

The Best Lumber for Building a Deck

Many homeowners feel that there is nothing as peaceful as relaxing on a deck in their backyard. The best way to get the perfect custom deck is to build it from scratch. To ensure that the deck lasts through any weather condition, it's important to use the best lumber for the job. The three most popular options for decking are pressure-treated wood, composite decking, and cedar planks.

Pressure-Treated Wood

For an option that is both durable and inexpensive, try pressure-treated wood. This type of lumber contains preservatives from pressure treatment that protect it from termites and decay. A deck built with this wood will be long-lasting, and its classic look makes it perfect for an outdoor setting.

Composite Decking

A popular wood deck alternative, composite decking is made from reclaimed materials such as wood chips and recycled plastic. Composite materials are a pricier option but will last a long time with little maintenance and are ideal for high-traffic areas. They are also resistant to mold and insects.

Cedar Planks

Cedar is moderately priced, natural-looking wood. Made from the heartwood—or deeper, red colored part—of the tree, this type of wood is rot resistant. It is prized for its warmth and beauty and is a top choice for luxury homes.

No matter what type of lumber an individual chooses to use for their home's deck, a superior lumber company is sure to carry what is needed to perfect an outdoor area.

Get on My Level: Three Common Types of Levels

Depending on the materials and goals of a construction project, different types of levels may be necessary. Some only measure the horizontal level, while others only check for vertical alignment or plumb. Advanced models can do both. Discover if one of these three levels fits an upcoming project.

Carpenter's Level

This standard tool features bubbles in the middle and on each end, which enable the user to check if surfaces are level or plumb. These tools frequently range in size from 24 to 72 inches.

Laser Level

This item attaches to a tripod and uses a laser beam projector to provide a horizontal plane. These tools have additional features, such as preset angles and graphics displays, which assist with how much and in what direction materials should be moved to achieve plumb or level.

Plumb Bob

This tool features a small, pointed weight, which is suspended by a string. Contractors use the plumb bob to measure vertical plumb in construction and framing projects.

No matter the level of choice, be sure to keep it in a protective case and avoid dropping or hitting it, which could compromise the reliability of this precise instrument.

BBQ FAQ: How Do Gas and Charcoal Grills Differ?

Gas and charcoal are the nation's two most popular grilling options. For those looking to invest in new grilling hardware, learning the benefits and drawbacks of each is essential in making an informed decision. Read on for a quick guide to the differences between gas and charcoal grills.

Price

Charcoal grills offer a high-end piece of hardware for around $100. To get a reliable, high-performing gas grill, expect to pay at least $500.

Cooking Performance

Which grill gives the superior BBQ? Here, the answer comes down to preference. The burning coals in charcoal grills give them superior slow-cooking and smoking capabilities, while gas grills have the upper hand in fast cooking.

Temperature

Charcoal grills have a wider temperature range, with cooking temperatures ranging from very low to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Gas grills typically sit somewhere in the middle, with lows around 200 degrees and highs near 600 degrees Fahrenheit.

Maintenance, Start-Up, and Clean-Up

Gas grills typically take 5-10 minutes to fire up and cool down, whereas charcoal grills take up to 30 minutes for the coals to heat up and cool down. Maintenance for gas grills usually involves the occasional grease-trap clean and bar wipe down, while charcoal grills require coal emptying and regular bar wipe downs.

Interested in learning more? Contact a local grilling hardware expert!

Paints vs. Stains: Clearing the Confusion

Whether constructing a deck, gazebo, patio furniture, or a swingset, homeowners may want to paint or stain the wood to achieve the desired look. But what's the difference between paint and stain, anyway? Here's a primer.

The Skinny on Stain

Stain is ideal for those who want to retain the visibility of the wood's natural texture while creating a dignified and longer lasting appearance. Opt for either semi-transparent formulas, which will reveal both the texture and grain of the wood, or solid or opaque formulas, which typically hide the grain while still displaying the texture. The application of a stain typically doesn't require a primer coat.

