A Beautiful Deck is a Great Investment

Homeowners spend thousands of dollars each year on decks in Denver. These additions to homes help to beautify the property. They provide an outdoor retreat when the weather is enjoyable for family get-togethers or BBQ’s and other social gatherings. Don’t let that initial investment of having the deck built to go to waste. Denver homeowners see some of the most beautiful weather in the country. But winter snow and water can have a devastating effect on wood decks. Invest in deck refinishing in Denver. Some Denver deck refinishing companies offer a full line of services to meet the needs of homeowners who need to their deck brought back to its former glory. But refinishing a deck in Denver can be a tedious job and it’s best to hire professionals with good reviews and thorough knowledge. Signs that your deck may need to be refinished are warping, mildew and greying, splintering and sun damage. This list is not inclusive and it’s best to get a professional opinion. If your deck doesn’t look as good as the day it was installed then it has probably incurred some damage.

The first thing that goes into refinishing a deck is evaluating the condition of the wood. Some wood may be beyond repair and will need to be replaced. Wood with cracks, splinters and holes will probably be pulled up and replaced. Snowy days in Denver leave plenty of dirt residue. Denver deck refinishing will require a power washing of the wood to get it clean. Make sure that whoever you hire knows how to properly operate a power washer. You don’t want to find paint or siding torn from your home or etching in the wood because someone didn’t operate a power washer properly. Any existing stain will be stripped from the wood also. At this point your wood will need to dry out. You can’t apply stain to wet wood. Denver deck refinishing is not a short process, but it is worth it. Once the wood deck is clean and dry the rest of the process can be completed.

Sanding will further remove imperfections and give the wood a smooth feel and softer appearance. Sanding removes any splinters, dirt or stain that was not removed during power washing. While you are receiving your deck refinishing in Denver, ask your technician if he will be putting down grit on top of the wet stain. Grit gives the stain a texture and will prevent it from being slippery when it gets wet. After sanding this is the time any repairs should be made. Loose nails can be taken out and replaced with deck screws. The deck should be blown off with a shop-vac before any stain is applied. Ask the technician how many coats of stain he will apply. Two coats are preferable for appearance and to lengthen the life of the wood. A seal can be applied on top of the stain to help lock in the color and prolong the life of the wood as well.

Spring Cleaning For Your Deck

Spring is right around the corner! Before you move your deck furniture out, you should check your deck for safety. You may need to restore and protect your deck so you can get the most out of it during the spring and summer months ahead.

Look your deck over for loose fasteners, nails and screws that stick up. These should be hammered or screwed down securely. Look closely for Loose or rotting wood and be sure to check your railing for cracking or splitting. If there are no problems found, you may only need to clean your deck to prepare for the up coming season, however rotten or loose wood, split or cracked railings is a safety issue and should be fixed before you start entertaining friends and family.

Deck cleaning

Debris that clogs the spaces between deck boards traps moisture, encouraging mildew and rot. Blast out the debris, using a powerful nozzle on a garden hose, and then push out remaining debris with a putty knife or a laminate scoring tool is a great tool for this job. Thoroughly scrub the surface with a sudsy mixture of water and laundry detergent, using a stiff fiber brush on a long handle. Work in small areas and rinse periodically. This may be all it takes to return much of the wood’s natural tone.

For a large deck, you can rent a power washer that delivers 1,200 psi of pressure or less to blast and rinse the decking. It should have a nozzle that fans an arc of about 25 to 40 degrees. Wearing safety goggles, hold the nozzle about 6 inches above the deck’s surface and spray slowly in line with the wood grain, overlapping your path. Be careful: The powerful spray can erode soft wood grain. After washing, allow the deck to dry for several clear days before use. In just a couple of days your deck will be an inviting place for relaxing outside in the peace of nature.

Deck Refinishing

First you will need to clean your deck as described above. If you found rotten or cracked wood on your deck or railings, these should be repaired or replaced next. Now you are ready to sand. If you don’t have a sander, you can rent one from a hardware store or tool rental store. Many national hardware chains such as Lowe’s offer sanders for rent. You could get on your hands and knees with sandpaper, but for most decks this would mean a lot more manual labor. You’ll want to use goggles and mask to avoid getting particles of old finish into your eyes, nose and mouth. Make sure you sand evenly over the surface of your deck removing all traces of old finish as you go. Afterwards, we always rinse our deck again with the pressure washer to remove any dust and debris from sanding. You will need to let your deck dry for a couple of days before staining or painting your deck.

