Caring For Decks & Wood Structures
Decks are ready for immediate use once complete. (In the case of treated lumber, use caution because surfaces can remain slippery for several weeks after installation) Pressure treated lumber should eventually be sealed, and can even be painted. The wood should not be sealed for at least 3 months after installation to allow the pores to open and surface treatments to dry. Wood can be painted at this time as well – but best results are achieved by waiting a year or so to paint. Cedar and redwood lumber should also be sealed, but again should not be sealed for at least 3 months. Prior to sealing, wash decking thoroughly with a power washer, pre-mixed deck wash or half-and-half mixture of bleach and water. Allow the deck to dry for 24 hours prior to sealing. Sealing should be done every one to two years in the fall. (Sealers tend to protect horizontal deck surfaces for 1-2 years and vertical surfaces for 3-4 years.)