Stain a bright idea for sun deck

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/03/2010 (5858 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Q: I am installing a sun deck at the rear of my house this summer. With so many products on the market what is your recommendation for cleaning, sealing and preserving the decking? I want to keep this low maintenance and not an annual maintenance project. Can you please give me some advice on what would be the most resilient way to finish a wood deck that will wear well over time with less maintenance?   

A: For a more maintenance friendly alternative to wood, I recommend using a composite product which looks and feels like wood, but does not require staining or painting and is resistant to rot.

Using a good quality composite will ensure it fades less and lightens to a more attractive finish.

MoistureShield is a good choice since it is one of the leading brands of environmentally friendly composites on the market.

However, if you prefer to install a wood deck, to keep it looking its best you should apply a stain or transparent sealer every few years. To finish a deck follow this procedure that applies to all wood decks built at least one foot or more above grade level and is appropriate for the wood decks including treated lumber, western red cedar, spruce or hemlock.  

To finish

1. Resist the urge to complete the building of your deck before treating the wood.

2. Lay out all deck boards on top of the joist system with the side that you select for the top surface facing down.

3. Use a felt tipped marker, mark the bottom side of each piece of wood so that you will know which side is up when you’re finished.

4. Clean the surface with the Shell Busey Home Cleaning Formula. Wash and rinse all six sides of each board and when finished, return them to bottom side up. Allow them to dry.

5. Whether you like a natural wood finish, stain or paint finish. Spray or brush on a finish of your choice. When you’re finished, place the deck boards right side up.

6. Now you’re ready to fasten the deck boards into place with galvanized nails.

7. Complete the finishing procedure by applying one or more additional coats to the finished top side.

If you build your deck at grade level or less than one foot off the ground, all joists must be made of pressure treated lumber. You’ll get a longer lasting deck and peace of mind if you use pressure treated lumber for all decks built at grade level or within one foot of grade level. Note: There’s no need to let treated lumber sit without finishing for any length of time. Some people are of the opinion that you have to let treated lumber cure or season prior to finishing. This isn’t the case.

Choosing a finish

Semi-transparent stain — If you want to enhance the appearance of the wood.

Solid stain — If you want to change the color of the wood.

Transparent sealer — If you like the natural color of the wood.

Paint — Paint is not a preferred deck finish. Unlike stain, paint sits on top of the wood and isn’t absorbed by the wood fibers which will peel and crack and will requiring completely sanding the surface to repaint.

Always use an oil-based finish for the first application of a finish on all species of wood. It’s best to ask your local hardware store or paint dealer to recommend a high quality product for your project. The Flood Wood Care Brand available through Cloverdale Paint has a full product line designed specifically for exterior wood finishes. Never apply a wood finish in the bright, hot sunlight. Always read information on container before starting the project and it should be 10 C or warmer.

Shell Busey can be heard every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Winnipeg’s CJOB 68 on the Corus Radio Network. Go to www.thehousesmart.com for more home improvement tips or to sign up for the HouseSmart monthly online newsletter.