Now that you have created your dream outdoor living space with a Clearview® Railing System, it would seem silly not to be able to enjoy it throughout the year from spring to winter. Outdoor heaters are available in a variety of sizes and styles, using different fuels, across a wide range of budgets. One of them is sure to fit your particular needs. They safely and efficiently turn cold nights into cozy evenings, perfect for you and your family to get together and relax.

Portable Heaters – Full-sized outdoor heating units without a fixed fuel line. These outdoor heating units are moveable and provide up to a 20 foot warmth diameter. If flexibility is what you need, a portable heater can be moved to wherever more warmth is desired. Most are designed with a compartment for their propane fuel tanks and can easily be moved with added wheels or simply rolling on their base to the needed location.

Tabletop Heaters – Compact, portable, and typically inexpensive Portable Tabletop Outdoor Heaters are the perfect option for providing warmth over a small circle. Many are designed with bases that house fuel tanks. Keep in mind that Table Top Heaters cover a much smaller area of space up to a 6-7 foot circle in non windy conditions.

Strip Heaters (Ceiling/Wall Mount) – Looking to keep your space uncluttered? Consider a ceiling/wall mount strip heater model. These outdoor heaters are designed to be permanently installed out of the reach of children and pets. Ceiling mount strip heaters are available in propane, natural gas and electric models.
Along with their standard use in heating specific outdoor areas, strip heaters are an excellent solution for garages and greenhouses, or anywhere they can be tucked under a balcony or awning to provide inconspicuous warmth and comfort.

Chimineas – A chiminea is a cross between a small chimney and a fire pit. Popular because of their aesthetic appeal and simple design, chimineas fit in almost every price range. On the low end, you can find relatively inexpensive chimineas that will provide a nice amount of heat for a reasonable price; on the high end, some cedar deck owners have constructed much larger chimineas that double as fireplaces built into the deck.

Fire pits – If you love a good campfire, you may want to consider a fire pit. They come in many different styles and sizes, and can be either installed into the surface of your deck or be portable. You can also choose between a traditional wood-burning or gas-fueled fire pit.

Remember to put safety first!

• After buying an outdoor heater, it is highly necessary to thoroughly go through the user manual. Reading this manual will help you to comprehend the features and proper uses of the device.
• Use deck tiles or a fireproof pad if you have a fire pit or chiminea, and place at least 10 feet away from your home. Always keep an extinguisher nearby.
• If you have friends who smoke, ask that they smoke away from any propane or gas heat sources.
• Always make sure there is adult supervision around outdoor heating sources when there are children and pets around.
• They are designed for outdoor use ONLY!

Did you know AGS Stainless, Inc. is on Twitter?

Follow @AGSstainless for discussions, helpful tips,  Clearview® Railing System sales and information!

[Disclaimer: We are newbies to Twitter, so please be patient with us!]

Why did the snowman name his dog “Frost” ?  ………  Because Frost Bites!!  LOL

Name: Lilly

What do you do at AGS?   Eat, Sleep and browse through lunch bags that have been left unattended

How long have you worked here?   Seven (human) years of loyal service.

 What is the best part about working at AGS?    Posing for the photos that we put on Facebook

What is your favorite style of Clearview® railing?   I like the Flat top Cable Railing best

What is a fun fact about you?   I can dance for snacks.

What is your favorite color?    Food

What is your favorite candy bar?  Chicken flavor lol

As more people are turning to remodeling instead of moving — and with the decline in new construction meaning more eager contractors to chose from — it makes sense to know how to choose a contractor.You need is someone who does quality work in a reasonable amount of time, understands exactly what it is you’re looking for, and most importantly that you can trust.   Narrowing down the list  can be intimidating. A wrong choice can result in a pile of headaches.

Here are a couple of tips to ease the transition from research to hire:

• Ask for referrals from friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors. Receiving a referral from someone you know is often the best way to find the right person to do the job.

• Verify Insurance and Licensing. Ask to see any applicable state and local licenses, bonding, and insurance coverage. Quality contracting firms will be only too happy to provide you with copies.

• Get multiple estimates. Getting multiple bids allows you to compare prices, plus chances are each person or company that comes out will bring up some point or issue that the others left out. Do not blindly accept the lowest offer. Price is only one part of the equation. Remember, as with anything in life, you get what you paid for. Always compare apples to apples.

