5 Important Ways to Care for Your Redwood Fence or Deck
- Remove debris and repair. ...
- Check for any structural damage and repair loose boards. ...
- Scrub your fence clean. ...
- Apply a protective seal. ...
- Keep structure clear of vines and away from sprinklers. ...
Can You pressure wash Redwood decking?
Oxygen bleach is an all-purpose alternative that won’t wash out colors or harm plants, but it’s still not appropriate for redwood. DO sand your deck before sealing. It can take up to 48 hours for the deck to fully dry. At that point, lightly sand the surface to remove splintery or fuzzy patches caused by pressure-washing the deck.
How often should a redwood deck be cleaned and sealed?
If a redwood deck gets a fair amount of sun, it should be cleaned and resealed at least every other year. If it’s mainly shaded and you haven’t developed mildew, you should have it sealed every three years. Cleaning and sealing should be viewed as a regular maintenance program and will prolong the life of the deck, as well as maintain its look.
How do you restore a discolored redwood deck?
Restore your redwood back to the desired color by identifying the cause of the discoloration, remedying the problem, and recondition the redwood to revitalize its natural beauty. Applying a finish can help keep your redwood deck looking like new for years and lock in the color and look you want. Using redwood for your decking offers many benefits.
Why choose Redwood for your decking?
Redwood’s unique cell structure allows it to hold finishes better than other woods. Plus you can keep it looking like new by simply refinishing it every few years. In addition, redwood does not stain in the same way composite materials do. With redwood, you can worry less about barbeque grease, red wine or other spills on your deck.
How do you take care of a redwood deck?
So, to sum up:Pressure wash your deck rather than sanding it.Clean and treat your deck with a preservative every two years.Remove any mildew by pressure washing thoroughly.Use a pressure washer with at least 1,500 psi.Use the fan setting on the nozzle and keep it moving to prevent a ripple effect.More items...•
Does redwood decking need to be sealed?
Tip. Redwood doesn't need to be waterproofed, but it will better maintain its appearance if you stain it with a UV-blocking stain.
Does redwood require maintenance?
Yearly maintenance is required to keep the color rich. During the deck maintenance process, you need to be especially careful with the soft redwood decking so as not to damage the wood under high pressure. Even during daily use, redwood's soft composition will acquire dents and ding pretty easily.
How often should you stain a redwood deck?
every two to three yearsTypically, homeowners should restain horizontal surfaces such as decks every two to three years. Poor deck upkeep will decrease the time you have to enjoy the deck before restaining it, while good deck upkeep may give you another year or two before you need to restain the deck.
How long will a redwood deck last?
about 30 yearsTypically, redwood decks last for about 30 years. However, if homeowners skip out on refinishing and sealing on a regular basis, redwood can blacken and turn more silver-grey in color than reddish-brown.
How long will untreated redwood last?
“A redwood fence will typically last 25 years or more with little or no maintenance,” Jourdain says. “Treated wood and cedar fences will begin to exhibit performance problems in half this time.” The main drawback of redwood is its availability outside of California and some western states is pretty limited.
How do you keep a redwood deck looking new?
To keep the color and texture looking like new, a number of protective sealants are available to accentuate the wood's characteristics. As weathering occurs to the finish, simply refinish the wood every few years to keep sealed or painted structures looking great.
Should redwood be stained or sealed?
Although redwood is quite durable in its natural state, treating your redwood through staining means you will have a long-lasting wood that is resistant to cracking, splitting, and is even a bit more impact-resistant than the raw wood.
What should I put on my redwood deck?
The best option for a new redwood deck is to choose an oil-based or alkyd-based tinted penetrating sealer. Penetrating sealers protect the wood better than film finishes like paint because they wear naturally instead of cracking.
What is the best stain for redwood deck?
A semi-transparent penetrating deck stain is ideal. This type of stain will enhance the redwood's natural beauty and eliminate weathering. When staining redwood, it is important to only apply as much stain as the wood can handle.
What happens if I don't stain my deck?
The effects that can occur due to a lack of treatment are aesthetic in nature. After 6 months, the wood will start to lose its color and will begin to fade. Ultimately it will fade to grey or silver. This is not a problem in and of itself, and some people prefer this look for their decks.
