Decks remain a focal point in many American back yards. Summertime brings family and friends together to hang out and barbecue. Whether you are playing cornhole or volleyball, everyone walks across the deck at some point. Unfortunately, cleaning and deck staining puts a damper on your schedule. Proper maintenance goes a long way towards to preserving the life of your deck, and many options exist depending on the current condition of the space. For newer decks that have not been previously coated, the options are nearly unlimited. You can apply a clear sealer, a toner or a transparent stain. Many colors exist to provide you with an endless array of options. For older decks, we typically recommend a solid color stain. This stain has the look of paint, but with better adhesion if applied properly. This application helps hide sun fading and old, deteriorated finishes.
Proper preparation provides the perfect finished project. As they say, failing to prepare means preparing to fail. The deck needs to be power washed and cleaned to remove any and all loose components. Many brands exist for your stain selection, so do your homework. Let the product dictate your method of application, whether it be sprayed or hand applied. With toners and sealers, manufacturers often recommended application with a lamb skin applicator. Regardless of the style you utilize, take your time and do it correctly. Better yet, let us know if you need a hand. A+ Home Improvements would love to help with your deck staining project. Give us a call to go over your options today!