You have countless choices when it comes to finishing products for your deck. You can paint it or stain it. There are two basic types of stain on the market, lightly tinted and solid. Once you have gone to the hardware store and chosen the type of finish you want on your deck, test the finish in a hidden area of your deck to ensure it is the shade that you want. For continuity of color between the cans of stain you should mix them all together to make sure the color is uniform. You should also, check your local weather forecast to make sure no precipitation is predicted for at least 24 hours after application. This will prevent water damage to the finish before it has had time to dry.

Application with a brush has always been easiest for us, however on large horizontal surfaces some people prefer to use a sprayer which also works well. Two coats of finish applied while the first is still wet are ideal. This allows the wood to “soak up” the finish and for cracks and crevices to be penetrated.

There are many reasons to restore your deck. The main one for most people is so that you can enjoy it for many more years while feeling safe. Your friends and family probably love it when you host cookouts and other events because they enjoy being out on your deck as much as you do. If you are not a “do it yourself kind of person” hire a Denver deck restoration company to transform your deck back to the way it once was.

DOWD RESTORATION is a trusted and knowledgeable contractor in the Denver area. If you have questions about your deck restoration project, Give us a call – 303-522-8730.

Dowd Restoration (Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:06:51 +0000): Spring Cleaning For Your Deck!

Deck Discoloration? Denver Deck Restoration is the Solution

If you love owning a deck for entertainment, but it has become discolored over the years, you can use a company in Denver that specializes in deck restoration to bring it back to life. Your deck is an inviting place for entertaining friends, family time together and relaxing outside in the peace of nature. You can continue to enjoy your deck for many years, once restored.

Maybe your deck just needs a few minor repairs and a good coat of deck paint or maybe it needs some major work. Either way, the right company can bring your deck back to life and make it look brand new again. Most of the time, the issues are just cosmetic because most decks are built with very strong woods, like redwood. The structure is probably sound and you just need some cosmetic work to make your deck look new again.
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The Benefits of Restoring your Denver Deck

Safety

Over the years, unprotected wood will show age and can show signs of wear. Your deck can become unsafe simply because it was not taken care of properly. When you restore it, you will get the benefit of knowing its safe for you, your children or anybody else that steps out onto your deck.

Cleaning

Most of the time, a Denver deck restoration company will start and finish with cleaning your deck. By cleaning it first, they can easily spot the trouble areas and make the necessary repairs. After making all the repairs and finishing the job, they will clean it again to ensure you get a deck that looks brand new.

Treatment

Probably the most important benefit of restoring your deck is getting the right treatment. When wood is left outside untreated, it will rot much faster and will become unsafe in a matter of a couple of years. However, with the right deck treatment, it can remain safe and look great for many years. A good Denver deck restoration company will use a high quality treatment on your deck to ensure moisture doesn’t harm the wood.

No More Eyesore

If your deck has become an eyesore made of grey colored wood that looks like it could collapse at any moment, restoring it is necessary. By hiring a professional company to restore your deck, you won’t have to put up with that eyesore anymore. Instead, you can have a great looking deck that becomes the talk of the neighborhood.

Repairs

Maybe you have one plank or a few spots that desperately need repaired. When restoring a deck, these spots will be addressed and will be taken care of. The goal is always to return the deck as close as possible to the way it was when it was first built. Sometimes replacing a few boards is necessary just to ensure the deck is safe.

There are many reasons to restore your deck, but the main one is so that you can enjoy it for many more years while feeling safe. Your friends and family probably love it when you host cookouts and other events because they enjoy being out on your deck as much as you do. Continue the traditions and hire a Denver deck restoration company to transform your deck back to the way it once was.

DOWD RESTORATION is a trusted and knowledgeable contractor in the Denver area. If you have questions about your deck restoration project, Give us a call – 303-522-8730.

