How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard with Valley Ace Hardware in Westcliffe, CO

Hummingbirds are a delight to watch, with their iridescent feathers and lightning-fast wings creating a magical spectacle in any backyard. In Westcliffe, Colorado, where the high-altitude landscape offers stunning views and a unique environment, attracting these tiny dynamos is easier than you might think. With the right tools, plants, and know-how from Valley Ace Hardware in Westcliffe, you can transform your yard into a hummingbird haven. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to bring these jeweled fliers to your property and keep them coming back year after year.

Why Attract Hummingbirds in Westcliffe?

Westcliffe, nestled in the Wet Mountain Valley at over 7,800 feet, is home to several hummingbird species, including the Broad-tailed, Rufous, and Black-chinned hummingbirds. These birds are drawn to the area during their spring and summer migrations, seeking nectar, insects, and safe spaces to rest and nest. The high-altitude climate, with cool nights and sunny days, provides an ideal backdrop for creating a hummingbird-friendly habitat. By offering food, water, shelter, and perches, you can make your yard a go-to stop for these migratory marvels.

Valley Ace Hardware, located at 1 Enterprise Drive, Westcliffe, CO 81252, is your local resource for all things hummingbird-related. From feeders and nectar to native plants and expert advice, their knowledgeable staff can help you create a vibrant, hummingbird-friendly yard tailored to the unique conditions of Custer County.

1. Set Up Hummingbird Feeders

One of the easiest ways to attract hummingbirds is by installing feeders filled with sweet nectar. Valley Ace Hardware carries a variety of hummingbird feeders designed to catch the eye of these color-loving birds, many featuring red or yellow feeding ports to mimic their favorite flowers.

Choosing the Right Feeder

• Saucer-Style Feeders: These are easy to clean and fill, with multiple ports to accommodate several hummingbirds at once. Look for models with built-in ant moats to keep pests at bay.
• Bottle-Style Feeders: These hold more nectar, ideal for busier yards, but require thorough cleaning to prevent mold.
• Window-Mounted Feeders: Perfect for small spaces or to enjoy close-up views from your home. Valley Ace Hardware offers suction-cup models that attach directly to windows.

When selecting a feeder, consider the number of feeding ports. Hummingbirds can be territorial, and a single dominant bird may guard a feeder with few ports, scaring others away. Opt for feeders with four or more ports to encourage sharing. Valley Ace Hardware stocks feeders from trusted brands like Perky-Pet and Aspects, ensuring durability and functionality.

Perky-Pet Hummingbird 3 oz Plastic Bottle Nectar Bird Feeder 1 ports

SKU: 8093288

Making Hummingbird Nectar

You can purchase premixed nectar at Valley Ace Hardware, but making your own is simple and cost-effective. Follow this recipe:

• Mix: Combine 1 part white granulated sugar with 4 parts water (e.g., 1 cup sugar to 4 cups water).
• Boil: Heat the mixture in a saucepan, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Boiling sterilizes the solution and extends its shelf life.
• Cool: Let the mixture cool to room temperature before filling feeders.
• Store: Refrigerate any extra nectar for up to one week.

Important Tips:

• Never use honey, artificial sweeteners, or red food coloring, as these can harm hummingbirds.
• Change the nectar every 3–4 days in warm weather (more frequently in Westcliffe’s sunny summer days) to prevent fermentation or mold, which can be deadly to hummingbirds.
• Clean feeders with hot water and a weak vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 10 parts water) to remove mold or residue. Avoid dish soap, as it can leave harmful residues.

Feeder Placement

Strategic placement maximizes visits. Here’s how to position your feeder:

• Shade: Place feeders in partial shade to slow nectar spoilage in Westcliffe’s intense sunlight.
• Visibility: Hang feeders where hummingbirds can spot them, such as near colorful flowers or red ribbons. Valley Ace Hardware sells red surveyor’s tape or ribbons to tie around trees or feeders for extra attraction.
• Safety: Position feeders near shrubs or trees for quick escapes from predators like hawks, common in the Wet Mountain Valley.
• Spacing: If using multiple feeders, place them out of sight of each other to reduce territorial conflicts. Valley Ace Hardware recommends spacing feeders at least 10–15 feet apart.

2. Plant a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden

While feeders are a great start, planting nectar-rich flowers is the most natural way to attract hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are drawn to bright, tubular flowers, especially in red, orange, and pink hues.

