Lowes love helping make your home beautiful. Indoors and out, Lowes has all you need to maintain a good looking house and home. With a Lowes Money Off Coupon from We Are Coupons having a stunning home can cost you less. One place Lowes can help you look after is your decking outdoors.
Real Wood Decks
Real wood decks can be beautiful, but they can also be damaged by the harsh conditions of summer and winter. To protect your real wood deck, you should thoroughly rinse it with water before applying a cleaning solution. This softens the cellulose fibers and helps the cleaning solution disperse evenly. The cleaning solution should be mixed in a 5-gallon bucket with water. Use the scrubbing brush to scrub away loose debris.
Cleaning your Deck
Always clean your deck thoroughly before applying any surface treatments. Allow the wood to dry for a week before applying paint or sealants. If you want to use paint or sealant, you can perform a water test to determine if the wood is dry enough. If it takes five to ten minutes for water droplets to absorb, it's too wet. After a week's drying time, you can apply a sealant or paint. Then, apply a coat of deck varnish or stain. Follow up with a yearly cleaning.
No Heavy Furniture
After cleaning the deck, you should rinse thoroughly with clean water. If you have used tarps, they should be wiped off as well so that they do not accumulate grime. If you're using a tarp, be sure to remove it afterward. You should also avoid placing heavy furniture or grills on the deck after cleaning because they can gouge the wood. If you've placed outdoor rugs on the deck, keep them away so that they don't get wet.
Preserving your Deck
Regular cleaning is important to preserve the look of your wooden decking. Over time, the weather and sunlight deteriorate the finish on your deck boards. This lets water penetrate the wood and cause mold and mildew. Annual cleaning and sealing will prevent these problems. If you're concerned about mildew, make sure you remove all furniture and clean up any debris that is trapped between the boards of your deck. If you're worried about the cost, consider investing in a recycled plastic deck rug.
Clean Twice a Year
You should also clean your deck with a gentle cleaning solution once or twice a year. You can even apply a protective stain or oil to keep the wood looking its best. It's important to avoid using chemicals that can harm the wood. If you're worried about the environment, clean your deck with the right products. You can also find some useful tips by reading online reviews and reading blogs. They'll help you decide which product is the best for your home.
Stain and Oil
The final step in cleaning and maintaining your deck is to apply the appropriate stain and oil. Typically, a wood stain creates a protective layer over the wood. However, it can be slippery when it's wet and can cover up the grain of the wood. Before you apply a stain, make sure to scrub the deck first and remove any loose debris. If you're staining your deck, you should carefully check its grain.
