A deck makeover is a project that can repay you with delight and pride every time you step into your backyard.  By following three simple steps – one, clean; two, treat and three, deckcessorize — you can transform an uninviting deck into an outdoor oasis for family and friends.   

1.  CLEAN

Cleaning can reverse years of neglect, removing dirt, mildew, old weathered coatings, and that dark gray color caused by exposure to the elements.  A thorough cleaning helps ensure the best performance from your finish.  You wouldn’t wax a dirty car, so don’t try to skimp on the cleaning step.

There is a range of cleaners available to handle specific deck conditions.  A deck wash will remove dirt, mildew and similar soils.  If your deck has a coating on it, you’ll need a heavy duty cleaner or even a deck stripper.  Redwood, cedar, mahogany and other high extractive woods also have different natural characteristics than pressure-treated pine, and they need a cleaner specifically formulated for them.  Before you begin your cleaning step, check out the Thompson’s™ Water Seal™ Web site at www.thompsonswaterseal.com to find the best cleaner for your job (not to mention a wealth of other helpful information.)

To make the job easier, look for deck cleaners that are ready-to-use.  These may be applied with a brush, roller or sprayer.  Depending on your cleaner and your deck, you may need to scrub the surface lightly with a synthetic, stiff-bristled brush.  (Be sure to read and follow all the instructions on your cleaner.)  After rinsing off the cleaner, check to see if there are any stubborn spots, and reapply as needed. 

2.  TREAT

This second step, treating the deck with a waterproofing coating, enhances the beauty of the wood and protects it at the same time.  For the fastest makeover and the highest level of water protection, try Thompson’s^® Water Seal^® Advanced waterproofers.  This patented line can be applied two hours after cleaning a surface, making a one-day deck makeover possible.  You can choose clear protection with Thompson’s^® Water Seal^® Advanced Natural Wood Protector, or protection and sheer color with the Thompson’s^® Water Seal^® Advanced Tinted Wood Protector.

A paint pad attached to a long handle is an ideal tool for applying a waterproofer to a large, open surface, whether it’s a deck or a fence.  It works the product into the wood and greatly reduces the need for bending and kneeling.  For railings, built-in seating or other smaller areas, use a 2-inch brush.  Allow your deck to dry for 12 hours, and it’s time for step three.

3.  DECKCESSORIZE

Outdoor decorating is one of the hottest home improvement trends, so there has never been a broader or more stylish array of outdoor décor products.  There are even lamps and fabrics designed specifically to be left outdoors on the deck or patio, and deck storage containers for items you don’t want to leave uncovered. 

When choosing furniture and accessories, consider the location of the deck.  For instance, if your deck was built beneath trees to take advantage of the shade, look for lighter furniture, or use bright cushions to counteract dark corners.  If the deck is immediately off the house, you’ll want to coordinate with the colors of your home’s exterior.  (If you have any waterproofer left over from the deck, you can use it on unfinished wood chairs or planters for a truly custom look.)

Now comes the reward — relax and enjoy the beautiful getaway in your own backyard.  Your deck should be protected from water damage for two to three seasons, and you don’t have to tell anyone that it was as easy as one…two…three!

image and article provided by Karla Neely for Thompson’s Water Seal

Post from: Keeping the Castle

Now, for Keeping the Castle’s anniversary celebration this month, you’ll have a chance to win the products that Jeff recommends!

We are giving away a complete deck makeover kit from Thompson’s Water Seal! Here’s what the lucky lucky winner will get:

One (1) case each of Thompson’s Water Seal Heavy Duty Deck Wash and Thompson’s Water Seal Advanced Wood Protector (4 gallons in a case) in the winner’s choice of Natural (clear), Honey Gold, Natural Cedar, Rustic Red or Nutmeg Brown

This kit is enough to treat about 800 square feet of wood (the average deck is 200 square feet).

Your deck can go from this:

to this!