What is the best preservative for Redwood?
Best Redwood SealerReady Seal 520 Exterior Stain and Sealer – (Best Redwood Stain and Sealer)Roxil Wood Protection Cream – (Best Redwood Deck Stain & Sealer)Hope's Pure Tung Oil Sealer – (Best Redwood Fence Sealer)TotalBoat Clear Penetrating Epoxy Wood – Best Wood Stain for Redwood.More items...•
What is the best finish for a redwood deck?
The best option for a new redwood deck is to choose an oil-based or alkyd-based tinted penetrating sealer. Penetrating sealers protect the wood better than film finishes like paint because they wear naturally instead of cracking.
Do you have to stain a redwood deck?
On new smooth redwood, sanding will also help soften the surface for better stain absorption although this step is not necessary. Use a deck stain recommended for redwood. A semi-transparent penetrating deck stain is ideal. This type of stain will enhance the redwood's natural beauty and eliminate weathering.
What should I use to seal redwood?
Best Redwood SealerReady Seal 520 Exterior Stain and Sealer – (Best Redwood Stain and Sealer)Roxil Wood Protection Cream – (Best Redwood Deck Stain & Sealer)Hope's Pure Tung Oil Sealer – (Best Redwood Fence Sealer)TotalBoat Clear Penetrating Epoxy Wood – Best Wood Stain for Redwood.More items...•
How long should you wait to stain a new redwood deck?
Generally, all new decks should dry out for at least 30 days before stain or paint is applied. Although a finish can be applied immediately after construction, more work is involved, so it's best to let the wood fully dry before finishing.
What is the best way to clean a deck?
Although we continue to believe that the best way to clean a deck is with a pressure washer, a stiff-bristle brush and plenty of elbow grease will do the job, especially if cleaning is done regularly.
What is the best sealant for outdoor wood?
Many companies make sealants and stains for outdoor wood. Some of the better-known brands are Cabot, TWP, Defy and Armstrong. For a clear finish, our favorite has always been DuckBack’s Superdeck, a sealer that offers protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. But we recommend you do your own research by going to deckstainhelp.com and clicking on "product reviews."
How to kill mildew in a house?
In shaded, moist areas, mildew can be a problem. Wash with a weak bleach solution — 1/4 cup of bleach to a gallon of water — to kill the fungus before pressure washing or scrubbing.
Can you pressure wash a deck?
Pressure wash your deck rather than sanding it.
Is sealing a deck a maintenance program?
Cleaning and sealing should be viewed as a regular maintenance program and will prolong the life of the deck as well as maintain its look. Although we’ve addressed this subject many times, a quick refresher course is in order. For longevity and aesthetics, apply a preservative to outdoor wood.
How to keep redwood color on deck?
How to Retain the Red Color of a Redwood Deck. Redwood is a beautiful, durable choice for a deck that repels moisture, feels soft beneath your feet and can even help to repel pesky insects. With all redwood can do for you, return the favor and help the wood maintain its rich, deep red tones. Ensure the redwood receives regular upkeep ...
How to sand wood with orbital sander?
Open up the wood pores by sanding down the surface with your orbital sander. Use 60- to 80-grit sandpaper for the main deck and go a little higher for areas, such as the handrail, up to a maximum of 100-grit sandpaper.
How to remove grease from wood?
Remove the dirt and grease with a power washer. Opt for a fan-type nozzle instead of the orbital option to prevent the pressure from damaging the wood. The wood fibers absorb water, forcing it swell up a little. As a result, some wood fibers remain raised.
Can you use semitransparent stain on a deck?
Transparent stains can be used for newer wood, but if the deck has aged some or you needed to replace some planks with new ones, use a semitransparent stain. It looks good and blends the new and old boards nicely. Nails need to be inset, but do not use the hammer alone or you can dent the wood.
What is the best stain for redwood deck?
Choosing the right finish can help keep your redwood deck looking beautiful for years. Use a deck stain recommended specifically for redwood. Varnishes and polyurethane crack and peel when applied to exteriors. They are difficult and expensive to apply and remove.
How long does it take to stain redwood?
