Caring for your Columbus wood deck may be confusing for some homeowners, so Archadeck of Columbus wants to share some wooden deck upkeep and maintenance advice with you.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR CUSTOM WOOD DECK
The beauty of designing and building your wood deck with Archadeck of Columbus is that we are with you for life once you become a client of this premier Columbus wooden deck builder.
A perfect example of this is our commitment to be there for you whenever you need us, be it to answer questions about your wood deck outdoor living space or possibly to discuss an upgrade or redecking of what you currently have in your yard.
This Columbus deck builder advises all of our pressure treated wood deck clients to seal it to protect it from the unexpected – and sometimes harsh – conditions that the change of seasons often brings.
UV rays from the hot sun and residual moisture from rain and snow are often the two greatest culprits.
STAINING AND SEALING YOUR WOODEN DECK
To protect its value, the best time to seal your new wooden deck is as soon as possible after construction. With weather patterns seemingly evolving on a daily basis due to climate change, you never know what the weather will be like from one day to the next.
So the wisdom here is we build it; and then you seal it.
BEST PRACTICES ON MAINTAINING YOUR COLUMBUS CUSTOM WOOD DECK
You could say that since 1980 we have become the well-respected and sage guru of wood decks in Columbus.
Since some clients ask us, “What is the difference between staining and sealing a deck? Aren’t they the same thing?”, we want to offer some clarity.
By definition of its very nature, a sealant is a clear material that prevents moisture from penetrating wood and helps preserve the natural look of your wooden deck.
Stains go one better by having added pigments that penetrate and color the wood deck material to provide protection from UV exposure-caused fading. And here is a tip to remember: The darker the wood deck tint, the greater the protection against fading.
Should you prefer to keep your pressure treated wood deck natural looking, choose a combination product that has UV protection added to its clear sealant.
WHY IT IS IMPORTANAT TO PROTECT YOUR WOOD DECK AFTER CONSTRUCTION IS COMPLETED
Unfortunately, it is entirely conceivable that on Monday your new Archadeck Outdoor Living wood deck is completed. And then by Friday of that same week, you have a deluge of a rainstorm. Yikes!
Wet weather such as heavy rain, fresh morning dew and melting snow is often quickly absorbed by unprotected wood, causing it to compromise its integrity by softening or swelling. And even worse, if your wood deck is not protected with a fortified stain or sealant, exposure to wet, miserable weather with heavy rains and high humidity can also lead to mildew or mold. Yuck!
So here is the wood deck golden rule after we build it.
Please wait to seal or stain it until after construction is completed and the pressure treated wood deck is completely dry after we pressure wash it. The wood deck cleansing is to ensure that any post-construction residue and debris is removed, leaving you with a fresh, pristine surface.
How long should you wait after we wash it? Depending on the amount of sun or shade that your new deck is exposed to, a good ready test is to put a few drops of water on the deck. If they get absorbed into the wood deck surface, then it should be ready for sealed protection.
CUSTOM DECK STAINING IS MORE THAN A ONE-TIME EVENT
Even though you diligently stained your new wood deck after it was built, you will likely want to re-stain it once it starts to look faded.
If you are not sure if the time is right, repeat the water drops test again. If the water does not bead up on the surface, it most likely is time to seal it again.
After applying the sealant or stain, patiently wait 48 hours with dry weather to allow the application to fully set.
Based on our experience and conversations with our wood deck clients, homes that are surrounded by trees with little exposure to the sun may only require staining and sealing protection every few years.
However, if Spring and Autumn bring high levels of pollen and fallen leaves, your wooden deck may need to be stained more regularly.
On the other side of the coin, a wood deck that is in a wide open space and faces south, may be exposed to intense weather conditions from the repetitive sun and need that protective staining and/or sealing each year. Again, use the water drops test to be sure the time is right.
WOOD DECK STAINING, PAINTING AND SEALING IS DEPENDENT ON THE WEATHER
Again, our experience proves that you need dry weather and mild temperatures, usually from a low of 45º to a high of 85°Fareinheit. To be really safe, the optimum range is between 60º and 80°F for wood deck staining and sealing. But if rain is in the forecast, be cautious. High humidity may make your drying time longer.
If you don’t have a choice and have to seal or stain your wood deck come Autumn, do it early or late enough in the day to avoid leaves falling on top of the application before it is completely dried.
Advising you on how to care for your wood deck is just part of our dedicated, above-and-beyond customer service. As always, it is our privilege to help.
YEARS LATER, YOU MAY WANT TO THINK ABOUT WEATHER-RESISTANT COMPOSITE DECKING TO ESCAPE THE ABOVE MAINTENANCE REGIMEN
Although we love and appreciate the natural beauty and texture of wood, over time you may think that redecking with a low-maintenance replacement could be in your best long-term interest.
Should that be the case, just connect with us for a free, no-obligation redecking consultation.
In any event, look to Archadeck of Columbus to keep you informed in regard to making the most out of your wood deck addition. Contact us today to learn more about our timeless deck, porch and patio structures.
The Archadeck of Columbus Team.
