This guest blog was written by Lindus Construction. Lindus Construction is proud to have served over 75,000 happy customers since the company’s founding in 1979. One Call. One Contractor. Lindus Construction is proud to be the premier installer of wooden and composite decking in the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin.
Before building a new deck or purchasing a home with one, it’s crucial that you understand the level of maintenance they require in order to maintain their appearance. Failure to do so in wooden decks can lead to dry rot in as little as five years. This is because the ends of the deck boards can become moisture ridden and overtaken with mold. How you maintain your deck is largely dependent on the material it is comprised of. Spruce up your deck with this deck maintenance advice.
Maintaining a Wood Deck
To get your deck fit for a grill party, use a paint scraper to remove any peeling areas on the deck boards. Light sanding may be needed to remove any preexisting deck stain. Restore the cedar’s PH balance and breathe new life into the graying wood with a deck brightener/conditioning product. Then the wooden deck is ready to be cleaned using a power washer on its lowest setting.
After the deck is completely dry, you pay apply a new stain if desired. When given the option, homeowners should use oil-based stains to refinish their deck because they do a better job of penetrating the wood, making it longer lasting than paint. Two thin coats will be more effective than one thick coat. Address two to three boards at a time, rather than trying to do a substantial section all at once. While rollers and spray mechanisms can be used, the most effective way to stain a deck is with a paintbrush. This approach allows the stain to work its ways deep into the pores of the wood.
Maintaining a Composite Deck
Once it’s understood how much time and money must be dedicated to maintaining wood decking, it’s hardly surprising that many homeowners opt for maintenance-free decking from major manufacturers, such as TimberTech® and Zuri®. While maintenance may vary slightly by manufacturer, it’s a selling point that very little attention must be paid to keeping this type of decking looking as good as the day it was installed.
Hose off composite decks occasionally to reduce staining and curtail mildew growth. If needed, water and mild detergent can be used, but beware of any cleaners not authorized by the decking manufacturer. Steer clear of applying bug spray or sunscreen on a composite deck, as it can lead to discoloration. In addition, mats with rubber backing and tarps should not be placed on composite decking for extended periods of time.
Once your deck is looking its best, fill it with lawn furniture, plants and family. Outdoor entertaining is more important than ever, and we hope you enjoy your deck all season long.
What do you like to use to deck out your deck? Let us know in the comments below.
Hi, would there be any specific cleaner that would help to brighten the surface on a older deck? I have a 30 year old deck that was maintained relatively well. I did sand the handrails and they came out ok bit the decking is rather dark.
I have some suggestions to increase microwave oven life. Never put any metal utensil or container and not even an object with metal trim inside the microwave. Always remember to remove the aluminum foil from the food item before putting them inside the microwave to avoid any fire hazard. Never heat any flammable food and beverage inside the microwave to avoid fire or explosion. Do not heat any sealed food container or packed food or beverage item. Always remove the seal first and then heat items to avoid explosion. When the microwave is in use, do not cover the top. Clean the food spills and stains inside the microwave after every use to avoid any rotten smell.
Thank you for your awesome tips. I am new to the deck building industry and I need all the help that I can get. You have taught me a lot with this post. I appreciate your knowledge and expertise. I hope that someday, I will be as skillful as you and your company. Cheers to a more successful year 2021! Best regards from our deck contractor Ashburn VA.