If you have a pressure treated deck or fence, taking care of it can help ensure it looks its best for longer. Pressure treated wood is a popular material for outdoor decking and fencing. In fact, it is often recommended as the best wood for any outdoor project.
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What is Pressure Treated Deck & Fence Wood?
Pressure-treated wood is infused with chemical preservatives that help protect the wood from rot and insects.
How to Protect Your Pressure Treated Deck & Fence Wood? Seal It!
It is recommended that today’s pressure-treated wood be sealed to protect it from the elements. Some think it is already protected because of the pressure treatment; however, think about it this way. Pressure treatment protects the wood from internal decay and rot. Sealant protects it from external wear.
By sealing your pressure-treated wood, you are helping protect your deck or fence wood from splitting and cracking. It also helps retain an attractive appearance.
Protect your Pressure Treated Fence
Your wood fence is fully exposed to the sun, rain and snow (and whatever other weather gets thrown your way). It’s important to choose the right finish to ensure your fence lasts.
While some leave their fence to weather naturally, you can extend its life and look with a stain or sealer. Choose an outdoor stain or water-repellent sealer that is rated for mildew resistance. These finishes absorb into the wood and do not crack and peel. Varnish and solid coloured stains are not recommended as they will not withstand the weather well.
You can also paint your fence. You will want to use a water-repellent sealer first and allow it to dry for at least two days before painting. You will then apply a quality primer and then two coats of exterior paint. If you are repainting your fence you need to ensure you scrape all old, loose paint from the wood. You will then use a bristle brush to remove all remaining loose paint and dirt. You will then reseal your fence with an outdoor sealer. Next you will apply your primer. Then, you will apply two coats of paint.
Protect Your Pressure Treated Deck
Unless well-covered with an awning or roof, your wood deck is subject to intense exposure from the weather. You will find your deck may weather faster than a fence because it lays flat. This is because the flat surface will be more exposed to rain, snow and sun.
A water-repellent sealer or semi-transparent stain can help protect your deck so it lasts as long as it should.
Should You Seal, Stain or Paint Your Deck?
You can find specially formulated sealants and stains made for decks. Generally, these stains and sealants have a shorter lifespan than paint, but they are more easily applied and renewed. You should be resealing staining your wood deck every couple of years. Light-coloured stains generally will last a little bit longer than dark stains as the light stain won’t show the contrast in grain colour as wear occurs.
If you choose to paint your deck, you may find it lasts longer; however, once it does start to fall into disrepair it will be much more noticeable as you will start to see the paint cracking and flaking. When it comes time to refinish your painted deck, you have to scrape and sand before refinishing which is very labour-intensive. This is why many will choose stain and sealer over paint and solid-colour stains for fully-exposed decks.
4 Tips To Keep Your Deck Looking New
- Keep It Clean – It is important to regularly wash and sweep your deck. This helps prevent the accumulation of dirt on your deck which can cause staining. If you have a BBQ on your deck, be sure you are catching the grease so it does not land and stain your deck.
- Shovel Regularly In Winter – When it snows, you should shovel your deck. By removing the snow quickly, you will help prolong the life of your deck.
- Make Sure It is Sealed – Pressure treated wood should still be sealed to help it withstand the weather. You should re-apply sealant every couple of years.
- Make Repairs As Soon As Possible – Replace any rotted or cracked boards as soon as possible so you don’t need to replace the entire deck.
A pressure treated deck can make for a great place for entertaining and enjoying time outside together. Regularly seal and care for your deck wood and it will last for years to come. Building, staining, sealing and caring for a pressure treated deck or fence can be a big job. If you’d rather leave it to the professionals, give Home Painters Toronto a call. Our painter and home repair crew can have your deck looking brand new.