Protect Your Investment With Professional Deck Refinishing

Deck RefinishingWhen you own an outdoor entertainment area, like a deck, you want to protect it from all the elements. You want your deck to last for many years and look great. To keep your deck looking great and lasting through all the seasons of the year, you need to know how deck refinishing and staining works.

You can hire a company to stain or refinish your deck, but this is also a project you can do yourself. It just depends on how handy you are and whether you have any experience with this type of job. Most will find that hiring a professional company to help protect their investment will give them the best results.

How to Choose a Professional Company for Your Deck Staining Needs

Professional Denver Deck RefinishingWe all want to enjoy the spring and summer months on our deck with family and friends, but grey wood, mold and dirt can get in the way. Of course, if you hire a professional company to clean, stain or completely refinish your deck you will be ready to entertain and have fun all summer long. This is the time of year to take care of your deck and make sure it’s ready for fun.

 

Choosing a professional company for your needs isn’t always easy. Here are a few quick tips to help you pick the right company for all your deck staining and refinishing needs.

 

Deck Refinishing Denver1. Look for a Portfolio

The best proof a company can provide you, comes in the form of a portfolio. This might be pictures of past projects on their website or it could be a physical album they can show you. Ask the company if they have a portfolio including past deck refinishing and deck staining jobs you can look at if they don’t already feature one on their website.

 

2. Customer Testimonials

Denver Professional Deck RefinishingOccasionally, all the best companies receive letters praising their work. Most companies love to show these off on their website, in their office or included within their portfolio. You want to find a company with great testimonials from past customers and you should always ask if they have any they can share with you.

 

3. Online Reviews

Professional Deck Refinishing DenverSince the internet allows customers to review different companies, you may be able to find actual reviews online about the work they do. Not all companies will be features online, but it is always good to check and see if the deck refinishing company you are considering has been reviewed online. If so, you will get a sense of whether other deck owners like their work or not.

 

Always compare a couple of companies before you choose the right one for your project. Your deck is very important and you want a licensed company to take care of your staining or refinishing needs. This will help to ensure you get to enjoy your deck all summer long and for many years to come.

DOWD RESTORATION is a trusted and knowledgeable contractor in the Denver area. If you have questions about your deck refinishing project, Give us a call – 303-522-8730.

What Denver Deck Restoration Should Include

Deck Refinishing DenverIf you decide you want to restore or refinish your deck, but you don’t want to do it yourself, then you may want to understand what deck restoration in Denver will include. Hiring a company to take care of this project for you will ensure professional completion in a timely manner. You won’t need to worry about anything with a licensed contractor capable of completing your restoration or refinishing project.

 

Denver deck refinishing should include a step-by-step process to ensure your deck gets the treatment it needs. This should start with evaluating the condition of the wood and structure, determining if it needs a light or thorough sanding, then moving on to cleaning and stripping the wood of any dirt or old stain. After the wood has been completely stripped, it’s time to neutralize and brighten the wood.

Deck Restoration in DenverYour deck will need to dry out for a little while at this point and the contractor may leave, but they will come back to defelt your deck and give it a smooth finish. They will also finish the project by sanding the handrails, making any necessary repairs, detailing the wood and applying a professional grade premium stain to keep your deck looking immaculate for many years to come. All of these are necessary steps to bring your old deck back to life and make it look new again.

If you need more than just refinishing and you hire a company to handle your deck restoration in Denver, then you can expect a few more steps. Maybe your deck has suffered from water or sun damage and needs a complete overhaul. Restoration includes replacing any rotted, weakened or warped boards, then moving on with the refinishing process.

Denver Deck RefinishingThe best companies for Denver deck restoration are capable of matching the wood with your current wood and when they finish the job, the deck will look amazing. You don’t want one board darker than another or even made from a different type of wood unless it matches perfectly. When a restoration company finishes there should be no signs of restoration at all and the deck should look nearly brand new.

 

Some types of wood will resist rotting more than others, but most decks need to be stained every 12-24 months and the railing every 2 to 4 years. If your deck has suffered from weather damage, then you need a professional evaluation to tell you whether you need a full restoration or just refinishing. The last thing you want to do is pay to have your deck refinished just to find out a year later that you should have gone ahead and had it fully restored.

