How can I prevent my wood deck from graying?
A beautiful wood deck adds both functionality and character appeal to any home. However, that appeal can be dampened if the deck starts looking worn and gray. If you want to prevent that from happening, or at least slow the process, check out these tips from our readers.
James Walton
James Walton from Wood Router Guru.
Treat The Wood
If you are concerned about fading, you can treat the wood with a high-quality resin-based finish specifically designed for outdoor use. These coatings are designed to protect the wood from excessive UV rays while still allowing it to breathe. This type of finish will also provide a protective layer against dirt and water, preventing additional damage.
Clean, Protect, and Inspect
First, clean it regularly and remove any dirt or debris that can cause the wood to discolor. Second, apply a stain or sealer specifically designed for decks; this will help protect the wood from the sun and other elements that can cause it to gray.
Finally, regularly inspect your deck for any damage or wear; if you catch problems early, they’ll be much easier to fix. By following these simple tips, you can keep your deck looking new for years to come.
Amir Behrozi
Amir Behrozi, Founder of My Home Dojo.
Ronnie Collins
Ronnie Collins, Independent Contractor & Blogger at Electro Garden Tools.
Use a UV-Resistant Finish
To maintain the color of your wood deck longer and delay natural graying, you need to treat the wood with a UV-resistant finish, such as stains and sealants. Both products usually come with a UV barrier. If you use stain, you can select a shade that will add pigment to the wood and disguise any graying if it’s already there.
Don’t forget to read the manufacturer’s instructions on the can and refinish your wood deck every two to four years to maintain the color and restore the UV barrier. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to stop the graying process completely, but you can slow it down significantly using this tip.
Clean Regularly
The easiest way to keep your deck from becoming gray is to clean it on a regular basis. Giving it a nice scrub with mild soap and warm water will breathe new life into your deck. I would advise against using chlorine bleach because it can shorten the life of your deck. Instead, use oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide, both of which are safe to use on decks.
June Griffith
June Griffith, Founder of Garden Furniture UK.
This is a crowdsourced article. Contributors’ statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this website, other people, businesses, or other contributors.
