As the leaves change and temperatures start to dip, October is the perfect month to finish those last outdoor projects around your Omaha home. Once the first frost arrives, digging, staining, and outdoor building all become tougher tasks. Completing a few maintenance and prep projects now will keep your property in great shape through Nebraska’s cold winter months.
Here are six outdoor projects to complete before the frost sets in — and how Builders Supply can help you get them done.
1. Repair or Refinish Your Deck
Omaha winters can be tough on wood decks. Snow, ice, and temperature swings can cause boards to warp or crack. Take time in early fall to inspect your deck for loose nails, soft spots, or rot. Replace damaged boards and apply a weather-resistant stain or sealant to protect the wood through winter.
Tip: Builders Supply carries a wide selection of treated lumber, deck stains, and fasteners to make repairs easy and long-lasting.
2. Fix or Build Fences
Cold weather and frost can shift soil and damage weak fence posts. If you’ve noticed leaning sections or loose boards, now’s the time to repair or rebuild. October’s mild temperatures make it ideal for digging and setting posts before the ground freezes.
Builders Supply offers quality fencing materials — from cedar and treated pine to hardware and concrete mix — to help you finish the job right.
3. Build or Upgrade Firewood Storage
Nothing beats a cozy fire on a cold Omaha night. Make sure your firewood is stored properly so it stays dry and ready to burn. Build a simple firewood rack using pressure-treated lumber or cedar for durability.
Keep wood elevated off the ground and covered on top, but allow airflow from the sides to prevent mold and rot.
4. Inspect and Repair Outbuildings
Before winter hits, take a walk around your property and check sheds, pergolas, and other outdoor structures for damage. Look for warped boards, missing trim, or leaks. Small repairs now prevent costly damage later when moisture freezes and expands.
If you’ve been planning to build a new shed or lean-to, October is your best window to start construction before cold weather sets in.
5. Clean and Protect Outdoor Furniture
Before the frost arrives, clean your outdoor furniture and let it dry completely. Apply wood oil or sealant if needed, then move pieces into storage or cover them securely. This simple step can extend the life of your furniture and protect your investment.
6. Plan Ahead for Spring Projects
As you wrap up fall work, take note of materials you might need for spring builds — such as decking, fencing, or landscaping lumber. Builders Supply can help you plan ahead, so when the snow melts, you’re ready to start your next project without delay.
Ask about our winter delivery options and material storage solutions.
Get Ready for Winter with Builders Supply
Completing a few outdoor projects now will make a big difference once Omaha’s first frost hits. Whether you’re repairing a fence, building a firewood rack, or sealing your deck, Builders Supply has the lumber, tools, and expertise you need.
Stop by our Omaha location or give us a call — our team is always happy to help you find the right materials for your next project.
