Wood Deck Treatment for Durable and Safe Wood Decks

It is a known fact that wood left out in the open and exposed to sun and moisture will degrade quickly. In the same way, if you leave your deck untreated, expect the wood to eventually turn gray with age; the decking boards might also cup, warp and split. Taking a long time to resolve this problem will result in major repairs or even replacing entire sections of your deck. There are various methods to ensure the durability and safety of your wood deck, like deck sealing and stripping, which are both essential for wood deck treatment.

Wood Deck Sealing

Deck sealing involves a three-part procedure that includes removing old stains or coatings, cleaning the wood and sealing it for weather protection. If the deck has not been previously sealed, stripping will not be necessary, but keep in mind that brand new wood will require special pre-stain preparation. If the deck has been sealed before, use the water test to check if the seal is functioning by slightly raining water on the boards; if the water beads up, then the wood is still being protected by the seal, but if the water is absorbed by the wood, it is time for treatment. It is recommended to use the water test on different areas of the deck, with high-traffic spots being more prone to wear than the corner areas and rail spindles.

Wood Deck Stripping

Stripping is important for creating an even surface that the freshly-applied sealant can stick to. Even if some sealant remains in some areas while your deck's high traffic areas have worn out, it is still recommended that the entire deck should be stripped before you re-stain. Stripping is also essential when changing colors, as traces of the old color will surely affect the way a new color appears.

Deck Treatment Materials

Wood deck treatment will require other tools and materials than the cleaner and sealer, like a stiff brush with extended handle for scrubbing. To also make the job easier, you will need a pump action sprayer for the cleaning solution. When you purchase a branded deck sprayer or garden sprayer, make sure that you do not use it on your garden once it has been used with deck cleaning chemicals.