Deck Restoration - Applying a Sealer to Your Backyard Deck
Anytime you place wood outdoors without adding some type of protection to it you're putting it at risk of being damaged by the weather.
It is important to apply some type of a sealer to it so that it doesn't rot on you prematurely.
This is especially true if you are building a wooden deck regardless of the type of wood you use.
Most decking material comes already pressure treated and will last for quite a long time, but in my opinion you are better off to add some type of a sealer to it for even better protection.
Sealers are quite inexpensive and are an investment that pays for itself in the long run.
A deck that has been left to the elements will eventually turn gray and look really bad.
But if you take the time to maintain it and add a sealer to it you're going to have a deck that will last for many years.
Choosing the type of sealer you want to add is entirely up to you.
There are many different types, some come with a stain some don't, but they all work well.
First you need to clear your deck and clean it of any contaminants.
It is best to try and protect any nearby plants from chemical spills or over spray when applying your sealer.
Cleaning the deck will require some thought; you can either go with a pressure washer or use a cleaning solution of some kind.
Pressure washers can damage the soft fibers in your wood so you need to take precaution that the water pressure is not to high.
I prefer to use oxygen bleach as it is friendly to your plants and does not damage the wood.
It does require a little extra work applying it, but the results are well worth the effort.
After your deck is clean and dry you can apply your sealer to it.
It is best to choose a color that will best match your home.
You may even decide that the look of the wood is best left natural.
If that is the case then choose a transparent sealer that can protect your wood from UV rays.
Follow the direction given for the product and leave it to dry before you start putting everything back on the deck.
It may seem like a big job, but once it is finished you can leave it for quite a few years before it needs to be done again.
It also adds to the value of the home as well as the life expectancy of your deck which in my books is well worth it.
It is important to apply some type of a sealer to it so that it doesn't rot on you prematurely.
This is especially true if you are building a wooden deck regardless of the type of wood you use.
Most decking material comes already pressure treated and will last for quite a long time, but in my opinion you are better off to add some type of a sealer to it for even better protection.
Sealers are quite inexpensive and are an investment that pays for itself in the long run.
A deck that has been left to the elements will eventually turn gray and look really bad.
But if you take the time to maintain it and add a sealer to it you're going to have a deck that will last for many years.
Choosing the type of sealer you want to add is entirely up to you.
There are many different types, some come with a stain some don't, but they all work well.
First you need to clear your deck and clean it of any contaminants.
It is best to try and protect any nearby plants from chemical spills or over spray when applying your sealer.
Cleaning the deck will require some thought; you can either go with a pressure washer or use a cleaning solution of some kind.
Pressure washers can damage the soft fibers in your wood so you need to take precaution that the water pressure is not to high.
I prefer to use oxygen bleach as it is friendly to your plants and does not damage the wood.
It does require a little extra work applying it, but the results are well worth the effort.
After your deck is clean and dry you can apply your sealer to it.
It is best to choose a color that will best match your home.
You may even decide that the look of the wood is best left natural.
If that is the case then choose a transparent sealer that can protect your wood from UV rays.
Follow the direction given for the product and leave it to dry before you start putting everything back on the deck.
It may seem like a big job, but once it is finished you can leave it for quite a few years before it needs to be done again.
It also adds to the value of the home as well as the life expectancy of your deck which in my books is well worth it.
