Cleaning and Preserving Wood Decks – On the House
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Cleaning and Preserving Wood Decks

By on July 27, 2014
staining a deck

According to reports by most major home improvement magazines, a deck is one of the ten best ways to improve the value of one’s home. And, the value continues to appreciate provided the deck is well maintained. On the contrary, a poorly maintained deck will not only detract from the beauty of the home, but also may be structurally unsound and be cause for injury. Therefore, regular deck maintenance should be a part of the home improve­ment agenda for anyone with a deck.

Most decks are constructed of redwood, cedar, pine, or fir. While each of these will react differently to weathering, the maintenance techniques that follow will apply to each.

Studies by wood technologists with the U.S. Forest Products Laboratory show that ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight and water are the two primary forces that attack the integrity of wood decks. UV rays deplete the natu­ral resins contained in the wood fibers of the deck causing it to turn gray and look washed-out. In addition, water is absorbed into the wood fibers causing the material to swell and contract when dry which results in twist­ing and cracking. Mildew and other surface residue will also hold water-causing rot to occur.

The secret to keeping a deck looking good is by restoring the natural oils that the UV rays have robbed the deck of, by protecting the deck from further damage from UV rays, and by minimizing the amount of water absorbed by the deck. Sound like a tough task? Not really thanks to modern technol­ogy and a assortment of fine deck stains and wood preservatives.

Before applying a deck stain or wood preservative the deck should be thor­oughly cleaned to remove any existing discoloration or surface debris. The goal is to bring out the natural color and luster of the wood and, at the same time, open the pores of the wool to aid in the penetration of the forthcoming dressing.

There are two popular methods used to clean decks. They can be used sepa­rately or in combination with one another. The first and least expensive method is sanding. Use 80-grit to 120-grit sandpaper and a sanding block. An electric sander will make this task significantly easier. This method may be required for a deck where the wood grain has raised or where splin­tering has occurred.

The second and most popular method involves using a deck cleaning/brighten­ing product. These products are simply wood bleaches that come in con­centrated form. Look for a deck brightener that contains oxalic acid. We have found this ingredient to be the most effective in removing dark stains and restoring the natural color of the wood. Dilute the concentrate with water in accordance with the manufacturers directions and apply with a garden-type sprayer. A second application and some scrubbing with a nylon brush may be required for badly discolored decks. A note of caution: Deck brightening products can irritate eyes and skin. Be sure to wear protective clothing, rubber gloves, and safety goggles.

Once the deck has completely dried, (at least a couple of days), apply a thin coat of deck stain or a clear wood preservative. Whether you use a stain or clear preservative depends entirely upon the finish that you desire since they both offer superior protection. If the natural grain and color of the wood appeals to you than a clear wood preservative is what you need. These products contain water repellents, UV inhibitors and chemicals that prevent fungus and mildew. Clear wood preservatives that contain linseed oil are more environmental-friendly and offer an excellent finish.

If you wish to enhance or slightly change the color of the deck, use a light-bodied oil-base stain. The oil helps to restore the natural resins to the wood fiber and the pigment offers some color that can be coordinated with other surrounding finishes.

The clear wood preservative and the oil-base stain are both applied in much the same way. Use a brush, soft cloth, or paint roller. The lighter the coat the better since heavy coats cause puddled sticky spots and an uneven finish. Moreover, be sure to apply the product in strict accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Applying the product when the weather is either too hot or too cold could end up being a disaster.

Chances are that a light touch-up at least once annually will keep that deck looking great and will be a splendid spot for some great weekend entertaining!

 

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