When staining redwood, it is important to only apply as much stain as the wood can handle. If the stain is not absorbed within 10-15 minutes, wipe the excess off the surface.
Can you refinish a redwood deck?
Refinishing goes a long way to ensure that your redwood deck will retain that warm, beautiful color for a long time. If you don’ t have the time for another DIY project, hire a reputable contractor who is experienced in the field to complete the job for you.
Who is the expert in refinishing a redwood deck?
Redwood deck expert, Jeff Imwalle, walks through all the steps needed to refinish a redwood deck like a professional. Jeff’s expert guidance will help even the most inexperienced homeowners or do-it-yourselfers get started refinishing their redwood deck.
How to get rid of redwood stains?
To remove severe mildew, use a stiff bristle brush and scrub the wood with a solution of one cup of trisodium phosphate (TSP), one cup of household bleach and one gallon of water. Extractive bleeding is another cause of redwood discoloration.
How to test for mildew on redwood?
You can test for mildew by applying a drop of household bleach to the dark spots. If mildew is present, the spots will disappear in one to two minutes. The process of color restoration to the original redwood color of the wood begins with scrubbing the wood surface with a mild detergent to remove any mildew.
How to remove mildew from wood?
Mild cases of mildew may be removed by scrubbing the surface of the wood with a mild detergent and water. The next step is to rinse the wood surface with regular household bleach. The final step is to rinse with clean water.
How to make redwood color?
If necessary, follow with an application of four ounces of oxalic acid crystals dissolved in one gallon of warm water in a non-metallic container. Apply evenly with a soft brush. When wood dries, rinse with water. Redwood, like other natural woods, will eventually change color in the elements.
What is the best finish for redwood?
Finishes formulated for wood surfaces that contain UV protection and a mildewcide offer the most protection for your redwood projects. Wood stains are generally available in clear, semi-transparent, and solid color options. Clear stains will allow the natural color and grain of the redwood to show through. Semi-transparent stains are available in a variety of attractive colors to customize the look at feel of the project. Solid color stains are opaque and hold up the longest, however they do obscure the natural grain and color of the wood itself. Painting redwood structures is certainly an option as well.
What causes redwood to discolor?
First, begin with identifying the cause of discoloration. Mildew, extractive bleeding and iron stain are common causes.
How long does it take for a deck to dry?
It can take up to 48 hours for the deck to fully dry. At that point, lightly sand the surface to remove splintery or fuzzy patches caused by pressure-washing the deck. A pole sander with 80-grit sandpaper will suffice; a power sander is overkill. Then seal the deck to protect from cracking, cupping, and warping.
How to protect shrubs from overspray?
DO cover nearby shrubbery before you begin. The chemicals in cleaners and sealers can harm or kill plants that are hit with overspray. Cover all nearby vegetation with a tarp or plastic sheet before you start, but drape it loosely to allow air circulation. Advertisement.
What protects the interior of a house from rain?
The room and walls of your home protect its interior from rain, snow, sun, and wind, but the uncovered deck endures whatever nature delivers.
Can you use natural materials under a deck?
DON’T use natural materials under deck furniture. Protect the wood deck from scrapes inflicted by chair and table legs, but don’t use outdoor rugs made of natural fibers such as jute and bamboo: These absorb moisture and promote mildew. Rugs made of recycled plastics won’t cause these problems, and they’ll last longer.
Can you bleach a deck?
DON’T clean the deck with chlorine bleach. Unless, of course, you don’t mind stripping the wood of its natural color and damaging its cellular structure. Oxygen bleach is an all-purpose alternative that won’t wash out colors or harm plants, but it’s still not appropriate for redwood.
Is pressure treated wood maintenance free?
DON’T assume that pressure-treated wood is maintenance-free. It might resist rot and insect infestation, but pressure-treated wood still needs to be cleaned and sealed to withstand water and solar damage. Use products made for pressure-treated wood.
Is a deck a plein air addition?
By Bob Vila. Photo: fotosearch.com. A deck is a plein-air addition to your home. Like the space inside your residence, it needs regular cleaning and maintenance to remain habitable and safe. Decks made of composites require less maintenance than wooden decks, but there’s no such thing as a self-cleaning deck or a deck that lasts forever.
