The honest answer: it depends on the deck. A small uncomplicated deck on healthy wood costs less than a large deck with rotted boards, complex railings, and old finish to strip. A real quote is the only way to get a real number. That said, the variables that move the price are usually the same. […]
Read the projectSealing protects. Staining colors. Most of the time, on a quality job, both happen with the same product. A standalone sealer is a clear product that protects the wood or concrete from water and UV damage without changing the color. It is right when you want the natural color of the surface preserved and you […]
Read the projectGraying is wood losing its natural color from sun exposure and weather. UV light breaks down the lignin in the surface fibers. Rain and wind wash the broken-down material away. Underneath is gray fiber, dust-covered and exposed. Cosmetically, gray fencing looks tired. Structurally, it is a problem. Gray wood is dust accumulating on bare fiber […]
Read the projectA few simple steps before winter that pay off come spring. Clear the deck. Take off the planters, furniture, grill mats, and anything else that has been sitting in the same spot all summer. Sun bleaches around them and trapped moisture rots underneath. Sweep thoroughly. Get every leaf and twig off the boards. Wet leaves […]
Read the projectDirect Colors ColorWave is the water-based concrete stain we use for transparent finishes on basements, patios, and walkways. There are a lot of concrete stain products out there. Here is why we picked this one. Manufactured by Direct Colors themselves. A lot of concrete stain on the market is rebranded product, meaning the company selling […]
Read the projectCedar is one of the better-looking woods for outdoor decks, so a lot of homeowners choose a stain that lets the natural grain come through rather than hiding it. The most common picks fall into three groups. Natural and clear-toned stains let the cedar look like cedar, just protected. The reddish-brown undertones of fresh cedar […]
Read the projectA short list to run through before deck season starts. 1. Sweep and rinse. Get the winter debris off. Wet leaves and pine needles sitting on boards through spring trap moisture and accelerate wear. 2. Inspect for damage. Walk the deck looking for split boards, loose railings, popped screws, or soft spots near posts. Most […]
Read the projectStained and sealed concrete is one of the easier outdoor surfaces to maintain, but a few habits keep it looking good and extend the life of the finish. Sweep regularly. Dirt, sand, and grit are abrasive. Walking and sliding furniture across a gritty surface wears the sealer down faster than anything else. A weekly sweep […]
Read the projectLight maintenance on a stained deck is a soft-bristle brush and a garden hose. Sweep off leaves and debris regularly so they do not sit on the boards trapping moisture. Rinse seasonally to wash off pollen, dust, and salt residue. For more involved cleaning, mix a small amount of dish soap into a bucket of […]
Read the projectThree simple tests tell you whether your concrete sealer is still doing its job. The water test. Sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. If they bead up, the sealer is intact. If they soak in and darken the concrete, the sealer is gone or compromised. The look test. Stained or sealed concrete […]
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