Your deck is an entertainment area and you probably enjoy time with friends and family out on your deck. It needs to look great and stay safe for all those enjoying it. If you know you have rotted wood or weak boards, then contact a professional company to evaluate your deck for a possible Denver deck restoration service. Even if you don’t need a full restoration, deck refinishing in Denver can help protect it from temperature changes, water damage and sun damage.

DOWD RESTORATION is a trusted and knowledgeable contractor in the Denver area. If you have questions about your deck restoration project, Give us a call – 303-522-8730.

Denver Deck Refinishing – A Good Investment

Denver Deck Restoration

The deck outside your back door is more than a place to store your barbecue grill and umbrella table. It’s an outdoor living space where you relax, entertain and dine. Maintaining your deck is a smart move that helps keep you and your guests safe and protects your investment.

Safety

A properly maintained deck is not only beautiful, it’s safe. Any structure made of an organic material like wood is flexible. Your deck is constantly expanding and contracting. Freezing temperatures, ice, snow and heat make your deck move even when there’s no one on it. Outdoor activities and foot traffic cause your deck to flex and rebound.

All that movement puts stress on the fasteners that hold your deck together. Over time, the boards on your deck loosen up, creating a tripping hazard for you, your family and your guests. An important part of maintaining your deck is making sure it’s safe.

Process

There’s more to deck refinishing than slapping on some stain. Done right, deck refinishing involves a number of steps:

  • The entire deck is inspected for loose fasteners.
  • Nails and screws are set so they don’t stick up.
  • Loose or rotting wood is repaired or replaced.
  • Cracked and splintered railings are repaired or replaced.
  • All horizontal surfaces are sanded.
  • The entire deck is pressure washed.
  • Premium stain is applied.

Color

Part of the fun of having your deck refinished is that you can change the color if you want to. Durable exterior deck stain comes in a variety of natural, beautiful hues. You can add vibrant color to your outdoor environment or make your deck fade into the landscape — the choice is yours. Oil-based and water-based deck stains put a scuff-resistant, skid-resistant finish on your deck boards.

A deck can be a garden, a kitchen or a dance floor. Your deck represents a significant investment, and deck refinishing adds value to your home. Enjoy a properly maintained deck season after season, and help your home retain its value.

 

Dowd Restoration (Sat, 17 Mar 2012 15:40:56 +0000): Denver Deck Refinishing.

Denver Deck Restoration

Denver decks take a lot of abuse. Constant use, and exposure to the elements will cause your deck to lose its attractive appearance. Years of enjoyment with your deck takes time each year for an inspection and some simple preventative maintenance. Coatings protecting your deck do not last forever, so plan on cleaning and resealing every few years. The most important coat of deck finish is the first coat. The moisture content of the wood must be less than 20%. For best results the moisture content should be closer to 12-15%. Pressure treated lumber often can look dry, yet still be wet internally. You should wait between 4-6 weeks or one season before applying a finish to treated wood. When the wood soaks up a small amount of water easily, it is ready for finishing.

Deck Restoration Denver

Begin with a thorough inspection of the deck. Look for any stains or discoloration. If any are found, use a mild household detergent or soap to remove any stains. If any midew is found, scrub the area with a combination of water and household bleach, or you can use a commercial deck cleaning product. If your deck is very dirty and discolored or if it is older and neglected, you may have better results using a power washer. Power washers are available at most rental stores. Be sure to read and follow all safety instructions prior to use. Pressure wash the entire deck. Let the deck dry and rewash as necessary. If any rotten wood is found, replace it!

As with any project, safety comes first when restoring your deck. Since the process of sanding involves the removal of material it creates airborne dust. You should wear safety glasses or goggles, work gloves, a work apron or close fitting clothing and an approved dust/mist respirator.

Sand the surface of the deck with 80 and 120 grit sandpaper to roughen the surface. Sanding removes some of the top coating of the wood and opens it up for better penetration of the finish. A stand up mechanical sander will speed up the process and save your back. All Purpose sandpaper is ideal for this application because it is designed for light sanding or cleaning of surfaces and moderate removal of coatings or rust. You can sand by hand or use a mechanical detail sander to get the hand rail and areas that the stand up sander could not reach.

