Has your wooden deck lost its fresh, new look? To keep decks made from pressure-treated wood-the most common decking material-looking their best, try these tips from Huck DeVenzio of Arch Wood Protection in Smyma, Georgia:
Scrub the deck well with a brush and mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly. If the wood has weathered, restore the look with a commercial deck-cleaning product from your hardware store or home center. Common brands include Thompson's, Dekswood, and Wolman.
To prevent wood from fading or cracking, DeVenzio suggests applying a good water-repellent every year or so. (Depending on exposure to sunlight, rain, and foot traffic, you may need to apply more frequently.)
If you don't care for the greenish tinge of some pressure-treated wood, try a semi-transparent stain. Look for all-in-one products that contain a UV-blocker (to help prevent fading), a water repellent, and a fungicide. Brands include Behr, Cabot, Flood, Olympic, and Thompson's. (Many of these companies also make water-repellent treatments.)
Mildew-Remover Recipe
To treat mildew on wood, use a commercial fungicide or try this mixture from the USDA's Forest Products Lab (FPL) in Madison, Wisconsin:
(Makes about one gallon)
1/3 cup household detergent
1 quart liquid household bleach
3 quarts warm water
Wearing waterproof gloves, mix and brush well onto wood. Rinse and let dry. Caution: DO NOT use a detergent containing ammonia, which reacts with chlorine bleach to form a poisonous gas. Remove plants from the area before applying.