Restore Your Deck This Fall with DeckCorrect!

Could your deck use a little TLC?

Have you noticed a muted grey color taking over your deck?

Has someone complained about getting splinters?

What about cracks and stains?

Let’s Determine the State of Your Deck

It sounds like you need to consider some deck restoration. Before you jump into the work, you need to understand your wood’s problems. Common deck appearance issues include:

Mold & Mildew

Mold and mildew often get mistaken for dirt. When you look at your deck you’ll see light grey marks, but if you try to wash it off, it stubbornly stays put. Best way to test for mold and mildew on your deck? Take a rag soaked in bleach and place it on your deck for a few moments (we suggest wearing gloves). When you remove the cloth, if the marks are gone, you have a mold or mildew problem.

Take care of this problem as soon as you can because mold and mildew can rot your deck. A product like Cabot’s Wood Cleaner will do the trick.

Peeling

No special testing required for this one. You’ve probably noticed this problem getting worse over time. Your previous coats of paint or stain are now curling and chip off whenever you move something on your deck. If you don’t see any obvious peeling, you can do the duct tape test. Place a small piece of duct tape on your deck and pull it off quickly. If you see any paint or stain on the tape, you should scrape and sand your deck until you get to the good wood.

Grey or Weathered Wood

Generally speaking, the horizontal surfaces of your deck will see the most wear and tear. If your deck spends a lot of time in the sun, the sun’s ultraviolet rays will strip the wood of color, whether you’ve stained it before or not. Much like peeling, you can plainly see the results of the elements (rain, snow, sun, and wind) affecting your deck.

What product should you use to restore your deck?

cabot_deckcorrect

If your deck is plagued by splinters, cracks, and stains, then we suggest you take a look at Cabot’s DeckCorrect. As a solid deck stain, it provides the most protection. It’s enhanced with polycarbonate Everbeads, that:

Locks down splinters
Fills cracks up to ¼” in width
Resists dirt and skids

You’re going to need to prep your deck prior to putting down any stain. We recommend watching this short video if you’d like to get an idea of the process:

How to apply DeckCorrect

Applying DeckCorrect is much like applying any other stain. Generally speaking, you’ll want to follow these steps:

Shake and stir thoroughly before and during use.
If your project requires more than 1 container, blend all containers together to ensure uniformity (one gallon of DeckCorrect covers a 75 sq. ft. space with 2 coats). Working in small sections at a time (1–3 boards), use a nylon/polyester brush to dab DeckCorrect into cracks and rough areas before rolling.
Use a 3/8-inch nap roller to apply a thick, even coat, rolling lengthwise along boards.
Allow the first coat to dry for 4–6 hours before applying the second coat. Requires a 2-coat application. For best results, on vertical surfaces such as railings, Cabot Solid Color Stain is recommended. DeckCorrect and Cabot Solid Color Stain are available in complementary colors.

Be careful not to apply your stain while your deck is in direct sunlight, or when the temperature will be below 50℉. Additionally, the temperature shouldn’t be expected to reach 50℉ for 48 hours after you apply DeckCorrect.

The product you should select is dependent upon your vision for your finished product. Be sure to stop by or call either our Owings (410-257-2963) or Lusby (410-326-3222) locations and speak with us if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of your options.

Autumn is a great time for lounging on the deck with family and friends. It’s also the perfect time to restore your deck, creating a welcoming atmosphere for get-togethers or relaxing mornings and evenings outside. Stop by Sneade’s Ace Home Center today and let us help you get started on your deck restoration project!