Wood deck and fence care

Remember how attractive your fence or deck was when the wood was new? Proper care can keep that new look while preserving the wood. This is much less expensive than the cost of replacement.

Now that spring is here, it’s time to start thinking about the maintenance needs of wood decks and fences. The combination of rain and the UV rays of the sun work to rapidly deteriorate wood and cause the greying effect which hides the natural beauty of the wood.

New wood should not be treated for a few months so that is can fully cure. Whether new or old wood, both should be thoroughly pressure washed to remove dirt and prepare the wood to accept a stain/sealer. It is important to choose a pressure washer with a least 3000 psi @ 4 or more gallons /minute to insure a good deep cleaning. Washers of this type are commercial grade and not usually what the average homeowner owns. Depending on the type of wood - cedar, CCA, etc. – a different type of washer tip is required so as to not damage the wood during the cleaning process.

The choice of a sealer or stain/sealer combination is very important. The old saying "you get what you pay for" is very relevant here. The cheaper ones do not protect well and do not last long. Always choose a quality product. Water based ones are more convenient and environmentally friendly but are not as robust as the oil based ones.

Application can be done with a sprayer however, to ensure that the stain/sealer fully penetrates the wood it is essential that it be brushed in as it is being sprayed on. I cannot stress this enough.
One last bit of information. Horizontal surfaces such as railing tops and deck floors require more frequent maintenance because water sits on it longer after a rain than it does on vertical surfaces. If the restoration process is properly done the upkeep and preservation of the wood is not expensive and the natural beauty of the wood can be enjoyed for many years.