The following chart displays the results from 25 tested wood sealers and water repellents in 1996. The synthetic resins tested best. The top product was Sikkens, an expensive film former resin. The second place product, called Defy, is not a film former and is an excellent product.
Deck cleaning takes a lot of work. Oxygen bleach works wonderful to clean your deck without harming it. The next step to keeping your deck clean is sealing it. Imagine a deck sealer that lasts two to three years! It is possible to get results like that if you choose wisely.
Deck finish test results from 2000 were published by Earlham Analytical Testing Labs in Indiana. They weathered 30 deck finishes for at least six months to see how well each performed in outdoor exposure and repelling water. Here are the top five deck finishes.
Redwood decks have a lot of information published about them by the California Redwood Association. Free DIY deck plans can also be sent for from TECO.
Making deck designs and building a deck are tough tasks. Wood deck construction involves deck layout and plans, framing, posts, beams and finally the lumber, railings and stairways. If you use CCA lumber or redwood, the planks should be spaced tightly because they will shrink. Here's what you should keep in mind when building a deck.
Deck plans for ground level decks are easy to layout. Take all your furniture and other objects that will be on the deck. Lay them out in your grass for your ground level deck plans. Use grade beams for durability and strength and stainless steel screws to prevent rust.
Building a deck requires many components. Grade beams, digging, post holes, joist hangers, ledger bolts, nails, stairways, deck plans and layout... there are so many things to keep in mind. Here are 15 labor-saving tips on building a deck.
Vinyl decking and plastic decking have maintenance advantages over wood decking. Virgin vinyl decks are better than recycled material decks because they both last longer and won't lose their color. Use a synthetic deck sealer for maintenance.
Synthetic deck material manufacturers make a wide variety of decking products. The following is a list of manufacturers along with the kind of material they use to make their deck: virgin vinyl or recycled content.