Life at home is better with a deck. This outdoor structure allows you to be in nature without actually leaving the house. It also provides extra space when entertaining guests and boosts the real estate value of your property. Truly, a worthwhile addition to any place of residence. Like any other part of the house, your deck needs to be maintained. This means replacing rotting wooden beams and doing other repairs to keep the foundation intact and of course, changing the deck finish.
Benefits of a Finished Deck
Having a waterproof deck coating contributes to your deck’s longevity. It helps keep this part of your home looking like new. It also prevents water damage. Furthermore, a protective coating ensures that you, your family, and guests are safe while on the deck. No one gets nasty splinters or ends up slipping on the stairs.
Types of Deck Finishes
When considering what type of finish to use on your own deck, you’ll want to look at a host of different factors. First off, you’ll have to consider the existing finish your deck has.
Then you’ll have to assess its current state. Does your deck require extensive cleaning and repairs before a new finish can be added? Finally, you’ll want to check the type of the year when you intend to apply that new finish.
Once you’ve settled on all that, then it’s time to decide on the deck finish. You can either go for an oil-based or water-based finish. Each type is described in detail below.
Oil-based deck finish
An oil-based deck finish is easy to apply because it has a slow drying time. It penetrates the wood without forming a protective film and it also doesn’t crack or peel. It also has wide temperature parameters, which means you can apply it earlier or later in the season.
Pros: Easy application, doesn’t crack or peel, refinishing can be done small sections at a time
Cons: Takes longer to dry, needs to be cleaned regularly
Water-based deck finish
The water-based variety dries fast and forms a protective film all-around your deck.
Pros: This particular finish provides a waterproof deck coating that makes it resistant to wear and tear.
Cons: The water-based finish is likely to crack and peel over time. It also needs to be completely removed before refinishing.
Don’t Have a Deck Finish?
Well going down this route is only practical if you have a brand-new deck or are in the process of building one. People who don’t use deck finishes often want to keep the integrity of the wood and prefer that it ages and weathers naturally.
That being said, your deck should still be sturdy enough to stand the ravages of time. So make sure to use pressure-resistant lumber or a rot-resistant species like cedar and redwood.
It might take you a while to source the right kind of wood, but there’s a payoff at the end. There will be no refinishing or accompanying prep work required. The boards will weather to a silver/gray patina which will make it look more rustic.
WICR Waterproofing & Decking is Southern California’s premier waterproofing and decking specialist covering Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. We are trained by all the major manufacturers of waterproofing systems so that we can install or repair any waterproofing project. Please visit us at www.WICRWaterproofing.com
