Everyone wants a deck that lasts, and pressure-treated decks are the perfect option. Requiring very little maintenance, pressure-treated decks are sturdy and long-lasting. They wear well through harsh climates so you can enjoy outdoor, family barbecues in the warmer Idaho seasons.
This particular building material has been a go-to for decks for years because it’s affordable, durable, and termite and fungal-proof. Once you build a deck with pressure-treated wood, you can rest knowing that your deck will last for years thanks to the careful preservation techniques used to treat the wood.
Once you have a pressure-treated deck, however, what is the best way to make sure you get the most life out of it? The maintenance process is simple. It only requires that you apply a quality wood sealant every year to protect your wood from the climate.
How and When To Apply Sealant
There is a simple test you can perform to see if it’s time to apply a sealer to your pressure-treated wood. After the first full season post-installation, perform this drip test:
- Drip some water onto the wood and watch how it responds when it hits the surface.
- You’ll know if it’s time to apply a sealer if the water absorbs into the wood relatively quickly.
- If it doesn’t absorb and instead creates water droplet beads, you don’t need to apply the sealer quite yet.
Perform this test yearly to ensure that you protect your deck and preserve its appearance for the long term.
To Paint or Not To Paint Pressure-Treated Wood
Another common question many people ask is whether or not it’s a good idea to paint pressure-treated wood. For aesthetic reasons, some people want to change the design or look of their deck.
Although painting pressure-treated wood isn’t recommended, it is possible. However, it’s important to note that painting pressure-treated wood will take your deck from low-maintenance to high maintenance. Touch-ups won’t be as simple as applying a sealer if the paint chips or scratches. Instead, it will be a lengthy process, often requiring you to scrape off the paint and sand the wood before applying a touch-up coat.
If you want to enjoy a low-maintenance deck, skip the paint and instead apply a high-quality sealer each year or as needed. Blue Sky Decks can help talk you through this process as well as any other questions you might have about your deck.
Questions?
If you’re interested in building a new deck or tearing down an existing old or unstable structure and rebuilding the deck of your dreams, we can help. Our professional deck builders will walk you through each step of the design and building process and won’t rest until you are satisfied with the results. Contact us today at Blue Sky Decks to learn more about our services and book your free estimate.