Overhead view of a Natina-treated lattice tower.

Materials That Meet Modern Engineering Standards

Imagine a line of power poles stretching across a remote ridgeline. The sun shines, birds chirp and all seems calm. Suddenly, the wind picks up and lightning strikes igniting dry brush. A wildfire erupts. In moments, that serene landscape becomes a battleground against nature’s fury.
If those poles are wooden, the outcome might be dire.

This scenario underscores why grid hardening has become a nationwide imperative.

What Is Grid Hardening?

Grid hardening is preparing utility systems to handle disruption before it strikes. By designing infrastructure to withstand threats like wildfires, hurricanes and ice storms, utilities can significantly limit disruptions and restore power faster. It also means responding quickly with the right materials and deploying to restore power safely. When done right, grid hardening helps utilities protect what matters, deliver reliable service and support energy demand in an increasingly electrified world.¹

Natina-treated pole installed for grid hardening and durability.

The Limitations of Wooden Poles

Wooden utility poles have long been a staple due to their affordability and ease of installation. However, they present several challenges:

• Fire Risk: Wood is combustible, posing significant hazards in wildfire-prone regions.
• Decay and Pests: Susceptible to rot, insects and environmental degradation.
• Variable Lifespan: Many utilities report average service lives between 30 to 50 years.²
• Environmental Concerns: Treated wood can leach chemicals into the soil, raising ecological issues.

These factors contribute to increased maintenance costs and potential service disruptions.

The Advantages of Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel poles offer a reliable alternative, addressing many of the shortcomings of wood:

• Longevity: Lifespans of 50 to 80 years depending on conditions.³
• Fire Resistance: Non-combustible, reducing wildfire risks.
• Durability: Resistant to pests, rot and environmental wear.
• Lower Maintenance: Requires less frequent inspections and treatments.
• Environmental Benefits: Recyclable and free from harmful chemical treatments.

The long-term savings and reliability make galvanized steel an attractive option for modern infrastructure.⁴

Addressing Aesthetic Concerns

Despite their functional benefits, galvanized steel poles have faced criticism for their shiny, industrial appearance, which can clash with natural landscapes and community aesthetics.

Introducing Natina: Blending Strength with Beauty

Natina offers a solution that marries the durability of galvanized steel with aesthetics. Our proprietary treatment reacts with the galvanized surface to produce a rustic brown finish, allowing poles to blend seamlessly into their surroundings.

Benefits include:

• Climate agnostic: Performs in dry, wet, humid or coastal areas
• Enhanced Aesthetics: Achieves a rustic look that complements natural environments.
• Preserved Durability: Maintains the protective qualities of galvanized steel.
• Eco-Friendly: Utilizes environmentally safe processes.
• Cost-Effective: Reduces the need for additional coatings or frequent replacements.⁵

With Natina, utilities no longer have to choose between resilience and aesthetics. They can have both.
And with the right materials, like Natina, resilience doesn’t have to come at the expense of design. You can strengthen the grid and preserve the view.

Discover how Natina is redefining energy infrastructure aesthetics. Visit How Natina Impacts Energy & Utilities to learn more.

Crews install Natina-treated lattice tower section using crane in mountainous terrain.

Footnotes:
1. Utility Pole Maintenance and Upgrades Resilience Investment Guide, U.S. Department of Energy
2. Estimated Service Life of Wood Poles, Woodpoles.org
3. Steel Distribution Poles, American Galvanizers Association
4. Take a Second Look at Steel: Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Sustainable, American Galvanizers Association
5. Steel Utility Poles Versus Wood, Steel Times International

The post Grid Hardening Starts Today appeared first on Natina.

THE WIRE DESIRE

Chain-link is a well-known form of fencing, but are you familiar with its mesh counterpart? Wire mesh serves many purposes, including:

• Rockfall netting is a mesh frequently draped over cliffs. As the name suggests, it’s all about keeping rocks (and other debris) from falling onto roadways.
• Gabion is another form of woven steel, often used cosmetically in landscaping. You’ll also find it used for supportive reasons (retaining walls, etc.).
• Welded wire mesh is a close-knit, firm material used in holding areas (veterinary clinics and shelters, storage lockers, warehouse racking, etc.).
• Welded steel bar grating is frequently found in construction. This includes safety walls, storm drains, walkways, and other areas where load bearing is necessary.
• Galvanized wire mesh is a go-to in security, building, and agriculture, as it’s extremely durable and available in numerous weave patterns.

NATINA AND WIRE JUST MESH WELL

Chain-link and wire mesh are widely used because of their durability, but this doesn’t mean they aren’t vulnerable. Weather, extreme temperatures and everyday use can wear these materials down over time. This is where Natina Solutions comes into play.

Not only does Natina Steel Solution transform metal aesthetically, it’s also environment-friendly without any VOC’s. Take a look at just a few of the recent examples where Natina proved the ideal solution, creating wire to admire:

Nevada Division of State Parks

Abracadabra! Just like that, Natina transformed the chain-link into a rustic brown patina. Even at a short distance, against a desert backdrop, it’s virtually invisible.