Points for Paint

For those interested in hiding the texture of wood to create a smooth surface, paint is a great option. This option allows homeowners a wide range of colors and textures, so it is a versatile way to customize any look. To ensure a long-lasting effect, homeowners should apply a primer coat before applying a new color to wood structures.

Both stains and paints have their advantages and can increase the lifespan of outdoor wooden structures. Homeowners interested in transforming the look of their decks, gazebos, or outdoor furniture should consider their many options.

Stop Mosquitoes from Breeding in Your Backyard Pond

While backyard ponds add tranquility to a landscape, they can become a source of irritation if mosquitoes breed. Here's how to keep your backyard pond mosquito free.

Introduce Fish

Although koi are prized for their beauty, you'll need to augment with other species known for eating mosquito larvae. Goldfish or guppies fit the bill and tend to get along well with other fish species.

Add Aeration

Since mosquitoes breed in standing water, keeping ponds moving is a sure way to keep the bugs moving too. Try an aeration pump, a fountain, water bubbler, or a DIY pond aerator.

Opt for Vegetation

Floating plants like water lilies limit the surface area of ponds, making them less attractive to mosquitoes. These shouldn't be too thick, though. Make sure that fish in your pond can still swim around and through the vegetation.

By taking these simple steps, you're on your way to enjoying your water feature without the accompanying bug bites.

Five Garden Tools Every Gardener Should Own

New gardeners may not know where to begin given the vast selection of garden tools out there, but here are some essentials.

1. Gloves

Protect your hands from blisters, itchy rashes, dirt, and prickly weeds with a good pair of gloves.

2. Loppers and Pruning Shears

Loppers are for lopping off larger branches and shrubs. Pruning shears are useful for more detailed pruning on stems and branches of smaller diameters. Both of these garden tools make clean cuts that reduce the chance of disease and stress for the remaining plant.

3. Hand Trowel

A trowel looks like a small shovel, and it's incredibly helpful for planting flowers and pulling up intact roots in the nursery.

4. Kneeler Bench or Pad

Like gloves, a kneeler may not initially come to mind when people think of "garden tools," but a pad or bench for kneeling can substantially reduce back strain while gardening.

5. Watering or Rain Wand

Watering the soil is common sense, but new gardeners can underestimate the impact of water erosion caused by using a hose without an attachment. By breaking up the water stream into smaller droplets, a wand or other attachment protects young plants and seedlings from the destructive force of disproportionate water impacts.

Power tools are great for reducing labor on a medium-sized or larger garden, but these five essential tools will help novice gardeners find their green thumb.

Suggestions For 5 Easy Indoor Plants

Adding greenery to an indoor environment has a variety of benefits. Plants absorb the carbon dioxide released by humans, helping to make rooms healthier. Plants also absorb toxins from the air, which also creates a healthier atmosphere. Even people without strong gardening skills can succeed in growing any of these five indoor plants.

1. Aloe

Give an Aloe plant a sunny window, and it will thrive. Another benefit of aloe is its proclivity to dry soil, so it's fine to water sporadically.

2. Spider Plant

Spider Plant is also easy going without high demands for care. Place a container where it will receive medium amounts of sunlight and keep the soil evenly moist without allowing it to dry out.

3. Dieffenbachia

With minimal care, Dieffenbachia can grow up to 6 feet in height. Place the plant where it will receive low to medium sunlight, and provide just enough water to prevent the soil from drying.

4. Snake Plant

Any amount of sunlight will do for Snake Plant. Allow the soil to dry before providing a small amount of water.

5. Areca Palm

For splashy fronds, the Areca Palm makes a great addition to any room. A healthy plant could grow to seven feet tall. Find a spot with indirect sunlight, and only water the Areca Palm every other week.

Smart plant choices will enable virtually anyone to display an impressive green thumb.

