RMFP FAQs

  • Fabrication has a lot of meanings depending on what type of materials you are working with. In this case, it is when you use raw materials to produce an end product. For example, the process when you take a granite slab, in raw form, and cut and form it into a countertop, kitchen room table, bathroom shower, or any other project is called fabrication. Also, fabrication takes special equipment and a regular homeowner will have to work with a fabricator to transport and install our granite in their homes.

  • No problem. Whether you need 10 boards or 10,000, we are happy to help. Before you just replace one bad section in your fence, give us a call and speak to one of our fencing specialists. They will help you determine how many pickets you need and help match our current stock with the type and style you currently have!

  • Douglas Fir
    Douglas Fir is a very popular choice in the Colorado market. Douglas Fir provides an exceptional structural strength and a clear Douglas Fir is known for its beautiful appearance. Structural timbers will be knotty and graded for structural uses and are available in Rough Sawn or Smooth Sawn.

    Western Red Cedar
    Western Red Cedar timbers are a highly sought-after timber for outdoor projects since Cedar timbers are naturally resistant to rot and decay. Western Red Cedar timbers come in a clear or knotty appearance grade with the ability to weather to a silver-grade appearance if left untreated.

    Eastern Hemlock
    Eastern Hemlock timbers come from trees in New Hampshire and are milled to order. Eastern Hemlock is strong and durable enough for any project. Hemlock Timbers provide homeowners a great value for their projects while providing a unique look compared to Douglas Fir or Western Red Cedar.

  • There are many options outside of the conventional wood timber that you can choose from; Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL), Glued Laminated Timber (Glulams), and Parallel Strand Lumber (PSL).

    LVL is most commonly used for support beams in an interior project, and while LVL is strong it is still an economical choice for a non-appearance grade.

    Glulams are best described by taking dimensional boards (2x’s) and stacking and gluing them together to engineer a beam for your projects. While this type of beam is an attractive alternative, we still recommend a traditional Douglas Fir beam over Glulams.

    PSL is made up of long veneer strands laid in a parallel formation that is bonded together with an adhesive to engineer a beam for consumers. While this type of beam is strong, it must be covered since it is not engineered for appearance or exterior purposes.

    If you still have questions and want to learn more, give us a call to learn more about timbers and beams and their alternatives!

  • Not if you keep a few simple tricks in mind… Pre-drilling holes for the screws can help to prevent splitting the wood. You may also want to consider using a wax sealer that will help prevent the ends of the boards from cracking. The other big thing is up to us: making sure the lumber is kiln-dried before being sold. Kiln drying is the removal of excess moisture from the wood in a dry kiln; this process creates decking that is more stable with less risk of twisting, crooking, or warping.

  • Yes, it does. Both species are extremely dense with life expectancies in the decades. Both are more durable than traditional wood species like Cedar, Pine, or Redwood. They can withstand the punishment of patio furniture, pets, and barbecues better than softwood because they are denser. Champagne Ipe also performs very well outside. If left untreated, it will fade to a silvery-gray color as it oxidizes. The alternative would be to use a coat of oil-based stains like Penofin or SuperDeck to help maintain the natural beauty of the lumber.

  • Fijian Mahogany is more durable than traditional softwood species such as Cedar or Redwood. It will take the wear and tear of patio furniture and pets better than softwood because it is denser. Mahogany also holds up extremely well outside. If it is left untreated it will patina to a silvery-gray color as it oxidizes. On the other hand, a coat of oil-based stains like SuperDeck or Penofin can help maintain the natural beauty of the material.

  • Tigerwood is an excellent choice for a deck! Its natural durability and beauty allow you to create the look of a hardwood floor that extends out from your house, right onto the deck. While there are composite deck materials that try to mimic the amazing look of Tigerwood, nothing can beat the original.