Best Plants for Westcliffe

Choose plants that thrive in Westcliffe’s cool nights and short growing season while providing nectar throughout spring and summer. Here are some top picks available at Valley Ace Hardware:

• Columbine (Aquilegia spp.): Native to Colorado, these red and yellow tubular flowers bloom in late spring and are a hummingbird favorite.
• Bee Balm (Monarda didyma): Bright red or purple flowers that bloom through summer, attracting both hummingbirds and pollinators.
• Penstemon (Beardtongue): A hardy native with tubular flowers in red, pink, or purple, perfect for Westcliffe’s rocky soils.
• Salvia (Sage): Long-blooming red or blue varieties that thrive in sunny spots.
• Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.): Native vines or shrubs with tubular flowers that hummingbirds love.
• Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium): A native wildflower with pinkish-purple blooms, common in Colorado’s mountains.

For continuous blooms, mix early-season plants like columbine with mid- and late-season bloomers like salvia and bee balm. Valley Ace Hardware’s staff can help you select plants with staggered blooming periods to ensure a steady nectar supply.

Gardening Tips

• Group Plants: Cluster similar flowers together to create a “nectar buffet” that’s easy for hummingbirds to find.
• Avoid Pesticides: Hummingbirds eat small insects for protein, so chemical pesticides can reduce their food source and harm them directly. Valley Ace Hardware offers organic pest control options to keep your garden safe.
• Deadhead Flowers: Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowering, providing hummingbirds with a longer feeding season.
• Add Vertical Elements: Plant vines like honeysuckle on trellises or fences (available at Valley Ace Hardware) to give hummingbirds room to hover and feed.

3. Provide Water Sources

Hummingbirds need water for drinking and bathing, and they’re particularly fond of moving water. In Westcliffe’s dry climate, a reliable water source can make your yard stand out.

Water Features

• Birdbaths: Choose a shallow birdbath (1–2 inches deep) with a rough surface for grip. Valley Ace Hardware stocks birdbaths with built-in misters or bubblers, which hummingbirds love to fly through.
• Misters or Fountains: A fine mist or dripping fountain mimics natural water sources like streams. Solar-powered misters are available at Valley Ace Hardware for eco-friendly options.
• Sprinklers: Hummingbirds will dart through sprinkler sprays, so consider timing your garden watering to coincide with peak hummingbird activity (early morning or late afternoon).

Place water features near perches or flowers to create a one-stop hummingbird habitat. Clean birdbaths regularly with a vinegar solution to prevent algae buildup.

Ace Turbo Plastic Sled Base Oscillating Sprinkler 4500 sq ft 1 pk

SKU: 7139256

4. Create Perches and Shelter

Hummingbirds spend about 80% of their time perching, using twigs, wires, or shrubs to rest, preen, and guard their territory. Westcliffe’s open landscapes and forested areas provide natural perching spots, but you can enhance your yard with these additions:

• Shrubs and Trees: Plant native shrubs like serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) or small trees like crabapple (Malus spp.), available at Valley Ace Hardware, to provide perches and nesting cover.
• Trellises or Poles: Install slender poles or trellises for perching. Hummingbirds prefer thin branches or wires for their tiny feet.
• Leave Spider Webs: Hummingbirds use spider silk to build their stretchy, cup-shaped nests. Avoid removing webs from shrubs or trees, as they’re a critical nesting material.

5. Encourage Nesting

While hummingbirds don’t use traditional birdhouses (they prefer open, cup-shaped nests in tree forks), you can encourage nesting by providing the right environment:

• Nesting Materials: Offer cotton puffs, soft plant fibers, or dryer lint in a mesh bag or suet feeder. Valley Ace Hardware carries nesting material holders for easy access.
• Sheltered Spots: Maintain dense shrubs or small trees where females can build nests 5–20 feet off the ground.
• Keep Feeders Full: Nesting females need constant access to nectar to fuel their high-energy lifestyle.

6. Maintain a Hummingbird-Friendly Yard Year-Round

Hummingbirds migrate through Westcliffe from April to September, with peak activity in July and August. To keep them coming back:

• Start Early: Put feeders out in early April to catch early migrants. Valley Ace Hardware can help you time your setup based on local migration patterns.
• Monitor Feeders: Check nectar levels daily and clean feeders weekly, especially during Westcliffe’s warm summer days.
• Plant for All Seasons: Include late-blooming plants like asters to support hummingbirds during fall migration.
• Be Patient: It may take weeks for hummingbirds to discover your yard, but once they do, they’ll return annually thanks to their excellent memories.

