Find out how wood deck coatings affect the life of your deck.

Obviously, the first reason most people think of using wood deck coatings is to protect their deck. Right on target. Choosing good wood deck coatings will protect your deck from the elements and help to preserve the wood. Nevertheless, before you run out and buy wood deck coatings, remember, decks are usually made from pressure treated wood. This means that the wood has already been treated to preserve and protect it from its environment. Does it really need more protection?

In most cases, the answer is yes. A wood deck is a valuable addition to any home. By using wood deck coatings, you are helping to ensure your deck is durable and will last as long as youre in your home.

For most decks, the coating of choice is of a polyurethane base. Polyurethane provides high quality finish, excellent stain, chemical resistance, protection against oils and provides excellent hardness and adhesion.

Wood Deck Coatings

One problem many homeowners make when applying wood deck coatings is over-applications of the coating. Deck finishes are designed to penetrate the surface of the wood. If too many coatings are applied, there is a build-up of coating that can peel and crack. Most wood deck coatings are water repellant. Over application can cause sticky surfaces and waxy or slick surfaces.

Wood deck coatings are available in a variety of colors. Its a good idea to test the color in an obscure place before applying it to the entire deck. This will assure you have just the color you want. Wood deck coatings can be applied using brush, spray, rollers, or pads. Many prefer spray applications as this provides a more even coating with less dripping and lap marks.

While wood deck coatings do provide protection and longevity to decks, if you prefer the aged look, you may want to avoid coatings. The aged look for most wood used in deck building will eventually be a grey color. There may be some variations. As long as treated lumber has been used to build your deck, youll still have along lasting deck even if you decide not to use wood deck coatings.