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FINISHING CEDAR DECKING | OVERVIEW
WATER REPELLANTS
The simplest, but most labor-intensive, finish to maintain on a cedar deck is a water-repellent preservative, which may have to be applied annually. More
STAINS
The next easiest is a semi-transparent oil-based stain. More
RESTORING FINISHES
Commercially available deck cleaners and restorers generally fall into three categories: paint strippers, bleaches, and oxalic acid-based formulas. More
MILDEW CONTROL
If mildew is already present on a substrate, the mildew but be killed and removed before the substrate is finished, or else the mildew will grow through the new coating. More
MAINTENANCE
A deck that dries after wetting will last longer than one that stays damp. More
 Although cedar is a naturally
durable wood ideal for decks, its performance is enhanced when protected by an appropriate finish. Decks have full exposure to sun and rain, which greatly accelerates the weathering process. In fact, so aggressive are the effects of weather extremes in some areas of the country that a deck may need cleaning, restoring and refinishing as frequently as every two to five years depending upon the finish used. Decks should never be allowed to weather before finishing. Both stains and water repellant finishes are extremely effective in stopping the absorption of water and are recommended. It is important to ensure that the product has been specifically formulated to withstand the abrasive effects of foot traffic.
Oil and latex solid-color stains, (also called heavy-bodied or opaque stains), paints, and other film-forming finishes are not recommended.
If there is uncertainty over whether to use a water-repellent preservative or a stain, first apply a water-repellent preservative. It is possible to switch to a semi-transparent stain when the deck needs to be refinished. Even if the deck has been maintained with a water-repellent preservative for many years, an oil-based semi-transparent stain will perform satisfactorily.
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