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ask jane - rightwood
 
Q. What sets RightWood apart from other fencing products on the market and what are some of the advantages in my choosing it?

A. The RightWood fence board is a competitively priced (more board for your fencing buck) alternative to Western Red Cedar, redwood, and other material options. We supply the consumer with an esthetically pleasing fence board. Each board is individually pre-finished and graded to insure uniformity in color, texture, dimension and high structural strength and longevity.

Q. What species of tree is RightWood manufactured from?

A. RightWood is manufactured from whitewood .
Q. Is RightWood environmentally safe for my landscape?
A. Yes, RightWood is environmentally safe.
Q. What color choices are available in RightWood?
A. RightWood is available in two color choices – Sahara Gold and Redwood.
Q. Where can I buy wood finish products to match my RightWood fence finish?
A. Your local home center expert can direct you to many products on the shelves that will match your RightWood fence.
Q. How long can I expect my RightWood fence to last?
A. Under normal circumstances your RightWood fence will give you many years of service, depending on proper installation, geographical location and proper maintenance.
Q. How long can I expect RightWood to retain its color?
A. Like all pre-finished outdoor wood products, regular maintenance is required.
Q. Can I expect shrinkage with the RightWood product? If so, what percent?
A. Varying shrinkage is a natural aging process of all rough-green fence boards and will vary upon geographical location and application.

Approximately 7% plus or minus lateral shrinkage is not uncommon.
Q. How can I assure privacy and avoid spaces between the fence boards?

A. You can choose a fence design to minimize or eliminate spaces such as alternating boards (good-neighbor fence) or board-on-board design to completely cover the spaces. Please see your home center expert or contractor for more information.

*see fence design

Q. What dimensions are offered in the RightWood product line?
A. RightWood is offered in 6’ lengths. We manufacture 4” (3.5” nominal) and 6” (5.5” nominal) widths.
Q. Are RightWood posts and rails available?
A. TMI does not presently manufacture post and rails. Your local home center can direct you to compatible post and rails.
Q. How do I choose a fence style?
A. The basic fence style consists of horizontal fence boards attached to 2x4 rails, which are attached to 4x4 post uprights. Many styles are available to compliment your landscaping needs. Some of the more popular ones are board-on-board, horizontal or vertical, curved panel boards, alternating boards (good-neighbor fence), alternating vertical and horizontal panels, diagonal boards, horizontal louvers and lattice-topped. Please see fence design for illustrationed examples. Ask your home center expert for more information.
Q. What materials will I need to build a RightWood fence?
A. Your supply list will depend upon the fence design you choose. Your home center expert will gladly assist you in developing your supply list.
Q. What purpose do the fence rails serve?
A. The fence rails serve to keep the fence straight and square, and provide a surface for attaching the fence boards.
Q. How many fence rails should I use for each 6’ to 8’ section?
A. We recommend the use of three rails to increase the life and beauty of the RightWood fence.
Q. Where should I place the rails on the fence posts?
A. Customarily the top rail is attached at the top of the post or 6” from the post top, depending on your fence design. The middle rail is spaced evenly between the top and bottom rails. The bottom rail is commonly placed 6” above the ground.
Q. Are pressure treated posts superior to cedar posts?
A. The two posts are equally strong and long lasting. The pressure treated post is generally more cost effective. Please see your home center expert for more information.
Q. Can I use metal fence posts with RightWood fence boards?
A. Yes. Please see your home center expert for more information.
Q. What are the best fasteners to use when installing RightWood fence boards?
A. Corrosion-resistant stainless wood screws or galvanized nails are preferred, to avoid discoloration of the fence boards, and because of their increased long term durability. Stainless screws are more pricey, but well worth it if your budget will allow the added cost.
Q. How far apart should the fence posts be spaced?
A. It is recommended that fence posts are spaced 6’-8’ apart, depending on your fence design.
Q. Will the fence posts out last the fence boards and rails?
A. Generally the fence posts are the first to fail, because they have direct ground contact.
Q. Do I need to concrete the fence posts into the ground?
A. The use of concrete in the posts holes is highly advised to increase the over all life and strength of your fence. It is also a good idea to place a large stone or piece of treated wood in the bottom of the hole as the post foundation and for drainage. It is also advisable to "cap" the concrete at the surface to drain water away from the post.
Q. Is it necessary to apply post caps to the posts?
A. No, although the addition of post caps will add interest to the design element and will aid in protecting the post from water and sun damage.
Q. Can I have the fence boards touching the ground?
A. We do not advise that fence boards are allowed to make contact with the ground. Direct ground contact with any wood product will encourage the boards to decay and discolor more quickly. It is advisable to place the fence boards no less than two inches from the ground surface.
Q. What end trims are available in the RightWood product line?
A. We offer RightWood in two end trims, dog ear and square/flat top.
Q. How do I calculate how many RightWood fence boards I will need to complete my project?
A. Please see your home center expert for more information.
Q. If my contractor is not familiar with TMI's RightWood fence boards where can I direct him to purchase them? A. You can find TMI's fence boards at numerous lumber yards & distributors across the United States including Home Depot and Lowe's.

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