Oil-based finishes, especially those that contain alkyd
resins, will penetrate the wood and create a better barrier.
Linseed oils are best. Clear finishes let you see the beauty
of the natural wood, but they offer the least protection.
Semi-transparent finishes help filter the sun’s ultra-violet
rays. A solid stain is more like a coating so will need more
preparation to repair or refinish.
Water based produces (such as latex) are better at
rejecting mildew and maintaining colour. These products
have been much improved over the past few years.
It is not recommended that you apply paint to the floor of
your deck. It wears too quickly and is a lot of work to repair.
You may have to reapply the finish every year, even
more often in some climates and conditions, to keep it
in top shape, but it`s worth it. Not only does this keep it
looking beautiful but it will preserve the wood for many
more years.
deckcity.ca
buildmemories@deckcity.ca
What Wood to Buy
There is a lot of hype around cedar, but beware.
Unless you buy high-quality heartwood, you may
be better off with pressure-treated products.
Most of the cedar sold today is sapwood, which
is really not very rot resistance at all. If you aren’t
clear on the difference, cedar heartwood is darker
in colour. Cedar heartwood has a lifespan of 15
to 20 years.
Cedar is also a soft wood so is vulnerable to
nicks and cuts and scratches from moving furniture.
You may want to avoid using it as flooring for
your deck.
With redwood, it’s much the same; true heartwood
is beautiful and long lasting, but it is expensive.
Redwood sold under names such as “construction
common” is partly sapwood and just as
with cedar, the sapwood will break down in a few
short years.
Pressure treated wood (usually pine can be
durable and good looking but be careful when you
buy. Not all products are equal in quality. Look for
choice, premium or select brands to ensure that
your wood won’t warp or twist as it dries.
For maintenance-free decking, take a look at
composite materials. These are made from recycled
plastic and wood chips or sawdust. Believe it
or not, these products are more expensive than
cedar, but won’t splinter, rot or twist; they repel
insects and resist moisture and fading. On the
downside, composite materials are cold on the
feet and not as pretty as natural woods, but they
are a lot less work to maintain and will last for a
very long time.
Tropical hardwoods are now also available on
the market and while expensive, they have many
positive properties that may make their use
worthwhile for a buyer. One of these is a very
long life of 45 years and a class one fire rating.
Tropical hardwoods are very dense and all but
impervious to insects. However, as with the other
woods, the product needs a periodic washing and
a specific treatment of oil.
4 Parade of Homes Fall 2016