Nothing says summer like BBQs, pool parties and relaxing out on your deck. Here are some helpful tips from Susan Uram, Brand Manager, Olympic Exterior Stains, to transform a weathered deck into an inviting summer escape.
Before pulling out patio furniture, check your deck for deterioration. Monitor exposed wooden surfaces for wear and tear. If your deck is in less-than optimal shape, you’ll need to prepare and clean it for staining.
2. Avoid using a power washer to clean your deck. Even the low-intensity models from home improvement stores are powerful enough to damage and gouge even the hardest of wood, if you don’t know how to properly use the equipment. Using a power washer can drive a lot of dirt and mildew into the wood when you power wash, so it’s best to simply hose off the deck with a garden hose.
3. Give your deck a facelift with a good cleaning using Olympic Deck Cleaner and apply a waterproof sealant or stain such as Olympic Exterior Stains’ Maximum line, designed to protect wood from water, mildew, scuff and UV damage.
4. It’s important to seal and protect it (even if it isn’t damaged) with an exterior wood stain to prevent damage and fading.
5. Enhance the beauty of your summer hangout by combining colours, plants and décor to achieve the perfect look. Olympic Exterior Stains has over 100 semi-transparent and solid-colour stains.
6. Identify the right type of stain by considering your patio furniture and the architectural details of your home such as stone or brick work. The stain colours you choose should complement your home’s existing features. As a guide, here is what to remember:
o Clear or tinted sealants allow the woodgrain to show through your finish providing a beautiful, natural look
o Semi-transparent stains contain additional pigment and come in a variety of colours that provide a wide range of options
o Solid colour stains provide a rich, opaque finish that allows the wood’s texture to show through
7. Don’t rush. Many deck owners hope to slap down stain and have a party the same night. If you expect the deck to look a certain way, you need to take the time to figure it out. And make sure to consider the whole deck. Harried homeowners usually forget to clean and maintain the underside of a raised deck in the rush to get the season underway.
