Ybor City is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic architecture. For homeowners in this historic district, preserving the unique character of their homes is a top priority. A critical part of that preservation is caring for your home's original, historic windows. Instead of replacing them, restoring your windows maintains the architectural integrity of your home while improving energy efficiency and functionality. Why Restoration is the Best Option Historic windows were often built from high-quality, old-growth wood that is far more durable than the wood used in modern windows. They were designed to be repaired, not replaced. By choosing to restore, you: Maintain Architectural Authenticity: Keep the original glass, hardware, and wood that are essential to your home's historic value. Improve Efficiency: A properly restored and weather-stripped window can be just as energy-efficient as a modern replacement, without sacrificing its unique character. Support Sustainability: Restoration is an eco-friendly choice that reduces landfill waste and the consumption of new materials. The Restoration Process Restoring a historic window is a meticulous process that requires patience and the right materials. Here's a general overview of the steps involved: Careful Removal: The window sash is carefully removed from the frame to begin the restoration process. Paint and Glaze Removal: Old, peeling paint and glazing are meticulously removed using heat guns, scrapers, and a lot of elbow grease. Wood Repair and Reinforcement: Any rotted or damaged wood is repaired or replaced. Sanding and Priming: The wood is sanded smooth and then primed to protect it from the elements. New Glazing and Glass: New glass is installed, and a new layer of glazing is applied to seal the panes and prevent water from seeping in. Painting and Reinstallation: The window is painted with a high-quality, exterior-grade paint, and then reinstalled. Why You Need North Rome Lumber Restoring historic windows requires specific materials and expert advice. At North Rome Lumber, we are your trusted partner in this process. We provide: High-Quality Wood: We supply specialty lumber that can be used to repair or replace damaged sashes and frames. Primers and Sealants: We have the right primers, glazes, and sealants to ensure your restoration is durable and long-lasting. Expert Advice: Our knowledgeable team can guide you on the best materials and techniques for your specific project. Don't let the thought of restoration intimidate you. Preserving the beauty and history of your Ybor City home is a rewarding project that adds value and character. Visit us at North Rome Lumber to get all the materials you need to restore your historic windows and keep Ybor City's charm alive for generations to come.

As the scorching Tampa Bay summer gives way to the breezy, beautiful days of fall, there's no better time to upgrade your outdoor living space. The milder temperatures make it a perfect season for tackling those projects you've been putting off. At North Rome Lumber, we believe a well-designed backyard can be an extension of your home, and nothing achieves this better than a custom-built pergola. Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Build Building a new structure like a pergola in the fall has a few key advantages for local homeowners: Comfortable Working Conditions: Leave the intense summer heat behind. The cooler, less humid weather makes outdoor construction work far more pleasant and efficient. Ready for the Holidays: By starting now, your new outdoor space will be ready just in time for hosting Thanksgiving dinner, holiday parties, or simply enjoying cozy evenings with family and friends. Maximize Your Time Outdoors: Fall and winter are arguably the best seasons to spend time outdoors in Florida. A pergola provides a defined, elegant space to enjoy the pleasant weather. Materials That Make a Difference A pergola is more than just a roof with open sides; it's a statement piece that requires the right materials to last. At North Rome Lumber, we have everything you need to build a structure that is both beautiful and incredibly strong. 1. Specialty Lumber: The Heart of Your Pergola Leave basic lumber behind. Selecting a specialty wood for your pergola adds a level of sophistication and durability that will make your project stand out. Exotic Hardwoods: Consider woods like Ipe or Mahogany for their natural beauty, rich colors, and superior resistance to insects and decay. They're perfect for withstanding Florida's unique climate. Live Edge Slabs : For a truly rustic and one-of-a-kind look, use a live edge slab for a unique bar top or a feature bench. 2. Simpson Strong-Tie Connectors: Built to Last, Designed to Impress The secret to a structurally sound and visually stunning pergola lies in its hardware. We are proud to be an approved vendor for the Simpson Strong-Tie Outdoor Accents Collection —specifically the modern Avant and classic Mission series. Strength & Durability: These heavy-duty steel connectors and fasteners are engineered for load-bearing applications, ensuring your pergola is solid and secure. The black powder-coat finish resists rust and corrosion, even in salty air. Effortless Style: The hardware is designed to be seen. The sleek lines of the Avant Collection create a minimalist feel, while the decorative flair of the Mission Collection adds a touch of charm. These connectors eliminate the need for complex, time-consuming notching, saving you time and preserving the integrity of your wood. 3. Composite Decking: The Perfect Foundation If your pergola is the centerpiece, a new composite deck can be the perfect stage. Its low-maintenance, splinter-free surface and variety of colors and textures provide a beautiful, durable foundation for your new outdoor living space. Your Partner in the Process Building a pergola is a rewarding project, and you don't have to do it alone. At North Rome Lumber, we provide more than just materials. Our team offers expert advice, helping you choose the right specialty lumber and the perfect Simpson Strong-Tie connectors to bring your vision to life. Visit us today to get started on your fall project. We're ready to help you create an outdoor space that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.

Ready to take your outdoor project from functional to fabulous? For homeowners in Tampa Bay, creating beautiful and durable outdoor spaces is a top priority. At North Rome Lumber, we’re proud to be an approved vendor for the Simpson Strong-Tie Outdoor Accents Mission Collection , a line of connectors and fasteners that combines superior strength with stunning design. This isn't just about building—it's about crafting a masterpiece that will stand the test of time and turn heads for all the right reasons. Why the Mission Collection is a Game-Changer for Your Build Gone are the days of choosing between structural integrity and style. The Mission Collection combines the best of both worlds, offering a distinctive blend of heavy-duty performance and sleek, decorative appeal. Exceptional Strength and Durability: These aren't your average fasteners. The Mission Collection is engineered with high-quality steel and a black powder-coat finish that provides excellent corrosion resistance, perfect for handling Tampa's humidity and coastal air. You get the peace of mind that your deck, pergola, or patio cover is built to be both beautiful and incredibly strong. Effortless Style: The bold, black look and clean lines of the Mission Collection's hardware add a touch of modern, industrial elegance. These connectors and fasteners are designed to be seen, instantly upgrading the visual appeal of your project and creating a professional, finished look without the need for intricate or complex joinery. Simple, No-Notch Installation: One of the biggest advantages for builders and DIYers alike is the ease of installation. This hardware allows you to make strong connections without cutting complex notches into your lumber. This not only saves you time and effort but also helps to preserve the strength of your wood beams and posts, resulting in a more reliable and secure structure.