This beautiful Ipe deck in Pennsylvania was left to mature naturally.

The fresh, natural look for wood exposed outdoors as decking or siding has been popular for a long time.

As valued as this natural look is, protecting it is necessary to maintain the natural physical properties like durability and strength. We are going to try to explain some of the finishing that both protects the surface and maintains a pleasing appearance.

But first…

Why Does Wood Turn Grey?

The natural weathering process of wood is a combination of chemical, mechanical, biological and light-induced changes, all of which occur simultaneously and affect each other.  For instance, as air moves over the surface of a wood deck, dust, pollen, dirt, and air pollutants replace the exposed colored cells of the wood. This slow transformation is also made possible through the exposure of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, or salt particles in coastal areas. Depending on the species of wood, these changes can occur anywhere between a few months to years.

How Can You Prevent Wood from Turning Grey?

Keeping the natural look of freshly cut hardwood requires the use of a finishing product to block or slow the action of moisture and sun.

In the past, many of the products used to coat wood were very toxic and with a high content of volatile organic solvents linked to health problems; the new wood finishes are now low in VOC’s and safe for the users and the occupants of the building.

What Is a Wood Finish?

A finish is a liquid, paste, or gel that must be applied thinly and evenly onto the surface of the wood. Finishes can enhance the appearance of the wood and help defend against the detrimental effects caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

With the correct type of finish, a natural weathered look can be achieved while providing protection for the siding to promote optimum performance over the years.

Natural wood finishes can be:

• Clear Water Repellents

Clear water repellents are one way to achieve a natural look; they do not add color and grain patterns can be seen through the finish.

However, most clear water repellents do not prevent the sun’s UV radiation from fading the wood since they don’t contain UV inhibitors. For exterior applications, you can expect clear water repellents are to last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the surface texture of the wood and exposure to the sun.

• Weathering Stain or Bleaching Oil

When you use bleaching oil on softer woods like Redwood, or Cedar, you will find out that the grey weathered look happens faster and the protection offered is longer lived than a clear water repellent. The reason for the faster transformation is because the oil is essentially a water repellent finish containing some gray pigments. You will notice that as soon the bleaching oil is applied the softer wood almost immediately starts to turn grey. Then, as the wood is exposed to sun and water, the bleaching oils begin to bleach the wood itself, resulting in a uniform weathered look.

The protection of these oils last only two or three years, periodically apply a clear water repellent to the siding over the bleaching oil, to protect it but be careful in not altering the color. If alteration in color occurs, just apply another coat of bleaching oil.

Due to the intense density of exotic hardwoods like Cumaru or Ipe wood, bleaching agents don’t work very well.

• Stains

Stains are pigmented finishes that provide color and protection against UV rays. Some are water repellent and may include preservatives and mildewcide. They are classified in solid-color stains,  heavy bodied stains, and semitransparent penetrating stains.

Solid color stains, are opaque finishes. Surface texture is visible but wood grain and colors are not through this type of stains. They come in water-based and oil-based formulations. Service life is typically three to seven years, depending of the surface textures, exposure to elements and previous application.

Semitransparent penetrating stains have a moderate amount of pigment. Provide a uniform color without hiding the wood grain. Oil-based semi transparent is recommended since they penetrate the wood surface deeper than water-based products.

Another advantage with this type of stain is that they are not film forming which means no peeling or blistering but do wear off gradually, semitransparent penetrating stains are expected to last from two to five years, depending on the surface texture of the wood.

If applied to wood decking, these types of stains may last two years, subsequent applications may last up to five years.

It is recommended to avoid the use of varnishes, lacquers or other clear film-forming finishes, because they allow UV degradation, can crack and peel, and are difficult to remove.

Working With the Best Deck Oil for Exotic Wood

Ipe Oil™ is specially formulated to penetrate dense hardwoods. It is the best product to use on exotic woods that need nourishing and stabilizing. Its formula will not create a surface film that will crack, bubble, or peel. Also, its transparent natural tone allows the beauty of wood to be seen while also protecting the surface from the sun’s ultra violet rays. Ipe Oil™ also allows the wood to breathe, which is very important in exotic woods like Ipe, Cumaru, and Tigerwood.

Wood experts choose Ipe Oil™ because they know that wood penetration is the key to longevity and beauty.

CONCLUSION

We hope you’ve enjoyed our mini-science lesson on why wood turns grey. Make no mistake, the natural character of this process can truly be a standout feature of your home’s design. If you have any questions about any of the information in this article, please leave a comment below.

If You Think Composite Decks are Low Maintenance, I Have A Unicorn to Sell You

There’s no such thing as stain-free, or maintenance free man-made decking. Period. End of story.

The only thing in flux is “resistance.” How does a decking material resist getting mold damage? What about excessive heat? Bitter cold? Everything on this Earth has to contend with the elements. So, if you’re considering replacing your deck, or building a new one from scratch, look past the fancy words and pictures and ask yourself:

1. Is the decking I want proven to last?
2. Is it worth your money to buy the “latest and greatest decking” when its long term performance is yet to be determined?
3. What do other people who own similar materials saying online?
4. Are the warranties worth the paper they’re printed on?

If you find you can answer these questions positively, then you can move forward with confidence.

What has your experience been with you deck? We want to know! Leave a comment below.

