Tips To Finish Your New Wood Decking
Wooden decking is a durable, reliable material for your home's decking material. With the right care, it can last many years. The way you finish the wood will directly contribute to how long it lasts, so it's important that you take care when choosing the right finishing material. Here's a look at a few things that you should consider.
What Kind Of Base Do You Need?
Wood finishes come in two primary compositions. You'll have to choose either oil-based or water-based finishes for your application. If you've never worked with either, it can be hard to know which is right. Oil-based finishes are typically longer lasting and thicker than water-based materials, and they soak deeper into the wood. They are, however, more difficult to clean up.
In areas that are particularly humid, water-based stains are often a better choice. Water-based products will soak into damp wood in a way that oil-based finishes can't. This will make it easier for you to finish the deck even with the high humidity.
What Kind Of Look Do You Want?
When you finish the decking, you'll have the option to choose a stain that contributes color to the wood. You could also select a stain that's clear for protection but will allow the wood grain to be the focus. Those clear finishes are great for protecting the decking without having to worry about anyone seeing the brush marks. If you're worried about imperfections, opt for a clear stain instead.
However, you can choose a finish with a colored pigment to help you protect the wood from ultraviolet rays. Stains with a colored tint are the best way to go for this because the color builds a barrier. If you don't want a lot of color in it, look for a semi-transparent stain instead. These are just lightly tinted, so you'll get some ultraviolet ray protection without a significant change in the wood color.
No matter how you decide to finish your wood decking, it's often a good idea to work with a professional. That way, you can be sure that the wood is prepared correctly, accepts the stain, and gives you the most protection possible for your efforts. Talk with your local decking installation and care company today to find out what kinds of stains are most often recommended in your area, then book an appointment to have it applied professionally to make things easier.
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