Your Wood Deck

Archive for the ‘Deck Ideas’ Category

Most homeowners nowadays prefer their homes to have a very casual and relaxed atmosphere that includes areas to lounge around, like decks and patios. While not exactly rooms in the traditional sense, these decks are what most people look for, as they are usually wide-spaced open areas that give a peaceful and laid-back feel to the place. And as their use becomes more popular, people are finding new and creative ideas for them.

The most popular type of decks that are built in homes are wooden decks. Wooden decks give homeowners a feeling of being one with nature. This is particularly true if the wooden deck is located near the garden or gives a view of the lawn. Wooden decks do not only look beautiful, they are easy to maintain as well.

Wooden decks are great places to spend time with family and friends, like holding outdoor parties or get-togethers during the warm summer days. Wooden decks are also ideal for quietly enjoying a drink or reading a book. Wooden decks are simply perfect for basking in the pleasant summer days and the breeze, along with the sweet smell of wildflowers or garden soil.

New Ideas for Wooden Decks

While there is a standard method of building wooden decks, they can be built by adopting new and unique ways, like using a variety of architectural styles, decor and unconventional looks. Wooden decks typically use simple treated wood, but can also use different kinds of treated wood, like redwood, cedar, rosewood, mahogany, walnut and many others. To provide protection from the elements, wooden decks can also have a roof or awning. These can be installed in a way that they can be easily removed when necessary.

Unique planters and exotic plants along with climbers and trellises can also give an interesting look to any wooden deck. A more attractive look can be achieved by adding some type of skirting, and by using delicately carved railings and benches in different shapes and sizes. If you prefer a dash of luxury, go with a screened-in gazebo.

A wide selection of ideas and styles is available for those who want to build wooden decks or want to renovate present decks. These can be used to make any deck look beautiful and let them become a standout feature that any homeowner can be proud of.

Wood is generally made up of small, microscopical cells. Constant exposure to water and sunlight will cause a wood deck to lose its natural beauty and strength, with the wet and dry cycles further causing it to expand and contract, eventually resulting in warping, swelling and checking. This can be prevented by proper care and maintenance, particularly by waterproofing the wood deck.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing basically involves applying a coating of water repellent sealer on the deck surface to prevent water from penetrating the surface. A brush, roller or spray can be used to apply the water repellant.

Usefulness

Waterproofing protects the wood and prolongs its life by preventing the damage that can be caused by water, including wood rot, stain and decay. When a water repellent coating with a preservative is used, it can prevent the growth of fungi, mildew, mold and other organisms that promote decay. The color of certain wood species like redwood can also be retained through the years if applied with a combination of water repellant and a mildewcide. The California Redwood Association mentions that complete protection from water and moisture is ensured if the sealer is applied to all wood pieces before being used in construction.

Waterproofing Guidelines

The following are some general guidelines for waterproofing a wood deck:

1. The deck must be thoroughly cleaned of all debris and residue. 2. Use a drop cloth to cover the area to be waterproofed. 3. Apply the sealer by using a sprayer or roller. 4. Even out the coatings with a brush to remove grains or puddles. 5. Allow the sealer to set for about 15 to 30 minutes. 6. Clean the equipment used for waterproofing. 7. Follow the instructions on the packages for properly disposing the containers. 8. Before using the deck, allow it to dry for two days.

Waterproofing and Deck Care Tips

Because the water repellent sealer has to penetrate deeply into the wood to perform effectively, it is not advisable to use a sealer on a previously stained or painted deck surface, as the sealer will not be able to penetrate the existing coating. Water puddles should not be allowed to remain on the deck surface for more than two days, as they will cause the growth of mildew that will harm the wood.