 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
decking » facts »
planning & caring for your deck » care & finish » |
Site Selection
Evaluate your site. Important considerations are:
- SUN. Decks are often planned to savor maximum hours of sunlight. To minimize drying effects of sun, use 4” deck boards for increased stability.
- MOISTURE. A deck built close to the ground, near vegetation, or around a pool is subject to moisture from damp surroundings. (Refer to Site Preparation below). Use 4” deck boards for increased stability
- SITE PREPARATION. Allow ample time to prepare the deck site. Plan ahead to minimize moisture and ensure adequate ventilation. Moisture control is essential to prolong the life of the deck. Clear rocks and debris from area under deck. Grade site for proper drainage. Slope grade away from building. Install drainage routes or drain pipes if necessary. Vegetation under a deck retains moisture and releases it to the underside of a deck. Remove vegetation and lay down landscape paper.
A pleasing deck design takes into account how an outdoor room is used. It integrates the deck with both site and building. Our 100% natural Cedar decking is a smart, chemical-free choice when designing with the following in mind: children, pets, entertaining, alfresco dining, and gardens.
Make sure access ways are well thought-out. Use imagination to plan multi-levels, railings, planters, lighting, stairs, storage, benches, gates, etc. Our decking accessories include posts, handrails, and balusters so all components of your deck will match and mature consistently.
Consider creative patterns for arranging deck boards: herringbone, diagonal, basket-weave or parquet. Imagine a log cabin design or bull’s eye; a border or sunburst.
Construction Advice
Consult local building codes as you plan your deck. Do you need a permit? Ask your builder or supplier to recommend supporting structural materials. Inquire about approved design and fastening procedures. Your local independent lumber yard can suggest deck plans or software. Build with best construction techniques. Because our decking is dried, leave a 5/16” space between deck boards. Use stainless steel screws and ringshank nails. Ask about hidden fasteners. Pre-drill ends to avoid splitting. Eliminate recesses where water might collect. Plan for proper flashing and caulking. For maximum performance, pre-stain deck boards so all sides are protected. Seal cut ends as you build. Plan for air circulations around the deck.
Deck Care & Finish
The beauty of wood is acknowledged worldwide. Its enduring appeal is appreciated everywhere. Wood’s value is worthy of good care and maintenance. Apply a protective stain to your deck as soon as possible.
- Your deck is completed only when you apply a “sunscreen”. Just as our health is guarded by sensible skin protection, wood’s cell structure benefits from an ultra-violet inhibitor. Make sure your choice of a deck finish includes UV protection. In general, a stain with some pigment (color) will be more effective than clear. Today’s coatings technology offers natural looking stains with effective protection.
- Select a premium penetrating oil stain rather than paint. Penetrating oil stain offers greater protection than the surface film of paint.
- Choose an oil penetrating stain with (1) a water repellent preservative (we recommend avoiding water sealers) to repel moisture absorption and (2) mildewcide to retard the growth of microorganisms on wood fiber.
- Keep your deck clean. Remove dirt with a commercial deck wash or TSP mixture. Many household cleansers work well too. Please follow manufacturers’ suggestions when mixing formulas. Focus some attention on the gaps between ends and edges of individual deck boards, making sure they are clear of dirt and debris. Trial in the discrete area or on a sample piece is a prudent measure. A light sanding may be desired to smooth the surface if fibers are raised during cleaning.
- Refinish your clean deck on the schedule recommended by the stain manufacturer.
- If your deck is built in the fall or winter and cannot be stained immediately, plan to clean and finish your deck as soon as reasonable in the spring.
- Left unstained, Port Orford cedar will gradually change to a soft silver gray color, and you should expect some natural weathering characteristics to appear. Maintenance requirements include regular inspection and cleaning (see #4 above). If a deck is left untreated some pieces may begin to deteriorate and would require replacement over time as the natural oils evaporate leaving the wood vulnerable to decay. Most often this will only occur with a small percentage of pieces, and over an 8-10 year period. (The U.S.D.A. Forest Products laboratory rates Port Orford cedar as highly decay resistant.)