Why Shop at Valley Ace Hardware?

Valley Ace Hardware in Westcliffe is more than just a hardware store—it’s a community hub for gardeners and bird enthusiasts. Their garden center offers:

• A wide selection of hummingbird feeders, nectar, and accessories.
• Native plants and seeds tailored to Westcliffe’s high-altitude climate.
• Expert advice from staff familiar with local wildlife and gardening challenges.
• Tools like trellises, birdbaths, and organic pest control to complete your hummingbird habitat.

Visit Valley Ace Hardware or call (719) 783-9054 to check inventory or get personalized recommendations. Their team can guide you through selecting the best products for your yard and budget.

Fun Facts About Hummingbirds in Westcliffe

• High-Energy Diet: Hummingbirds consume half their body weight in nectar daily and eat 500–2,000 insects for protein.extension.missouri.edu
• Migration Marvels: The Rufous Hummingbird, common in Westcliffe, undertakes one of the longest migrations relative to body size, traveling up to 3,000 miles from Mexico to Alaska.audubon.org
• Wing Speed: Their wings beat 50–80 times per second, creating the signature “hum” you hear as they zip by.extension.missouri.edu

Get Started Today

Transforming your Westcliffe yard into a hummingbird paradise is a rewarding project that brings beauty and life to your outdoor space. Whether you’re setting up a single feeder or designing a full hummingbird garden, Valley Ace Hardware has everything you need to succeed. Stop by their store to browse feeders, pick up native plants, or chat with their team about creating a habitat that hummingbirds can’t resist. With a little effort and the right resources, you’ll soon be enjoying the dazzling sight of hummingbirds hovering in your backyard.

For more information on gardening and wildlife in Westcliffe, visit Valley Ace Hardware or check out local resources like the Audubon Native Plant Database for region-specific plant recommendations. Happy hummingbird watching!

Happy Customers and Hardworking Machines at Valley Ace Hardware

Here at Valley Ace Hardware, we believe that the best part of our job is helping our customers get their projects done—whether it’s a small backyard upgrade or a large construction endeavor. And every now and then, we get a little surprise that reminds us why we love what we do.

Take this blue sticky note, for example. It was left behind on our telehandler rental by a customer who had just wrapped up their job. It reads:

“This rental was awesome! Thank you guys!”

Short, sweet, and it absolutely made our day.

This kind of feedback means the world to our rental team. Our goal is to keep our equipment in top shape and make the rental process smooth, friendly, and hassle-free. From power tools to heavy-duty machines like this Genie telehandler, we’re proud to support the work being done in our beautiful Westcliffe community and beyond.

To the customer who left this note—thank you! We’re so glad the rental worked out well for you. And to everyone else out there gearing up for your next big project, know that Valley Ace Hardware is here to help with the tools and support you need.

Stop by, give us a call, or check out our rental catalog online. Whether you’re building up or digging down, we’ve got the right equipment to make it happen.

Valley Ace Hardware’s Rental Department

Mastering Rental Equipment: Safety Precautions and Best Uses at Valley Ace Hardware

Whether you’re tackling a home renovation, landscaping your yard, or hosting a big event, renting equipment from Valley Ace Hardware in Westcliffe, CO, can save you time and money. Our extensive rental catalog—from heavy machinery like excavators to party essentials like tents, tables, and chairs—offers high-quality, well-maintained tools for almost any project. But getting the most out of your rental requires knowing how to operate it safely and ensuring you choose the right tool for the job. This blog post explores our rental offerings at Valley Ace Hardware, key safety precautions, and tips for getting the most out of your rental experience.

Why Rent from Valley Ace Hardware?

Our Rental Center at Valley Ace Hardware is a one-stop shop for DIYers, contractors, and event planners. Located at 1 Enterprise Drive, Westcliffe, CO, our store provides convenience and expert customer service. Our inventory includes:

• Heavy Equipment: Excavators, skid steers, and compaction tools for construction and landscaping.
• Lawn and Garden: Aerators, tillers, and trimmers for yard maintenance.
• Ladders and Scaffolding: Boom lifts and scissor lifts options for safe access to elevated work areas.
• Concrete and Plumbing Tools: Mixers, breaker hammers, and augers for specialized tasks.
• Party Rentals: Tents, tables, chairs, and bounce houses for events.

