Siding is a crucially important component of any home or building. After working so hard to build the internal structure and then insulating and sheathing it properly, siding will be the final step to protect the home from the exterior elements. Like most aspects of a building, siding has traditionally been composed of wood in various forms. While wood is a great option, modern materials have been created to reduce costs, limit maintenance and extend longevity.  Let’s take a look at some of the modern options for home siding, along with their pros and cons. Which siding material offers the best aesthetics and functional value? Keep reading to find out. (more…)

If we all learned anything from the 2+ years of lockdowns, it’s the value of outdoor space. Pandemic life brought forth a new appreciation for our decks, patios and screened in porches, and that appreciation is here to stay.  Decking especially has gained fresh momentum as homeowners across the country have embraced different materials, colors and accessories to make the most of their properties. (more…)

Your neighbors’ first impressions of your home are made within a matter of seconds. From landscaping to exterior decor, these details tell a story about your home to everyone who sees it. While small details help to elevate your home’s exterior design, a major factor to consider is siding — it’s the biggest and most obvious feature people notice about a home. (more…)

There’s More Than Meets The Eye With Tropical Hardwoods. As a lifelong lumberman, I’m accustomed to a world of relative certainty: grades are well defined, producers play by an accepted set of rules, and you can reasonably expect to receive a product that matches what you think you bought, at the price you paid. (more…)

Taking on a significant new building project can be stressful, time consuming, and hard to navigate. As a homeowner, you’re faced with a lot of decisions, many with significant cost or performance impacts…and most of these are decisions you’re making for the first time, regarding products, finishes and installations you’re not expert in. It’s enough to drive you to drink! (more…)

These are turbulent times for anyone in the Western Red Cedar business, and uncharted supply waters for consumers considering using this famed wood species for projects in their homes. To share a better understanding of the market dynamics, we interviewed Brent Stuart. (more…)

The world has gone mad. It wasn’t long ago that selling any Russin product for above $10,000 per thousand board feet was laughable – we take orders at that pricing every day. Demand is outstripping supply on nearly every product we offer. Ocean freight costs are through the roof. 

Choosing the right decking material can mean the difference between long summers of relaxation and a high-maintenance regret. Whether you’re choosing a material for your own home or recommending a material to a customer, many of the same needs apply: you need a decking material that will stay sturdy and durable for a long time, require minimal maintenance, and still look beautiful year after year. There are a number of composite decking materials on the market. So what makes Deckorators the right choice for your next decking project? (more…)

We frequently get inquiries from customers requesting all long-length boards. Sometimes we can do this, but in some products, it can be more challenging and we may push back. Why do we do this? Is it just because we’re mean? (more…)

Every Summit Rainscreen Systems product is custom-oiled by Russin Factory Finishing. With semi transparent stains, clear coats, and opaque finishing options- we coat dozens of other wood cladding products at Russin, too. But why is this a necessary step? (more…)