Each year around this time, it is a good idea to consider the care of outdoor wood around your home, whether it is decking, fencing, or siding. Here are some suggestions for the care and maintenance of outdoor wood.....
First, a word of caution: The wood you buy at any lumber store will not retain the color and texture you see right after it's installed. Water and sunlight, specifically UV or ultraviolet light, over time will change both the color and texture of wood. Water repellent preservatives and sealers can help maintain a consistent color, but they will not give the same color or tone you see in the lumber rack.
For longevity of your outdoor wood, apply a preservative to the wood. A clear preservative will most often darken and enrich the natural color. Choose a product with UV protection. Some preservatives also have color added with will stain the wood.
Decks require either annual or semi-annual maintenance, depending on exposure to weather and use. A maintenance program consists of cleaning the deck, removing any mildew that might have accumulated and applying a new coat of preservative.
The best way to clean a deck is with a pressure washer, although for smaller decks a stiff bristle brush and a lot of elbow grease will also work! In shaded, moist areas, mildew buildup can be a problem. To solve this, wash with a weak bleach solution - 1/4 cup of bleach to a gallon of water - to kill the fungus before pressure washing.
Once cleaning is completed, allow the deck to dry for a day or so. Then apply two coats of UV protective water repellent sealer or stain.
If this sounds like a lot of work - it is! The reward, of course, is a summer outdoors in pleasant surroundings and prolonging the life of your investment. It's well worth the effort!
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