Choosing Valley Ace Hardware for your rental needs means access to reliable equipment, backed by our staff who will guide you to the right tool for your project.

Safety Precautions for Rental Equipment

Proper use and understanding safety procedures is critical to protect yourself, others, and the tools. Here are essential safety tips to follow:

1. Trust Our Rigorous Inspection Process

• Pre-Use Inspection: We inspect all our equipment thoroughly before it leaves our store, checking for wear, loose parts, or damage. We also hold equipment for 24 hours after each rental for a detailed re-inspection to guarantee it’s in top condition before sending it back out.
• Verify Functionality: You can test power tools briefly (e.g., turn on a drill) with our staff to confirm they work properly. For heavy equipment like excavators, we’ll guide you through checking hydraulic systems and controls.

2. Understand Safety Features and Operation

• Know the Equipment: Make sure you understand the safety features and how to operate the equipment. For complex tools like compactors or concrete mixers, our staff will instruct you on the safety features like interlock switches or emergency stops to ensure safe use.
• Ask for Demonstrations: If you’re unfamiliar with any equipment let our staff know and we will show you proper handling procedures.

3. Wear Proper Protective Gear

• Essentials: Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toe boots when operating heavy equipment or power tools like chainsaws or hammer drills. For dusty tasks (e.g., concrete mixing), use a dust mask or respirator.
• Specific Needs: Use ear protection for loud tools like compactors (up to 656 blows/min) and non-slip shoes on scaffolding or ladders to prevent falls.
• Tip: Keep a dedicated “safety kit” with gear in your vehicle for every rental project to ensure you’re always prepared.

4. Operate in a Safe Environment

• Clear the Area: Remove obstacles, debris, or bystanders (especially children) from the work zone, particularly for heavy machinery like skid steers.
• Stable Ground: Ensure equipment like excavators or scaffolding is on level, firm ground to prevent tipping. For earth work, call 811 before you dig.
• Mark your work area with cones or tape to keep others at a safe distance, especially for logging or trenching tasks.

5. Follow Proper Operating Techniques

• Power Tools: Follow tool guidelines for all equipment.
• Heavy Equipment: Operate skid steers or lifts at low speeds until you’re comfortable, and never exceed the rated capacity (e.g., 1,000 lb for the Bobcat MT100).
• Please practice in an open area before starting the main task to get a feel for the equipment’s controls.

6. Maintain and Return Clean

• Regular Checks: For long rentals, inspect equipment daily for loose bolts or leaks. Report issues to us immediately to avoid full rental charges for damaged tools. Long rentals 2 weeks or longer, will require service call with Valley Ace to verify the state of the equipment.
• Cleaning: Return equipment clean to avoid a cleaning fee. 
• Use a portable pressure washer (available for rent) or garden hose to quickly clean equipment before return, saving time and fees.

Best Uses for Valley Ace Hardware Rentals

To maximize your rental, choose the right equipment and use it efficiently. Here’s how to make the most of our offerings:

Plan Your Project

• Match Equipment to Task: Select specific tools for your needs—e.g., a vibrating plate compactor for small landscaping jobs.
• Reserve in Advance: Call (719) 783-9054 to reserve high-demand items like skid steers, especially during peak seasons. We do require payment to hold reservations.
• Trick: Create a project timeline and rent for the exact duration (5 hours, daily, or weekly) to avoid extra costs.
• We offer rental delivery and pick-up to and from your job site!

Leverage Our Expertise

• Ask Questions: Our knowledgeable staff can recommend tools (e.g., a specific compactor for your soil type) and explain features.
• Get Accessories: Rent or buy accessories like drill bits or cut-off blades, as these are often extra. Check with our staff for compatibility.
• If unsure about a tool’s suitability, describe your project in detail to our staff for tailored recommendations.

Conclusion

Our Rental Center at Valley Ace Hardware is your go-to for high-quality equipment, whether you’re digging a foundation, installing plumbing, or throwing a party. By following safety precautions—trusting our inspections, following proper operating procedures, and understanding safety features—you’ll protect yourself and ensure a smooth project. Plan ahead, choose the right equipment, and use these tips to work efficiently. Visit us at 1 Enterprise Drive, Westcliffe, CO, or call (719) 783-9054 to explore our full rental catalog and get expert advice. We have the equipment you need and can answer any questions to make your next DIY or event a success!

