Exterior Decking Finishes: What Are My Options?

By Ben Nystrom, 03/26/12

The warm beauty and casual comfort of a natural hardwood deck are just the things to make long summer evenings complete. If you're fortunate enough to have such a deck (or wise enough to be considering one), you have a lot to look forward to in the coming months.

That said, even the best exterior hardwood decking can't brave the elements without help in the form of finishes and sealers. By keeping out moisture and fungi, the right finish can make your hardwood exterior decking last for years to come.

Most hardwood decking manufacturers recommend that you use stains and sealers specially formulated for hardwood extereior decking. The same dense cell structure that makes these materials so durable also prevents sealers formulated for softwoods from penetrating properly: water-based products usually won't get the job done.

Chances are you'll want a product that contains a stain to keep your deck's rich color intact. In most cases, the sealer will also contain a UV protectant.

While hardwood exterior decking is more attractive—and far more durable—than cheap softwood alternatives, you should be aware that, due to the wood's density, sealers don't penetrate as deeply into the wood. Because of this, you should be prepared to re-seal your deck every two years or so to keep it looking its best.

The exterior decking professionals at Nova USA always have time to help you select the best protective products for your particular installation. Give us a call today at 503.419.6407 to keep your deck in tip-top shape for years to come.

By Ben Nystrom, 03/26/12

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