Resurface your Deck with Low Maintenance Material

 

Low Maintenance deck

Cedarbrook Outdoor Design/Build TimberTech Tigerwood Resurface Project – Before

Have your wooden deck planks become worn or rotten? Is replacing board after board becoming tiresome? If this is your scenario, consider resurfacing your deck with low maintenance composite or PVC deck boards.

When you start your deck resurfacing project, you will need to do a thorough review of your existing structure. This is the first step and a most important one. If you are unsure about how to go about this, you may want to reach out to Cedarbrook for a deck inspection or your local municipality may offer this service. Once this step has been completed and your structure has been determined useable, you are ready to take off your old wooden deck boards.

Remove and discard the old wood decking. Do not burn the wood because it is pressure treated. The EPA reports that burning pressure treated wood releases hazardous chemicals in the air that are dangerous to breath.

Once your old wood is gone you are ready to review the substructure. The floor joists should be no more than 16” on center and your joists may need to be leveled to prevent an uneven surface. We also suggest using joist and beam tape to the tops of your joists. This will seal the top of your joists giving your substructure more longevity. Your deck hardware (fasteners) should be reviewed for missing pieces and rust, if present you will need to replace it with galvanized fasteners or stainless-steel. Stainless-steel is more expensive but ideal near the ocean or a saltwater pool.

After the substructure has been evaluated and repairs have been made it is ready for new composite decking. There are a couple of installation approaches to choose from. One consideration would be to screw the composite decking material into the joists and use a plug to cover the hole. Another option is to use hidden fasteners. Either approach will work depending on the aesthetic you want. Cedarbrook uses hidden fasteners for a cleaner more finished look.

Also, this is the optimal time to install new railings and lighting too. Retrofits are much more difficult to do. When it comes to railings you have terrific low maintenance choices like budget friendly vinyl, eco-friendly aluminum, or composite. You may also want to consider lighting options like post cap lighting or riser lights.

Low Maintenance deck

Cedarbrook Outdoor Design/Build TimberTech Tigerwood Resurface Project – After

When your newly composite resurfacing project is finished it is time to sit back and enjoy! Some of the great attributes you can expect from converting your wood deck to composite is that deck boards, like the TimberTech Tigerwood resurface project above, have a 30-year fade and stain warranty. When it comes to colors there are dozens of colors to select from, but you will want to make sure you have a reputable manufacturer, should you ever need to file a warranty claim.  Our client’s favorite part about converting to composite or PVC is that there are NO SPLINTERS EVER!

No more yearly back breaking sanding or staining but a couple of seasonal cleanings at the beginning of spring and end of fall. Use a soft brush, mild soap and water or your manufacturer’s recommended cleaning product to wash the surface. We do not recommend power washing your deck as it could damage the material. Also, never use a metal shovel to remove snow on your low maintenance deck because you could damage the surface. Instead use calcium chloride (rock salt) and a broom to remove the snow. If white residue is present after using rock salt remove it with mild soap and water.

Spend less time working on your outdoor living space and more time enjoying it. Reach out to Cedarbrook today for a free consultation with one of our experienced designers at 301-703-8728 and get ready to love your outdoor space again.

 

Cedarbrook is a locally respected, family owned company specializing in designing and building beautiful custom outdoor spaces. When designing your custom project, we create a style that works for you based on your lifestyle and needs. Your decking options range from pressure treated wood, tropical hardwood, low maintenance deck, composite decking, and low-maintenance PVC. Personalize your space by adding custom features to accent your deck or porch, such as benches, planter boxes, and pergolas just to name a few. We also specialize in unique custom paver patios, walkways, hardscapes, fire pits, and decorative retaining walls.

Our company is licensed, fully insured, and located in beautiful Mount Airy, Maryland. Servicing the central Maryland area including but not limited to Frederick, Carroll, Montgomery, and Howard counties. If you are interested in adding a deck or patio to your home, Cedarbrook offers the highest quality materials and services at competitive pricing. Our owners and team believe in a hands-on approach that ensures a personal touch with all our projects. We provide our customers with professional designs and building plans so they have a hand in the planning of their custom outdoor space. Cedarbrook offers extra services for your convenience including permitting.