Wood left unprotected will warp, and crack, if it is not treated with some type of protection, especially pressure treated lumber. Pressure treated pine is used to build most decks and fences on the east coast because of its affordability and availability. However, it is also several hundred times more likely to warp and have problems from exposure to the elements.
Sun and rain are the two largest contributors of warping, graying, and cracking. Over time, your deck or fence will go from a fabulous golden color to a drab gray color..
When should I stain my deck or fence?
Decks generally don't have as many problems as quickly as fences, however, you should not procrastinate just because you don't see problems starting to occur. A deck can be stained or water sealed the the SAME DAY it is completed with the proper stains or water sealers.
Staining your deck will make your investment last many extra years. (Notice photographs throughout this website.)
Selecting your protection.
OK. My deck is completed and ready to be protected. What kind of sealer do I need?
Costs of sealers vary usually by only a few dollars per gallon. But just remember: "You get what you pay for." Choosing a product because you will save a few dollars, can end up costing you several hundred years later when you have to reapply it because it didn't last.
Our preference is Olympic® brand. Their solid color stains have an 8 year warranty on decks, and come with over 110 choices for colors. A gallon costs roughly $30.
- Q: Should I wait a while before protecting my deck or fence?
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- A: No. Some inferior sealers require lumber to dry out for optimum performance, BUT Olympic stains can be applied right away. In fact we HIGHLY recommend protecting your deck as soon as possible to prevent short term and long term damage from occurring.
