Deck Preservation & Staining

Outdoor decks are a popular addition to many Wisconsin homes. Out of all your exterior surfaces decks need the most maintenance to protect them and keep them looking new.

Most decks are primarily made of wood. Redwood, cedar, pressure treated pine, and even some exotic hardwoods are used. Natural wood is beautiful to look at but it requires maintenance to keep it’s appearance.

These days many man-made decking products are also available on the market. Most of these are composed of composite, vinyl and aluminum. They come in a variety of appearances and they require low maintenance.

Whether your deck is wood or composite, it requires regular maintenance. Proper deck maintenance is essential to prolong the appearance and structural condition of your deck. It also stops the growth of mold, mildew, algae and fungus. Deck maintenance that is done correctly will not only extend the aesthetic and structural years of your deck. It can save you money in the long run

One of your decks main enemy is the sun, because of a decks angle to the sun, it’s constantly taking a beating from ultraviolet rays. Another enemy is the damaging effects of Wisconsin’s weather, along with discoloration caused by dirt, moss, algae, and other plants. These deck enemies tear apart the surface of the wood. Splinters form, creating a rougher surface that is even more inviting to dirt and plants. Before long, you have a dingy deck that's treacherous when wet and riddled with splinters. Annual maintenance is necessary to prevent small problems from turning into expensive repairs.

Basic Deck Maintenance

Inspect your deck – As part of your deck maintenance, you should inspect your deck every year or two. Check especially for any loose boards or protruding nails that need attention, you should also inspect for any damaged or rotting wood that needs to be replaced.

Clean your deck – Dirt, moss, algae, and other plants can stain and discolor your deck making it look old and weathered, even composite decks can be discolored from being exposed to the elements. The good news is that sometimes all you need is a good cleaning. There are a lot of deck cleaning solutions available today and combined with a thorough pressure washing, this might be all that is necessary to make your deck look new again.

Seal your deck – your deck needs to be sealed to be properly protected from the elements. To test your deck, sprinkle some water onto it and if the water stops beading and instead just seeps into the wood, you’ll know that it’s time to reseal the deck. A quality stain and sealer will penetrate the wood grain to seal it, while also allowing moisture to escape from the wood. It won’t chip, peel or crack as the deck wood swells and shrinks. The more solids the stain has, the better protected your deck will be from fading and moisture.

Superior Paint and Plaster is your solution for all of your deck’s maintenance issues. We can repair or replace any damaged or rotting wood to restore your deck and offer many different options and products to seal, stain and preserve your deck.  We offer a free annual deck inspection so you can make a more informed decision on your decks maintenance. Call today!