Q&A / 

Water Loss Causes Shrinkage Cracks & More Paula asked me a question about shrinkage cracks affecting her new deck. She sent me three photos showing all sorts of cracks in the handrails, railing posts, and decking. The cracks were in brand-new treated lumber installed in April 2023. The wood has not been sealed since then. […]

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How to Protect Exterior Wood A week ago, my lovely wife and our 2-year-old American Dirus dog were on Mt. Desert Island in Downeast Maine. We rented a tiny cottage just 12 feet from the shoreline of Bass Harbor. If you’re not familiar with this part of the USA, I can assure you it’s a […]

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Algae and Lichens Grow on Composite Decks and Rails - Easy to Clean You might be one of the countless homeowners frustrated with the annual, or every-other-year, task of cleaning and sealing your wood deck. I’m right there with you as I have to deal with my wood dock and the stairs leading to it. […]

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Where is the Best Penetrating Deck Sealer? Do you have a wood deck? How much time do you invest in cleaning and sealing it? How many gallons, currently priced around $55.00 per gallon, of high-quality sealer do you use to make your deck look fantastic? I pretty much know all the answers because I’ve dealt […]

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Why Does Wood Crack - It's Water's Fault Do you own anything made from wood that lives its life outdoors? It could be a stunning deck, perhaps a decorative privacy fence, maybe a pergola, or even a teak table and chair set. I’ve owned all of the above and more over quite a few trips […]

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Best Deck Sealer 2022 Preview Are you sick of your deck sealer lasting just one or two years? Then you have to do all that hard work AGAIN and spend $50, or more, per gallon for a deck sealer that may #FAIL again in just 18 months? Watch this as I may have discovered the […]

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Why Should Tim's 2022 Deck Stain Test Video be Free? You might have been one of the 38.4% that feels I should give away my 2022 Deck Stain video test for free. Why do you feel that way? This is an ANONYMOUS survey. Be HONEST and don't hold back your feelings. I have NO IDEA […]

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Connecting Deck Posts and Piers - Use the Right Hardware QUESTION: Tim, you helped me years ago and now I’m back. I’m going to build a freestanding deck at my house during my vacation. After watching lots of online videos, I’m somewhat confused about how to connect the deck posts to the concrete piers. What […]

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