Denver Deck

Sweep the deck thoroughly and rinse with water to remove all dust and debris. The cleaner the deck is, the better the finish will penetrate the wood. Let the deck dry. Then apply the stain or finish to the deck. Be sure to follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions for application and safety. To prevent an uneaven look, maintain a wet edge by not letting the finish dry in an area before you overlap it with wet finish. Re-coat as required. Some semi – transparent  deck finishes will need two applications to achieve a desired look. Remember to apply at least two coats to exposed end grain. Finishing and staining the deck should be done on a dry, overcast day for best results. Too much sun will dry out the finish before it has penetrated the wood.

Denver Deck Restoration

 

Deck Refinishing

DOWD RESTORATION is a trusted and knowledgeable contractor in the Denver area. If you have questions about your deck restoration project, Give us a call – 303-522-8730.

Deck Staining Like A Denver Pro

Denver Deck Staining Like A Pro

I having spent my entire adult life working with paints and stains and I’ve seen my share homeowners who end up dissatisfied with their deck staining projects. Either it didn’t look as good as they wanted it to, or the Denver weather deteriorates their finish in just a couple of seasons. Here is a guide to help guarantee a great looking, long-lasting result.

Don’t rush.

Take your time to allow new pressure treated lumber to weather for a few months and dry out before staining it.  Allow stain strippers to be left on the surface long enough to break down old finishes before you rinse it off. Take your time to prevent overspray and spills on non-target surfaces and wait to start your project until the weather forecast is favorable. With every step of the staining process, take your time. When the project is completed and your tools are cleaned and put away, nothing will have had a greater impact on the quality of the job. 

The preparation of the deck is just as important as the staining!

Denver Deck Staining

Preparation is key to a long lasting stain finish. Wood must be cleaned thoroughly before applying any type of coating. New lumber needs to be cleaned to remove mill scale. Mill scale is a crushing of the grain that takes place during the milling process. If left un-cleaned, it will prevent wood stains from penetrating into the wood surface.

With older decks dirt, graying from the sun, mildew and old stains all need to be removed prior to staining. Sodium Percarbonate wood cleaners, also known as oxygen bleach wood cleaners, is the preferred choice for this step. They are highly effective at cleaning the deck, yet won’t harm plant life and vegetation.

If the deck has a build up of old stains the job gets a little tougher but not impossible. But a sodium percarbonate cleaner will not do the job. You will need to use a stain stripper. Strippers are a little more caustic so be sure to follow the instructions carefully. They will work great and remove most weathered stains in a single application.

deck sanding staining

If there are small spots of stain that won’t come off during the cleaning process, they should sand off easily using a palm-type sander after the deck has dried. If those spots of stain are left on the deck, they will show through the new finish and detract from the deck’s final appearance. Whether your deck is brand new, or an older deck that’s been out in the weather and needs to be re-stained, preparation is crucial to the end results.

Brighteners work wonders.

This is the step I see missed more than any other when homeowner stain their deck themselves and it is by far the easiest step to do. Using a wood brightener will have a dramatic effect on the final results. A wood brightener is extremely easy to apply. Using a wood brightener opens up the surface of the wood ans will improve penetration. Wood brighteners also help to neutralize any stain strippers that were used as well as restore the appearance of old, weathered wood to like new again. this step accomplishes a lot of things for one step.

Cheap products are cheap for a reason!

Now that you have spent all this time and effort preparing the deck, don’t skimp when you purchase your stain. Before you decide which stain to buy, bare in mind you always get what you pay for. Better ingredients cost more money. If you want premium results you will need to buy a premium product. There are different qualities when it comes to resins, pigments, mildewcides and many other materials that make up a gallon of wood stain. So stay away from the cheap stuff if you want it to last.

Follow the instructions.

Every staining product is a different. Always read the label for directions. It only takes a few minutes and it will ensure that you have all of the right information before you get start your project. It is important to pay attention to how many coats of stain to apply, how long to wait between coats, how long to wait after cleaning and how long to allow wood to weather. Reading the label first will help you get it right the first time!

Deck Staining Denver

 

DOWD RESTORATION is a trusted and knowledgeable contractor in the Denver area. If you have questions about your deck staining project, Give us a call.

 

Call Us – 303-522-8730