- Emrich Home Improvement
- Brad Emrich, owner and sole operator of Emrich Home Improvement (Lic. #860546), is "The Arbor Guy". Each project is built from the ground up with special attention to the details. All projects are unique and constructed entirely of wood, no kits, no aluminum, no vinyl. Quality and satisfaction are the goals. If you have any questions you can e-mail me at brademrich@gmail.com or call (805)239-4516.
No Ordinary Post Bases
These bases are constructed of 3/16" thick 2 1/2"x 2 1/2" steel angle, cut, drilled and primed with Industrial Marine Primer. The brackets are set in a very generous concrete footing with #4 rebar reinforcements. Posts are secured with eight 1/2"x 2" lags and PL400 Premium Weatherproof Construction Adhesive. This is an extremely secure way to set posts above grade adding years of life to the project.
Hardware
Here's some hardware being primed and painted. A typical installation includes: 1/2"x 8" Lags, 5/8"x 6" Lags, 1/2"x 2" Lags, 6" Timber Screws, 5/8" Malleable Washers, 3/16"x 2 1/2" Steel Angle (post bases), etc. Use Rustoleum Dk. Bronze Metallic Spray paint for bolts and mall washers.
No "Toe-Nailing" Allowed
Most lattice is tacked down by toe-nailing the piece on each side. All my lattice is secured with 6"+ Timber Screws. These are driven down through the top of the lattice and counter sunk. The counter sink is then filled with 50 yr. Premium Elastomeric Caulk to seal out the weather. The timber screw helps keep the lattice upright and resist twisting.
A Pile of Gold, Red Gold That is.
This is an example of a typical stack of Redwood as I recieve it. Time to unpack it, air dry it a while, spread it out on saw horses, and start staining the first of two coats before construction even begins. All cuts and routering are then done and touched up. Any blemishes and scuffs from transport and construction are touched up at the end of the project.
Often Under Estimated
Staining is often under estimated both in importance and in the amount of labor involved. Plan on spending 40+ hours "riding the roller" on an average project. Proper staining is possibly the most critical of all steps and is not to be taken lightly. A minimum of two coats of quality stain should be applied. I recommend using a solid color stain which offers additional UV protection from the sun. Stain should always be hand rolled to force the stain into the rough surfaces of the wood.
A Peek Behind The Scenes
Here is a batch of 5/8" Malleable washers getting a bath. These washers are a nice touch to any project. If they are simply bolted on as is, they and the surrounding woodwork will be covered in rust and stains in no time. These malleable washers are getting degreased, rinsed, blown off, and sun dried before being given two coats of Rustoleum Dark Bronze Metallic spray paint on each side.
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