• Ask for references. Past customers can offer valuable insight about the building experience — everything from personality to timeliness to quality. Take the time to follow up on references. If the contractor won’t give you references, find one that will. Go with your gut, you need to trust them.

• Get a written contract. It should clearly explain the scope of work being performed to the proposed work, prices and completion date. Read the contract carefully, it serves to protect both you and the contractor. Understand these key points:

• Building Permits – What’s necessary? Consider local ordinances, costs, posting requirements.
• Start and Completion Dates – including a plan of action in case of weather delays.
• Products/Materials – what will be used, brands, colors, etc.
• Project Inspections – number of inspections, completion timetable.
• Site Procedures – work hours, clean-up procedures and around your home, safety precautions, etc.
• Warranties – including both workmanship and product.
• Terms – detailed as method of payment to include a lien waiver upon final payment.
• Liens – Be aware that under the laws of most states, a contractor who does work on your home, or a supplier of materials for such work, has a right to place a lien on your property. Make sure all essential elements of your agreement are written down and understood by both parties.
• Right-to-Rescind – providing the right to cancel the contract without penalty within a set period of time (usually three days).

Take your time. If you take these reasonable and easy steps as listed above, you will significantly lower your risk of a bad experience. You will be turning to your contractor for guidance and his experience in many decisions throughout your building process, so choose one that you trust and feel comfortable with. Good contractors are very eager for your business. They are also very proud of their craftsmanship. Once you have made your selection, step back and give the professional room to execute the project. You have done your homework, so give the professional the opportunity to meet and exceed your expectations. Good Luck!

Clearview® Cable Railing System with Side Mount Post and Wood Top Rail.

In observance of Thanksgiving Day, AGS Stainless, Inc. will be closed on Thursday, November 24th, 2011.

In this time of gratitude, we give thanks for you. We value your patronage and appreciate your confidence in us. Counting you among our customers is something for which we are especially grateful.

On behalf of all of us at AGS Stainless, Inc., I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving.

We understand that not everyone wants or needs the entire Clearview® Railing System, which is why we offer our full line of hardware components individually. All components are  conveniently available to order through our online shopping cart, where we exclusively offer a 10% discount to all of our online customers. Of course, please feel free to contact us toll-free at (888) 842-9492, if you have questions or need help. We are open Monday through Friday 8am -4:30pm (PST), and will gladly assist you.

Planning a Holiday Party or End-of-Year Bash? Well, it’s not too late to have your beautiful, new stainless steel railing installed in time to wow your guests!

Obtaining a Clearview® Railing System for your home has never been more attractive…

Right now… AGS Stainless will take a NEVER-OFFERED-BEFORE 15% off your ENTIRE* Clearview® Railing System when you order** by November 28, 2011.
Here’s how to get your instant 15% discount,

•  Click here and submit your instant request online,

•  Email us or reply to this email mentioning your 15% discount,

•  Fax in your original estimate to 206-842-8179. Dont forget to mention this offer!

•  Call us at 888-842-9492, we’ll do the rest…

Once we get your request, you’ll get 15% off your original estimate and we’ll prepare your order for final review. If you dont have an estimate already, well NOW is the time to send in your sketch! We’ll be happy to send your discounted estimate!

Questions?  We are here to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today!

*Taxes, shipping, duties, etc. not included.
**New orders only

The number one question we receive from you, our customers, is when will I receive my new Clearview® Railing System? How long does shipping take?

This can be answered in 2-parts: Lead Time and FedEx Transit Times

Lead Time:

If you any time constraints, please make us aware, and we will do everything we can to accommodate them.

Generally, please allow 3-4 weeks in your schedule for fabrication.

For any project involving stairs or custom components, please allow 4-6 weeks in your schedule for fabrication, as we design the railing for your particular stair/custom application to ensure a perfect fit.

FedEx Transit Times:

FedEx via ground from Seattle (click picture to enlarge):

FedEx Home Delivery® is delivered Tuesday through Saturday 9am – 8pm.

FedEx Ground® is delivered Monday through Friday to end of the business day.

AGS Stainless, Inc. also offers expedited shipping for your convenience.

The Clearview® Railing System is a complete stainless steel system, including the hardware to install. Your posts come pre-drilled, pre-welded and the top rail is pre-cut to fit between the posts. It is fabricated exclusively for your particular railing situation. For the quality of the product and the service you will receive from us, we know you will be happy for many years to come.

Don’t hesitate any further, contact us today to get started!