Bunkerville Bicycle & Pedestrian Trail

Located between the cities of Bunkerville and Mesquite, Nevada, this pathway gets HOT. Good thing the chain-link lining the trail is coated with Natina Steel Solution, a low-maintenance option that blends in seamlessly with the terrain.

South Mountain Park/Preserve

With more than 50 miles of trails, this Arizona park is one of the largest city-managed parks in the United States. As a result, preserving such a massive area is no small feat. Phoenix looked to Natina for the gabion mattresses along the San Juan. The tan color matches the light desert sand nicely. The 3,000 square feet of Natina-coated gabion in this area controls erosion and stabilizes the roadway. Clearly, this South Mountain solution is right on point!

California Highway Fence

You’ll have to do a double-take if you hope to see the chain-link fence along Toll Road 241. The Transportation Corridor Agencies opted for the low-cost option of Natina Steel Solution over vinyl and powder-coated fencing. Clearly, the great outdoors won’t be taking a toll on this fencing!

American Family Fields of Phoenix

This project was a triple hitter, with steel posts, gates, and chain-link among the processed materials. As a result, the recent renovation of this famous ballpark (home to Milwaukee Brewers spring training) includes galvanized fencing, colored by Natina, which blends in with the rest of the stadium’s home-run landscaping.

Ketchum Challis Highway

When you’re covering miles of terrain and millions of square feet of wire mesh, you want a product that will last. The Natina Steel stain used proved to be the Ketchum catchall.

WIRE TO INSPIRE

Yes, Natina offers the ultimate disappearing act, camouflaging metal surfaces, but here’s the real magic — it’s more than just a blending solution. Our Natina Reactive Color is non-toxic and is a low-maintenance solution! We hope this look at wire leaves you inspired. As you plan your next project, contact your Natina Solution representative and discover how we can weave even more life and beauty into your design.

The post Clearly, Woven Metal & Natina Mesh Well Together appeared first on Natina.

Energy substations may be essential for providing people with electrical power in modern life, but they’re not exactly visually appealing. After all, the gray galvanized steel tends to stand out against the backdrop of nature, whether that consists of a forest or desert. That’s why Natina makes utility projects aesthetically pleasing! We’re proud to offer the perfect color solutions the power industry might feature, from galvanized steel to concrete or even rock. So if you like the idea of naturalizing your jobsite, take a look at how Natina can help.

Reactive Color Treatment for Three Different Materials

At Natina, we’ve developed separate solutions for steel, concrete, and rock, and we can use all of them on the same project. Of course, most energy construction is largely made of steel, in which case we can apply Natina Steel Solution to the gray, shiny metal to make it a stunning brown that blends in with nature—as you can see in the before/after photo from an artist rendition (actual results will differ based on material). As you look at the energy structure, note how well the Natina brown finish complements the natural background and how stark the untreated substation appears. The finish makes it less likely that the public will notice the utility as they pass. Not only does the site look better, the rustic finish does not alter or damage the galvanized layer, ensuring that the substation stays strong enough to keep providing energy to the community for years to come.

And if your utility project also features rock, you’ll need Natina Rock Solution. This reactive color treatment was specially made to combine with minerals to produce a range of brown hues—from tan to mahogany. Whether the rock on your transmission plans was locally sourced or excavated, Natina Rock Solution will gradually transform so it blends in with its natural surroundings.

Outstanding Service from Well-Trained Professionals

When you work with Natina to beautify your energy stations, you’re not only getting a high-quality product, but also the help of professionals who will work hard to achieve the stunning results you’re after. At Natina, our team understands that you want to provide members of the community with the power they need from your utility companies, but you don’t want to detract from the beauty of nature. That’s why we’re happy to work with you closely at every step, from the exploratory kickoff call discussing the products you need, to the application of Natina and eventual completion of the project.

Along the way, our teammates will communicate with you to ensure your structures complement their surroundings, rather than contrast with them. So, if you need a natural, low-maintenance way to improve the color and appearance of steel, concrete, rock—or all three!—please contact Natina to get started on your transmission project.

The post How Natina Can Help Energy Structures Blend in with Nature appeared first on Natina.

Spring training is over and baseball season is now in full swing, so it’s a good time to check out one of the most exciting renovation projects in Phoenix this year! We’re talking about the recent updates to the American Family Fields of Phoenix, which the Milwaukee Brewers call home during spring training. Natina got the chance to not only color the fences into a rustic brown, but also work with their affiliate company, West Coast Turf, which took on the job of supplying new natural turfgrass sod and sprigs to the stadium. We think the results speak for themselves, as the newly renovated stadium is stunning, but we wanted to share some little-known facts about the role Natina and West Coast Turf played in this major project for the Milwaukee Brewers.

What’s New at the Milwaukee Brewers’ Spring Training Facility

The Milwaukee Brewers have been in Phoenix for spring training since 1998, when the stadium they trained at was called the Maryvale Baseball Park. Now it’s known as the American Family Fields of Phoenix, and the Brewers have made the commitment to stay there for spring training until at least 2042. That’s great news for baseball fans in Phoenix, who will now get to watch the games from a stadium that has doubled in size to 82,000 square feet!

