Instructions / Assembly

I:\Controlled Documents\Work Instructions - Office\Shipping, Packaging Docs & Labels\OT0056 - Gate Care and
Maintenance.doc
Gate Care & Maintenance
Thank you for choosing us for your new gate. You have chosen one of the finest cedar gates available and we hope
that you enjoy it for many years to come.
The Wood – Western Red Cedar
Your gate is constructed from Western Red Cedar, which is a superior outdoor wood. Cedar is well reputed for its
resistance to rotting and insects. We use only kiln-dried lumber, which promotes dimensional stability. The grade of cedar is
one of the highest you can specify and is considered a ‘clear’ grade, which means there are little to no knots within the boards.
Protecting Your Gate
Protect your gate by treating the surface with a quality, protective wood sealer suitable for cedar. If you purchased
your gate unfinished, you can go to our website for recommended finishes, or consult with a local paint store or home
improvement store. Typical wood weathering characteristics will be evident over time and contributes to the character of your
gate, sealing the gate will prevent water absorption, excessive drying, and discoloration. If the moisture level of the wood is
allowed to significantly change, excessive dimensional changes and/or warping can occur. Note: Some dimensional variation is
expected during weather changes.
If you are applying multiple finishes (for example a clear coat over a stain product), be sure to check with the
manufacturer or retailer for compatibility between the two materials. Some coastal areas are known to have high salt content
in the air which can expedite the deterioration of the finish surface.
Maintaining Your Gate
Outdoor wood finishes will deteriorate over time. We recommend reviewing surfaces for condition. One way to
check the finish is to see if water beads on the surface, rather than absorbing into the wood.
If there are areas that seem to be more exposed than others, proactive attention to these areas will increase longevity
of the gate. Areas that may need special attention are areas that receive a lot of sun exposure, the end of the vertical frame
pieces where water can most easily absorb, and the pockets created where the panels enter the frame.
About Our Warranty
With proper protection, your gate will last for many years to come. Our One year warranty is intended to cover
manufacturing defects such as joint separation. Typical wood aging characteristics are not covered under this warranty, such
as end checking and minor expansion/contraction with seasonal changes. See our website for additional information.
Failure to provide preventative maintenance of the wood, including sealing the surface of the wood to prevent excess
moisture absorption and/or excessive drying, will void the one year warranty. Problems that occur as a result of faulty
installation (ex. Failure to use ‘stops’ – included with every gate shipment) will also void the warranty. Although the gate is
made from dimensionally stable kiln-dried Western Red Cedar, some movement of the wood should be expected and is not
considered a manufacturing defect.