Regular Maintenance Is the Key to Deck Longevity

Even though pressure-treated lumber resists insects and decay, it's still vulnerable to moisture and the sun's rays. To keep it looking new and lasting longer, regular maintenance is key.

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Filed under: Outdoor Spaces, Maintenance, Painting and Finishing, Wood, Staining

If your deck is older and looking a little gray, use a deck cleaner to freshen it up. Just follow the directions to get the deck back into shape and ready to be either stained or preserved.
If your deck is newer, it's just waiting for some stain or preservative. Some people believe that a deck should sit for a while before it's treated, but Matt Fox believes that bare wood exposed to the elements for a long time will break down and get dirty. He recommends either staining and preserving or just adding a preservative if you don't want to change the deck's color.
A clear wood preservative contains a UV protector, which will bring new life to the surface while protecting it from the elements. Clear wood preservatives provide a clear finish and don't add any color to the deck.
If you do want to add color, use an exterior stain first. Exterior stains come in both a solid and semi-transparent finish. Always use the semi-transparent for the decking area, but try a solid color if you want to highlight railings or banisters. The solid color is just that — it ends up looking like a painted finish. Exterior stains are available in oil or latex and they both provide fade and mildew resistance.

Figure A

To apply a preservative or stain, make sure the surface is clean and dry and wear protective eyewear and gloves. Whether it's stain or just preservative, apply the product with a roller or a brush. Let the product sit on the wood decking for about 20 minutes so that it has time to really penetrate. Go back over the surface with a brush to give the deck a more consistent finish (this also helps get rid of any puddles that will dry as shiny patches). Always apply a second coat for good coverage and protection. Allow the deck to dry a couple days before walking on it or adding any furniture.