Tips and Tricks for Choosing and Using Wood in Your Next DIY Project

Choosing the right wood for your DIY project can make or break the outcome. Select Structural, Douglas Fir, Hem Fir, pressure-treated, engineered, pine, and cedar each have unique strengths, and knowing how to work with them is key. This guide focuses on practical tips and tricks to help DIYers maximize these woods for stunning, durable results, with a brief overview of each type.

Quick Overview of Wood Types

• Hem Fir: A softwood blend of Western Hemlock and true fir, great for indoor framing and shelving but prone to rot outdoors unless treated.

• Pressure Treated: Chemically treated pine or fir, ideal for outdoor projects like deck framing and fences due to its resistance to moisture and insects.

• Engineered Wood: Products like plywood, MDF, OSB, or LVL, offering stability for furniture, sheathing, or beams but varying in moisture resistance.

• Pine: A versatile softwood with a rustic look, perfect for indoor furniture and trim but soft and not naturally durable outdoors.

• Cedar: Aromatic, rot-resistant softwood with a beautiful grain, excellent for outdoor siding, furniture, or indoor accents.

• Select Structural Lumber: A premium grade of dimensional lumber known for its strength, straightness, and minimal defects. Ideal for exposed framing, load-bearing structures, and any project that demands both performance and visual appeal.

• Douglas Fir (Doug Fir): A durable, strong softwood often used in framing, beams, and finish work. Known for its stability, straight grain, and ability to take stain well, Doug Fir bridges the gap between structural integrity and good looks.

Tips and Tricks for Working with These Woods

1. Match Wood to Your Project’s Environment

• Outdoor Builds: Use cedar for its natural rot resistance and stunning appearance in projects like pergolas or garden benches. Pressure treated wood is your go-to for deck framing or fences exposed to rain or soil, but avoid it for indoor furniture due to chemical off-gassing.
  Douglas Fir is a solid choice for outdoor structures if sealed properly—it’s naturally strong and holds up well under load, especially in pergolas or porch posts.

• Indoor Projects: Pine shines for rustic tables or shelves, as it’s easy to stain or paint. Hem Fir works well for hidden framing or budget-friendly shelving. Engineered wood like MDF is perfect for painted cabinetry or smooth trim, while plywood suits sturdy furniture.
  Select Structural Lumber is ideal when you want your framing to look as good as it performs—think exposed beams in vaulted ceilings or decorative trusses.

Trick: For mixed environments (e.g., a porch table), seal pine or Hem Fir with marine-grade varnish to mimic cedar’s durability, but test on a scrap piece first to ensure the finish doesn’t yellow. For Douglas Fir, use a penetrating oil-based sealant to enhance grain and guard against moisture.

2. Master Finishing for Each Wood

• Cedar: Leave it natural to showcase its grain, or apply a UV-protective sealant to preserve its reddish hue outdoors. Avoid heavy paints, as they mask its beauty.

• Pine: Sand thoroughly to prevent knot resin from bleeding through paint or stain. Use a pre-stain conditioner to avoid blotchiness, especially with lighter stains.

• Hem Fir: Stain or paint to enhance its plain grain, but check for knots that may need sealing with shellac to prevent sap leaks.

• Pressure Treated: Let it dry for 1–2 months before staining or painting, as it’s often wet from treatment. Use oil-based stains for better adhesion.

• Engineered Wood: Seal plywood edges to prevent delamination. For MDF, use a primer to avoid swelling, and sand between coats for a glass-smooth finish.

• Douglas Fir: Sand evenly and consider a conditioner to reduce blotchiness before staining. It absorbs stain well and looks rich with a clear finish.

• Select Structural Lumber: Choose a stain or clear finish that enhances its natural grain and clean appearance. Prepping with a light sanding will reduce any surface inconsistencies caused by handling or mill marks.

Trick: Test finishes on offcuts, as pine and cedar absorb stains unevenly. Label your test pieces to track drying times and color outcomes. Do the same with Douglas Fir, especially if you’re aiming for a high-end furniture finish.

3. Prevent Common Issues

• Warping and Cracking: Pressure treated wood and pine can warp if stored improperly. Stack boards flat with spacers in a dry, ventilated area. For engineered wood like OSB, keep it dry pre-installation to avoid swelling.
  Douglas Fir, especially in dimensional sizes, is less prone to warping if stored correctly—keep it out of direct sunlight and allow airflow around the stack.