The renovations improved the spring training complex in many ways, including adding a sports science center, brand new pitching mounds, wider concourses, new concessions area, retail shops, and more. The architect firm overseeing the renovation design was HKS. Their work gave the fans a great spring training experience.

What was Natina’s Impact on the Stadium

Natina is proud of our projects, and this one is no different. HKS recommended Natina to color the stadium fence into a rustic brown. They needed a low maintenance alternative to paint or vinyl coating fences. As you enter the stadium, you pass the Natina-colored steel materials. As a major focal point, it was important to have a natural color that blended well with the stadium backdrop. Additionally, the Natina finish perfectly complemented the vegetation and landscaping for a natural look around the plant life.

For this project, our team applied Natina Steel Solution to the metal fences around the fields, expertly processing more than 2200 linear feet of galvanized chain-link fences, posts, top and bottom rails, hardware and components.

Most of the fencing you see around the fields are the direct result of Natina’s hard work. Natina’s owner, Brian Hardin, said “We were specified to take ordinary gray fence and color it to complement the stadium for a more natural look. As with all our projects, we wanted the Milwaukee Brewers’ Spring Training Facility to look its best.”

How West Coast Turf Improved the Project

Another big player in the renovation of the Milwaukee Brewers’ spring training facility was West Coast Turf, which installed the sod and stolons at the stadium. Specialists in sports turf, this company has had its high-quality turfgrass featured at eight Super Bowls over the years, earning the name “Home of the Super Bowl Sod.” So, it’s no surprise that Matt Ramirez, director of groundskeeping at the stadium, recommended West Coast Turf to provide natural turfgrass for this project after seeing the results of the past work done on Chase Field.

John Marman, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at West Coast Turf, explained, “We’re known in the industry for providing a premium product without cutting corners, and the majority of our almost 30 years has been with an outstanding team. We have the experience necessary for great results.” For this project, West Coast Turf used Tifway 419 grass, a hybrid bermudagrass that was grown in Eloy, Arizona and is popular on sports fields and golf courses. The Brewers opted for stolonizing—or planting sprigs and spreading soil over them—on the outfield, to help keep on budget.

The project was done just in time for spring training season to start, and the Brewers got to enjoy their first game in the renovated stadium on February 26. Natina and West Coast Turf are proud to have been part of such an amazing Phoenix renovation project!

The post How Milwaukee Brewers Got a New & Improved Place to Practice, with Help from Natina and West Coast Turf appeared first on Natina.

Natina Steel Solution applied to guardrail at Echo Summit in the Lake Tahoe Region

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in conjunction with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) and C.C. Myers, Inc. (general contractor) completed work on the Highway 50, Echo Summit Wall Parapet* Replacement and Water Quality Improvement Project (Contract Number 03-1E14U4). They replaced the existing 18-inch rock wall at a scenic viewpoint in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The barrier wall, originally built in 1939 and located in El Dorado County from Echo Summit eastbound to Johnson Pass Road, was deteriorating due to wear over time.

Since the existing rock parapet and the associated retaining wall are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, TRPA required that special measures were taken to maintain the aesthetics of the current structures and surrounding areas. For instance, the new barrier was required to mimic the original wall in color and texture — although some modifications to the new design were needed for motorist safety to preserve its visual characteristics.

Guardrail before it was treated with Natina Steel Solution at Echo Summit in the Lake Tahoe Region

To accomplish this, the new barrier design used elastomeric formliner to match the previous barrier wall. The new barrier now replicates the shape, colors and pattern of the historic parapet to the greatest practical extent while meeting motorist safety requirements. Steps, like these, taken to preserve the region are appreciated by visitors and residents alike who enjoy the lake year-round.

Another enhancement was to replace old guardrail with a new metal guardrail and apply Natina Steel Solution. Natina was specified for its mottled and rustic brown finish on the otherwise shiny galvanized guardrails and end terminals. Natina Steel Solution is an environmentally-safe formula and was applied to metal surfaces at the Lake Tahoe Region including but not limited to: guardrails, steel posts, signposts, culvert and mile markers, grates and isolation casings. Natina’s beautiful brown finish blends and complements with Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty. The rustic brown guardrails look great.

General Contractor: C.C. Myers, Inc.

Agencies: Caltrans and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA)

Uses: Rustic brown color for galvanized surfaces

* Parapet is a low wall or railing to protect the edge of a platform, roof, or bridge (source: Merriam-Webster)

Natina Steel Solution applied to galvanized metal along the highway in the Lake Tahoe Region

About Natina
Natina is corporate headquarters is in Casa Grande, Arizona and a patented formula for galvanized steel. Natina develops into a mottled and rustic brown finish without compromising the protection offered by the galvanized layer.

Natina Steel Solution is a non-toxic color solution for galvanized steel.

We’re dedicated to customer service and ready to help you at every stage of your commercial project. We want to transform the world you are seeing into color that complements the surrounding environment.

Let us be part of your next project. To learn more about Natina’s reactive color treatment or set up a presentation, contact us.

Changing the way you see construction.^®

Meet the team that helps you color your construction projects.

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