  • 3-Step Installation Process:

    Step 1: Install First Board
    After the first board is installed, lay an inverted deck board in the proper location. Then with the spacer tabs facing downward, attach the fasteners with a 3/4″ screw to the deck board directly over the joists along Edge 1 (which is the closest to the 1st board). Finally, attach the second fastener to the deck board with a 3/4″ screw along Edge 2 (refer to video or download a full guide here) 1″ off to the side of the joist.

    Step 2: Flip Deck Board
    Once the fasteners are attached to the deck board, flip the deck board back over. Then position the board so the fasteners can slide beneath the lead edge of the previous board.

    Step 3: Fasten to Joists
    Confirm you have the right spacing for the boards and then screw down the fasteners with a 1 1/2″ joist screw to securely fasten the board to the joist. Then repeat until your deck is installed.

    Watch video here!

  • Rough Sawn, RS, means that the timber will be rough on all four sides and measure to the full measurement of the timber. For example, an 8x8x8 will measure approximately 8 inches by 8 inches for a true 8x8x8.

    Smooth Sawn, S4S (smooth on four sides), is a timber that has been milled on four sides to provide a smooth surface for the end consumer. Plus, an 8x8x8 timber would be a nominal size of 7 ½ inches by 7 ½ inches compared to the Rough Sawn.

  • Yes, we can help you with your HOA regulations. Rocky Mountain Forest Products started out selling fencing door-to-door and has been working with HOA regulations for over 40 years. Unlike the Big Box Stores, we have the knowledgeable staff to ensure that you meet every code in your HOA guidelines. Plus, if you need help with the actual installation we can help connect you with a fence contractor that works on HOA fence installations.

  • Here is a basic 5-step process for installing a fence:

    Step 1: Determine Spacing for Fence Posts
    Typically, fence posts are spaced about eight feet apart. The corner posts are always set first. Then, stretch a line from each corner post to work as your guide. Mark the exact position where you’d like each post hole dug.

    Step 2: Prepare Holes and Posts
    When setting the fence posts, make sure about 2 feet of each post is buried in the ground. This helps the posts endure heavy weight and high winds.

    Step 3: Set Posts
    Place two to three shovel scoops of gravel at the bottom of each post hole before placing the post into position. Use a level to make sure the post is plumb. After the posts are properly aligned, brace each post with stakes.

    Step 4: Attach Rails to Fence Posts
    Install a bottom and top rail to attach to the fence posts. A “butt joint” is a basic wood joint where the ends of the rails are aligned, placed together, and then secured. Be sure to measure that the top and bottom rails are perfectly aligned.

    Step 5: Install Fence Boards
    Use a plumb level to ensure the board is vertical and nail it into place. At another fence post corner, fix another board into place. Place a string line to the top of both boards. Place another board against the first board. Nail it into place and repeat this action until all boards are installed.

  • Rocky Mountain Forest Products does not install any fences. However, we do work with an ever-growing number of contractors each year. We worked with over 2,500 contractors last year alone. Find the right contractor for your next project here on our vast online network of reliable contractors

  • Here at Rocky Mountain Forest Products, our number one seller is a Cedar Picket fence with cedar rails and posts. Cedar will overall last longer than pine and provide you with a better-looking fence for the cost. We offer the largest selection of cedar fencing in the state. This allows us to meet any budget or quality needs.

  • Our prices are lower than everyone else for three main reasons. We have personal relationships with quarries all across the globe so that we can buy our slabs directly and cut out the middleman. Since we only handle selling the slab and not the fabrication process, we can lower our prices to give you the best value on the market. Since we also sell lumber and import and ship thousands of pounds of lumber every year, we can lower our costs on shipping, allowing us to pass the savings on to you.

  • Granite comes in five (5) grades with exotic being the top (premium) grade or grades C through E. Exotic in terms of granite means that the granite slab has semi-precious onyx and extensive patterns and color variations. Each grade does not mean, like Grade A, is less stable, but more dependent on the colors and design with the availability of that pattern. For example, Grade A is the most common and most plain-looking granite a homeowner can buy, thus making it the less expensive type of granite to purchase. To fully understand the different types of grades, you can stop by our slab yard and see the difference firsthand!