Treated Wood Deck Care Sheet
Congratulations on your new treated wood deck! With proper care, your deck will provide many years of enjoyment. This guide outlines essential steps for maintaining its beauty and longevity.
Initial Curing and Weathering
Treated lumber typically contains a high moisture content. It's crucial to allow the wood to dry and cure properly before applying any finishes.
Drying Period: Allow your new deck to dry for at least 2-3 months, and potentially longer depending on your local climate and the time of year. This allows excess moisture to escape. You can test the wood's readiness by sprinkling a few drops of water on the surface; if the water beads up, the wood is still too wet. If it soaks in, it's ready for treatment.
Weathering: During this initial period, the wood will naturally weather, and some surface discoloration may occur. This is normal and will be addressed during the cleaning process.
Cleaning Your New Deck
Before applying any stain or sealant, a thorough cleaning is essential to remove dirt, mildew, and mill glaze.
Timing: Clean your deck after the initial drying period, but before applying any finishes.
Materials:
Deck cleaner (specifically designed for treated wood)
Stiff-bristle brush (not wire)
Garden hose with a spray nozzle or a pressure washer (use with extreme caution)
Safety goggles and gloves
Procedure:
Clear the Deck: Remove all furniture, planters, and other items from the deck surface.
Wet the Deck: Thoroughly wet the entire deck surface with water.
Apply Cleaner: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to apply the deck cleaner. Work in small sections if necessary.
Scrub: Use a stiff-bristle brush to scrub the deck surface, ensuring the cleaner penetrates the wood pores. Pay extra attention to any discolored or mildewed areas.
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the deck thoroughly with a garden hose or pressure washer. Ensure all cleaner residue is removed, as any remaining cleaner can affect the adhesion of your chosen finish. When using a pressure washer, keep the nozzle moving and maintain a safe distance (at least 12 inches) to avoid damaging the wood fibers.
Allow to Dry: Let the deck dry completely, typically for 24-48 hours, before proceeding to the next step.
Staining and Sealing
Applying a high-quality stain and sealant is crucial for protecting your treated wood deck from UV damage, moisture, and mildew.
Type of Finish:
Transparent/Toner: Provides minimal color, allowing the natural wood grain to show through. Offers good UV protection.
Semi-Transparent: Adds some color while still allowing the wood grain to be visible. Excellent UV protection.
Solid/Opaque: Completely covers the wood grain with a paint-like finish. Offers the most UV protection and can hide imperfections.
Application:
Check Weather Forecast: Apply stain and sealant on a dry day with moderate temperatures (typically between 50-90°F / 10-32°C); however, confirm the temperature dictated by the manufacturer of the stain. Avoid direct sunlight if possible, as it can cause the finish to dry too quickly (see manufacturer label for all details).
Stir Thoroughly: Before and during application, thoroughly stir the stain or sealant.
Apply Evenly: Apply the finish evenly with a brush, roller, or pad applicator, working with the wood grain. Avoid puddling or thick coats, which can lead to peeling. Read the stain manufacturer's instructions carefully before starting the application.
Two Coats (Optional): For enhanced protection, a second thin coat can be applied after the first coat has dried, following the manufacturer's recommendations.
Cure Time: Allow the finish to cure completely before placing furniture back on the deck or allowing heavy foot traffic.
Regular Maintenance
Consistent maintenance will keep your deck looking its best.
Annual Cleaning: Clean your deck annually using a mild deck cleaner and a soft-bristle brush to remove dirt, pollen, and mildew.
Inspect Regularly: Periodically inspect your deck for loose fasteners, splintering wood, or any signs of wear and tear. Address these issues promptly.
Reapply Finish: Depending on the product and exposure to the elements, you may need to reapply a stain or sealant every 1-3 years. Look for signs of fading, water absorption, or peeling as indicators.
Keep Clear: Keep the deck free of leaves, dirt, and debris, which can trap moisture and encourage mold growth.
Trim Vegetation: Trim back any bushes or trees that are too close to the deck, as they can contribute to shade, moisture retention, and debris buildup.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Mildew: If you notice black or green spots, it's likely mildew. Clean the deck with a mildew-specific deck cleaner.
Splintering: If the wood begins to splinter, lightly sand the affected areas and reapply the finish.
Fading: Fading indicates that the UV protection in your finish is wearing off. It's time to clean and reapply a stain or sealant.
Important Considerations
Product Selection: Always choose high-quality deck cleaners, stains, and sealants that are specifically designed for treated wood.
Manufacturer's Instructions: Always follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturers of your chosen deck care products.
Safety: Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection, when working with deck cleaners and finishes.
If you have any questions or concerns about your new treated wood deck, please contact us.