My deck is falling apart will stain and sealant fix it?

There is no product that will reverse existing rot but proper maintenance will help slow and prevent future issues. In many cases if rotting issues are caught early a “strip and seal” will save money compared to replacement repair costs.

I just built a new deck how soon can I stain it?

We suggest waiting one year after building before applying a stain or sealant to your new structure.  This allows the wood to weather and will make removing the mill glaze easier, creating a better bond between the wood and finish.

Why do I need to stain my deck?

Staining your deck and exterior fixture helps maintain and replenish the oils in the wood that act as a natural repellent protecting against UV damage, moisture causing rot and help in prolonging the life of the wood.

How often do I need to refinish my deck?

We recommend a reapplication of stain every other year on the flat surfaces and 3 -5 years on the vertical surfaces.

Can I just stain over the existing finish without power washing or sanding?

Yes and no, many newer stain products recommend a light cleaning before applying a reapplication.  With that said though, not all products are created equal and most products wont bond with other brands of stains or sealants.  Many manufacturer directions will also tell you to strip all the old finish off before applying a new coat of stain. That is why we always recommend at least a power wash to strip as much of the old finish as possible before applying a new stain.

Do I have to power wash AND sand before staining?

No you do not need to but keep in mind preparation is the most important step in obtaining quality results. With the exception of a reapplication of stain, Power washing and sanding have proven to be the best preparation method along with a neutralizer to produce lasting results from stain. When it comes to the reapplication process, depending on the product that is being reapplied and how long it’s been since the last application, in some cases a light cleaning with a mild detergent and garden hose will be enough to prep the area for a reapplication.

Do I have to stain my deck I really like the Natural look?

Many people like the natural look of the wood and dread the annual maintenance involved with staining. For this reason, we offer a clear internal sealant that will help protect your deck without altering the appearance. However clear sealants offer no UV protection and the structure will naturally fade and gray through the seasons.

Are the products you use safe around pets and plants?

Yes, we take extra precaution when it comes to protecting your pets, plants, and property. We use biodegradable and eco-friendly cleaners, if something stronger like a solvent is going to be necessary we will tell you upfront so you are informed of it when designing your system.

I have some small cracks in my patio will the sealant fill those in?

No unfortunately our sealant is not a fill and fix product. Our penetrating internal sealants are a preventative measure that work on a microscopic level filing the tiny voids trapped in the substrate where moisture can collect and cause damage. Its never too late to take steps to protect what you have.

How long do I have to wait before using my patio after you seal it?

Depending on which products we are going to use, the time can vary but generally we suggest waiting 24 – 48 hours before using your patio. This allows the internal products to go from a liquid state to gel before finally crystallizing and becoming a permanent part of the surface. Top coats or surface applications will vary but expect at least a day or two.

I cant find the can of stain I used last time on my trim do I have to redo all my trim?

No, when it comes to trim processing we specialize in custom matching colors. We don’t hit a home run on every swing but we wont move forward without your approval. We will create and provide an actual wood sample that you can have and hold up to see how it will look before we finalize anything.

Is install included in with the trim process?

As for now we do not offer install for trim work, we are focused on saving you time by taking the dull boring work (the staining and painting) out of the equation for you giving you more free time. We can offer or refer you to a contractor that can handle the install for you if you wish.