It is a fact: no matter what type of material you use or how well built it is, a deck of hardwood will naturally wear over time. Even natural decay-resistant options, such as Ipe flooring, are vulnerable to the elements, and long-term exposure to various weather conditions and UV radiation will inevitably lead to discoloration, testing and arrest. The good news is that there are many high-quality trimmings that help extend the life of any hardwood deck.
While many solid and opaque finishes provide greater protection against the elements, most homeowners choose hardwood flooring because of its appearance. The best way to protect the deck, while maintaining the original appearance, is to use a high quality transparent oil finish. A penetrating matte finish with UV inhibitors will provide excellent protection against the elements without covering the natural beauty of hardwood. Below are some of the best brands of petroleum products, their strengths and weaknesses, and what to expect when using them.
Superdeck
Superdeck's professional clear stains and sealants have three high-quality oils, including linseed and tung oil, which provide greater protection against severe weather. The transparent oxide pigments in the Superdeck formula protect against harmful UV rays without blocking the natural look of the wood. Superdeck Transparent Stain & Sealer also comes with a satisfaction guarantee.
Foam Finish Coatings
Penofin is the leading choice for environmentally friendly outdoor wood stains. Penofin Verde contains all-natural ingredients, including vegetable essential solvents, plant based resins and Brazilian rosewood oil - there are no petroleum or heavy metal compounds. It provides 99% UV protection and is safe for internal use.
Olympic
The Olympic line of transparent waterproofing sealants has an individual penetrating oil formula, double-sided waterproofing protection, advanced UV protection and their exclusive Scuff Guard® protection formula against damage. This is a great finish if you want to protect against mold and wood rot and works best when applied to new or pressure treated wood.
Messmer & # 39; s
This oil-based finish is ideal for those who want a protective layer with an even appearance. While the end of the UV coating Messmer changes the color of the deck, it does not affect the texture or does not cover the grain pattern. The finish is available in two attractive colors, natural and mahogany and is great for hardwood hardwoods such as Ipe flooring.
Treatment Tips
There are some important tips that you should take into account before and during the application of the mast. By following these simple tips, we will provide a much longer life for your deck.
1. Complete all four sides.
End checking is a big problem for deck owners, and one that can be easily avoided by sealing and finishing each side of the board, even the bottom and the ends. Applying an even layer on all sides helps protect against water, mold and mildew in unfavorable places, for example, under the deck.
2 Finish before exposing to weather.
The best time to apply the oil ends in spring or early summer when the weather is warm and dry. Before installing the boards, apply the finish in a dry, enclosed area. Before applying to the surface of the material flooring must be fully processed and processed.
3 Apply as soon as possible.
Even in good weather, the longer the flooring materials are left unfinished, the greater the chance of checking or deforming. Getting the finish as soon as you can is a great way to minimize the damage that can occur in wood before installation.
4. Easily approach pressure washing.
Pressure washing is a great way to prepare wood for hardwood, but be careful not to wash off the surface fibers. Keep the washer under low pressure and do not feel too enthusiastic.
Transparent, penetrating oils are great for extending the life of your solid wood deck, but it is important to choose the right one. Make sure that the oil you decide on functions of good protection against UV radiation, protects against water damage and is safe for the type of wood you will use. Talk to a hardwood flooring professional if you have questions about the type of oil you should use on your new deck.
