Home Repair and Paint Guide

... Heartwood contains the natural oils that give these woods their resistance to decay and insect attack. Sapwood (cut from the outer edges of the tree) lacks these oils. If you’re going to use redwood, look for lumber labeled “heartwood common”. This contains more heartwood than “construction common”. Buy wood that’s dry. Lumber that’s still saturated with the water can be twice as heavy as dry wood. It will also shrink when drying. This can cause your deck to have uneven gaps between the boards, and could also shear the screws or loosen nails that hold mounting brackets to joists. If the wood you purchased is wet, let it dry for a few weeks in an area that’s covered and away from direct sunlight. Drying too quickly can lead to warping. Tall decks should be built using 6×6 posts instead of 4×4. They will look better and are more solid. Make sure the posts are straight with no twists, bows, or deep cracks. Remember that the posts have to support the weight of the deck plus people and furniture. That’s another reason to go with the 6×6 size if the deck is tall. There are three main categories of deck boards: Natural woods - The rich color of redwood and cedar looks great when the deck is new, but will start to discolor within the first year if a good stain or sealer is not applied. Natural woods are stable and tend to lie flat with minimal cracking. On the downside, they’re soft and more likely to get scratched and gouged when items are dragged across them. If you have dogs that will be using the deck, their claws will leave scratches on the surface.   Treated lumber - This type of deck lumber is strong and will last for many years if maintained on a regular schedule ...

... Check carefully for loose boards and nails that stick up. If nails were used during construction, they will probably loosen and start pulling out. Replace the loose ones with deck screws. Warped or badly cracked boards will need to be replaced. Let them dry for a couple of weeks before staining. Now it’s time to clean the surface with a solution made for the purpose. For your safety, wear eye protection and waterproof gloves. Read and follow all safety directions that come with the cleaning solution. Make sure children and pets cannot enter the area. It may be necessary to wash down the deck and surrounding area before applying cleaning solutions. Care must be taken to limit the amount that gets on nearby plants and grass. And make sure to wear clothes that you won’t mind getting discolored. Many solutions contain bleach and they will create spots on clothing. Apply as per manufacturer instructions. After allowing time for the chemicals to do their work, the deck should be thoroughly rinsed. If using a pressure washer, be careful because too much pressure can damage the wood. Be sure to rinse away all residue, then allow the wood to thoroughly dry before sealing. Sealers can be brushed on, rolled on with a paint roller, or sprayed on. Throwaway foam rollers do a great job and allow you to control the amount that gets on other areas. Spraying is the fastest, but is difficult to control. Sealers are also rough on plants. While most plants won’t be damaged by getting hit with over-spray, direct hits can do real damage ...