• Splitting: Pre-drill cedar and Hem Fir to prevent splitting near edges, especially with screws. Use a countersink bit for a polished look.
  Select Structural Lumber is dense and strong—pre-drill holes to avoid splitting, especially near ends or edges.

• Dents: Pine and cedar are soft and dent easily. Handle with care and consider hardwood alternatives for high-traffic projects like flooring.
  Douglas Fir is denser and more impact-resistant, making it a good upgrade for areas needing durability.

Trick: For pressure treated wood, use corrosion-resistant fasteners (galvanized or stainless steel) to avoid rust from chemical reactions. Store engineered wood sheets vertically to prevent bowing. With Select Structural Lumber, mark with painter’s tape to avoid marring the surface before cutting.

4. Enhance Aesthetics

• Rustic Charm: Embrace pine’s knots for a farmhouse-style table or shelf. Sand lightly and use a clear coat to highlight natural imperfections.

• Modern Look: Use MDF or plywood for sleek, painted furniture. Cut edges cleanly with a fresh blade to avoid splintering, and tape edges before cutting for precision.

• Natural Beauty: Highlight cedar’s grain with a transparent sealant for outdoor furniture. For Hem Fir, consider whitewashing for a Scandinavian vibe.
  Douglas Fir can be used for a clean, contemporary look or a warm, traditional one depending on finish.
  Select Structural Lumber, especially in exposed ceiling beams or stair stringers, adds architectural flair without sacrificing strength.

Trick: Mix wood types strategically—use cedar for exposed outdoor surfaces and pressure treated for structural supports to balance beauty and durability. For indoor builds, frame with Douglas Fir and showcase Select Structural pieces where visible.

5. Work Safely and Efficiently

• Pressure Treated: Wear a mask and gloves when cutting to avoid inhaling or touching chemical residues. Work in a well-ventilated area.

• Engineered Wood: Use a dust collector when cutting MDF or OSB, as they produce fine, irritating dust. A carbide-tipped blade reduces tear-out on plywood.

• Pine and Hem Fir: Watch for knots that can dull blades or cause kickback. Secure boards firmly before cutting.

• Cedar: Its aroma is pleasant but can irritate eyes when sanding. Wear safety glasses and work outdoors if possible.

• Douglas Fir: Its density can lead to blade dulling—keep blades sharp and secure boards well.

• Select Structural Lumber: Typically kiln-dried and well-surfaced, but still handle with care due to its weight and density. Lift properly and clamp securely when cutting or routing.

Trick: Mark boards with chalk instead of pencil on cedar or pine, as graphite can smear and show through light finishes. Use painter’s tape on Douglas Fir and Select Structural boards to reduce tear-out and protect the face grain.

6. Tool and Technique Hacks

• Cutting: Use a fine-tooth blade for cedar and plywood to avoid splintering. Score MDF with a utility knife before cutting to reduce edge chipping.
  Douglas Fir benefits from a crosscut blade when finishing trim or furniture-grade pieces.

• Fastening: For pine and Hem Fir, use wood glue with screws for stronger joints, but wipe excess glue immediately to avoid staining.
  Select Structural and Douglas Fir may require stronger fasteners due to their density—go with longer screws and consider wood glue for permanent joints.

• Sanding: Start with 120-grit sandpaper for pine and cedar, progressing to 220-grit for a smooth finish. MDF requires minimal sanding if primed properly.
  Douglas Fir sands beautifully, but start at 100 grit to smooth out grain patterns.
  Select Structural should be spot-sanded only as needed—too much sanding can ruin its straight-edge precision.

Trick: For pressure treated or OSB, tape measure marks with painter’s tape to keep them visible on rough surfaces during cutting. With Douglas Fir, always check for grain direction—it planes and finishes more cleanly along the grain.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

Whether you’re building a deck, crafting furniture, or framing a shed, Valley Ace Hardware has all the materials you’ll need to bring your DIY vision to life. From cedar to engineered wood to Douglas Fir and Select Structural Lumber, their extensive selection ensures you’ll find the perfect match for your project. Plus, their knowledgeable staff is ready to answer your questions and guide you through every step, making your next build a success. Visit Valley Ace Hardware today and start creating!