Or, if you want a different look, how about this:

So, how to join? I’m keeping it easy. Just leave one comment, and you’re in! This contest will be open until Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. ET, for residents in the U.S. and Canada only. I will randomly draw a winner soon after the giveaway ends. Good luck!

images provided by Karla Neely for Thompson’s Water Seal

Post from: Keeping the Castle

 ASK THE DECKSPERT

Jeff Wilson is an experienced building professional, and you might have seen him hosting shows like Build A Deck and Build A Fence on the DIY Network.  Here he answers questions about decks and deck care, whether you’re sprucing up your home to sell, or you just want to enjoy and protect your investment.

Q.  What’s going to be hot this year for decks and other outdoor spaces?

Everything “green” is in — and I don’t mean the color.  People are demanding environmentally sensitive products in all parts of their homes.  This includes sustainably harvested wood for new decking.  Look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo on the label of the decking you choose.  This ensures that the wood is cut responsibly, with an eye toward keeping delicate forest habitats healthy for the long run.

Also, the trend of “bringing the indoors out” will persist in deck design and accessories.  Look for increasing quality and an expanding range of colors and styles for items like outdoor rugs and furniture.  Outdoor lighting is also benefiting from this trend – watch for weatherproof solar lighting which looks more like the table and standing lamps used in your living room.

Q.  What’s the most common mistake people make in caring for their decks?

In a word — procrastination.  Putting off the cleaning and waterproofing spells trouble for your deck in the long run, and costs you more time and money.  Sure, you may not see obvious signs of deterioration right away, but you can be certain that water is finding its way into the surface of unprotected wood.  Save yourself work and expense, and take care of any necessary deck care projects now.

I’d like to add there are more than 21 million wood fences in America, and I would guess the significant majority of them are unprotected.  A wood fence can be cleaned and treated the same way that you would a deck.  Since they’re vertical surfaces and not subject to foot traffic, a fence may not need to be treated as often as a deck.

Taking care of the wood outside of your home – i.e., decks and fences – is actually a step toward “green” home improvement, because it helps the wood last longer.

Q.  How do you know a deck — or fence — is ready to be treated?

For a new deck, protect the wood as soon as possible after the decking is laid.  Since treated lumber often comes from the factory damp, many waterproofers suggest allowing the wood to dry for up to two months before treating.  However, Thompson’s^® Water Seal^® Advanced waterproofers can be applied immediately to new pressure-treated lumber.  Since water and sunlight can begin to damage wood right away, this is a valuable bonus for your deck. 

For an existing deck, try the “splash” test.  Sprinkle water on different areas of the deck.  If the wood absorbs the water and turns darker in color within five seconds, then the wood is porous and needs to be treated. If water beads up or otherwise sits on top of the wood, then it does not need protection at this time.

Q.  What are the secrets to making your deck look beautiful?

The good news is that there aren’t hidden, “professional” secrets.  Any homeowner can keep their deck looking great.  One of the best things you can do for an older deck is a good cleaning.  It will take off years of dirt, mildew and old coatings and restore the wood’s natural color.  Choose a cleaner that matches the condition of your deck, then follow the directions.  (Check out www.thompsonswaterseal.com to learn about your options in deck cleaners and for other great project ideas and helpful advice.)  If you properly clean the deck, then applying the waterproofer will go quickly.

Q.  Any time-saving or labor-saving hints to share?

It used to be that you’d clean your deck one day and then have to wait several days for the deck to completely dry before waterproofing.  Now you have a faster option.  Thompson’s^® Water Seal^® Advanced Wood Protectors can be applied to damp wood, so the cleaning and waterproofing can be done in one day.   

I recycle and re-use materials whenever possible, but you might want to investigate a few new tools if it has been a while since you worked on your deck.  There are some interesting new products out in the past few years, like a long-handled paint pad with a tank that dispenses your coating – no more back and forth to the paint tray.  And today, you can get a lightweight pressure washer with all the power you need to clean your deck for under $200.

One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to read the directions on any product or tool that you’re using, and follow them.  It’s always faster to do it right the first time. 

image and article provided by Karla Neely for Thompson’s Water Seal

Post from: Keeping the Castle