Three Exciting New Doors for Your Home

When buying or remodeling a home, there are a wide variety of doors and materials that can give a room a unique look. Here are just a few of the types of doors that can be installed in a home.

French Doors

French doors are often used on decks or back porches as a way to let in light, but they can be just as suitable in a bedroom or living room. Retractable curtains on these classic double doors can provide privacy in the evenings, and can be pulled back to let sunlight into a room in the mornings.

Stacker Doors

For the homeowner who enjoys flexibility, stacker doors can be slid aside to create larger internal rooms, or allow access to an outer porch or balcony. Stacker doors are also great for letting sunlight and a breeze into a room.

Sliding Doors

Like stackers, sliding doors allow a homeowner to temporarily divide or open up a room by sliding a door to one side, or into a wall. Positioning a sliding door so that it retracts to become flush with a wall can make it both a functional and enviable room design.

Deciding on doors to fit a room or house can be a tough decision. With so many customizable options available, homeowners should keep the goal of their design in mind when searching for new doors.

Five Signs It's Time to Replace Your Windows

Upgrading the windows in your house can lower energy costs, allow more natural light to enter, add striking aesthetics, enhance UV protection, reduce outside noise, and improve the comfort and health of your home. But because putting in new panes can cost a pretty penny, it should only be done if the old ones are well past their prime. With that in mind, here are five sure-fire signs it's time to consider window replacement.

1. Hard to Use

As windows age, the rollers and guides that allow them to operate easily begin to wear out. The inevitable result is windows that are difficult to open and close. This is particularly true with wooden designs because they typically swell when the air is humid or damp. 

2. Poor Noise Protection

If outside noises can be clearly heard inside, there's a good chance the windows are to blame. Older models simply do not have the insulation needed to reduce noise transfer to acceptable levels. 

3. Leaks and Drafts

When the seals around windows begin to fail, they will let air come and go as it pleases. These leaks and drafts not only create an uncomfortable environment, but they can also cost homeowners a fortune in wasted energy. 

4. Single-Pane Windows

Because they are not nearly as energy efficient as double-pane models, single-pane windows should eventually be replaced. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), complete window replacement can save homeowners up to $501 a year on heating and cooling. 

5. Constant Repairs

In order to keep them in working order, old windows often require regular maintenance. Painting, scraping, and caulking are just a few of the tasks homeowners must perform from time to time. Upgrading to well-constructed, newer designs allows homeowners to benefit from the latest advancements in window manufacturing, reducing maintenance requirements.

Although window replacement may require a large initial investment, the process can save homeowners time, money, and energy in the end. 

Six Essential Tools for Your Home's Toolkit

All homeowners must handle a number of small repairs and home projects on their own. They might hang pictures, tighten loose doorknobs, and even fix home appliances that are on the fritz. In order to complete any of those tasks, though, they need the right tools.

Even the most basic toolbox should contain the following items:

1. Claw hammer: Built for driving and pulling nails, a sturdy hammer can turn any homeowner into an amateur handyman.

2. Screwdriver set: Whenever something needs to be tightened or loosened, or a home appliance needs to be disassembled, there's a good chance a screwdriver is the tool for the job. All toolboxes should include a screwdriver kit that features both flat and Philips head screwdrivers in various sizes.

3. Tape measure: Whether measuring windows for blinds or plotting the dimensions of a backyard garden, a tape measure can make things easier and more accurate.

4. Adjustable wrench: For homeowners who have the experience to repair plumbing fixtures and appliances, an adjustable wrench is needed for tightening (and loosening) nuts and bolts.

5. Electric drill: With the right attachments, an electric drill is one of the most versatile tools around. It can drive or remove screws, sand and grind, and even stir paint.

6. Flashlight: Working in small, dark places, such as under the sink or in a crawlspace, is impossible without a portable light source.

All of the aforementioned tools make invaluable additions to any home toolbox or kit.