So, you were the lucky one…the one who got to host a 4th of July BBQ blowout extravaganza. There was beer, wine, kids, hot dogs, overcooked hamburgers (Wait, that was just me!)…lots of laughs, stories shared….and one more thing…

Spills…stains…the works! We’re talking ketchup, chocolate, mustard, oil, all of OH MY!

We sell a great Hardwood Deck Cleaner that works really well on nearly anything you throw onto your deck.

Here is a simple step-by-step instructions on how to clean and remove deck stains:

1. Sweep dirt and excess debris off the deck and in between gaps.
2. Wet the deck surface down with clean water from a hose.
3. Dissolve the jar of Deck Cleaner in a bucket of warm water at the recommended strength.
1. NOTE: Testing a small area is recommended.
2. One 16.oz container covers up to 600 square feet.
4. Wait a few minutes for solution to activate.
5. Apply with a mop or sprayer.
6. Let the product sit on the deck surface for at least 10 minutes, making sure to keep the deck wet with more product if it begins to dry out.
7. Scrub the deck boards (Scrub WITH the grain of the wood for maximum results).
8. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and let dry.

We’d love to see what your deck looked like before and after you cleaned it. If you send us pictures, we might even send you some FREE goodies! To send before and after pics of your deck, visit the Advantage Trim & Lumber photo upload page.

Can You Stain Hardwood Decking? Why Would You Want To?

We often get asked, “Can I stain my exotic hardwood deck?”

Politely, we ask in return, “Do you want to change the color of your existing hardwood deck or do you want to bring back the color of your existing deck?”

You see, what often happens is that people think a hardwood deck is just like one made of Redwood, Cedar, or Douglas fir. These decking materials are stainable because they’re softer and can soak in chemical treatments. Exotic hardwoods are denser, have a tight grain, and are infused with natural oils that give it that extra layer of resilience. They don’t need to be stained in the traditional sense. If you follow this blog, you’ll see that we’ve previously touched on how to “bring back the look of your exotic deck.” It’s really easy to do and should be done routinely at least once a year if you truly desire the lush look of your decking.

Have we had customers adventurous enough to darken their deck? Yes. However, what many found was that the decking we sell is so strong and resilient that stains don’t nearly last as long as they would on softer decking options. Think of it this way. Would you buy a Ferrari and spray paint it? If the immediate reaction to that question is “Heck no!” then you see where we’re coming from.

Natural Brazilian hardwood displays some of the finest color variation you will ever see. From the beautiful mix of golden browns to reddish brown in Cumaru decking to the eye-catching contrast of color in Tigerwood, you’ll feel good knowing you own a deck that looks truly exotic. There’s really no need to improve on something so perfect (maybe that’s why the composite decking companies always boast how their synthetic deck materials “mimic” the look of our natural hardwoods). As they say, “nothing beats the real thing.”

Keep Your Owner’s Manual
Read your owner’s manual from cover to cover. Because there are so many types of outdoor grills, you can’t assume that they all work the same. Your grill’s owner’s manual will tell you the best way to use and maintain your grill. It also should guide you to proper safety guidelines that will keep you and those around you safe. Your grill’s warranty and customer service information are important pieces of information that your grill will contain.

Look Up…Do You See The Sky? GOOD!

Don’t grill under a covered porch or other enclosed area. Carbon monoxide poisoning is not something you want to take a chance on, ever.

What’s a Really Quick Way to End a Good Party? Start a Fire, of Course! more…

Learn how easy it is to apply hardwood deck finish.

Shielding your deck from the sun’s UV rays is a safe and cost-effective way to extend the life of your outdoor retreat.

Spring is FINALLY here. At Advantage, one way we can tell it’s getting warmer is the influx of calls we get  from customers and general deck owners like you who are looking for a fast and affordable way to finish their deck.

Do you need a way to liven up the color AND protect your hardwood deck from ultraviolet rays without having to apply coat after coat of chemical sealers? Simply follow this step-by-step guide and you’ll extend the life and beauty of your deck:

1. Sweep excess dirt, debris & leaves from your deck surface (make sure gaps are cleared).
2. Pre-rinse the surface with a garden hose.
3. Wait until the deck surface is completely dry (at least 24 hours in most areas).
4. Using a standard 3/8″ nap paint roller, apply a specially formulated deck oil finish for hardwood decking (like Ipe Oil™).
5. Rub in any excess or pooled liquid that remains after 5 minutes using a dry rag.
6. Let dry completely.

FOR BEST RESULTS: more…

Removing snow off a deck should be done with care.

I’ve written about this before, but given the recent wave of snow hitting every state in the United States (except Florida), it bears repeating:

Don’t use rock salt on a deck!

There is a famous line that says “If winter comes, can spring be far behind?” As eloquent as that sounds, you can apply it to winter deck maintenance:

If you use rock salt on your deck in the winter and end up with a splotchy looking, or cracked deck in need of repair come Spring, you’ll wish you had taken the time to be more careful undergoing winter deck maintenance.

In places like New York City, using this kind of product is almost a necessary evil. People need to get to work, kids need to get to school, etc. However, just ask the people who drive through those city streets in the Spring. They know full well the damage that rock salt can do to concrete (massive potholes anyone?). Instead take the time to shovel snow off your deck with care. If you are not physically able to remove the snow, use a pet-safe, urea-free, and salt-free product. There are brands out there that say they’re safe, but you want to be sure they won’t discolor, or do other damage to your deck.

Hopefully, you’ll find the information linked above useful. If you have any suggestions, tips and tricks you’d like to share about winter deck maintenance, write to us below.