New materials Tare smart c -mice
for ackyard deck

•

az

C.IG1C

t's .NIav, and as the weather
turns warmer, home improve-
ment projects tend to move
outdoors, where fresh air and
sunny days offer infinite opportuni-
ties for exterior enhancement.
These days, the backyard deck is
more than just a place to park a grill
and patio chairs. Think of the deck
as an extension of your home. You
use it for summer entertaining. And
it also serves as a place for a lazy
Sunday breakfast and newspaper.
Don't you want a deck that looks as
nice as the inside of your home?
Maybe your deck already has
seen better days. Or maybe you are
starting from scratch. In either
case, consumers have more choices
than ever before. Today, there's a
growing trend for composite deck
materials that look and feel like
real wood but last longer and
require less maintenance.
According to Brian Kolody, sales
and design maven at Miles Bradley
Building in Farmington Hills,
decks made of composite materials
will cost more initially, "but they
pay for themselves within five
years. There is no need for sealants

Continued on page 37

3 6 •

MAY 2005 •

JNPLATINUM

■ 76H11

Ma L./

DECK MAINTENANCE

Traditional wood decks can be
beautiful — but not without prop-
er maintenance. Michigan's wet
springs, hot summers and frigid
winters quickly take their toll,
leaving your wood deck faded,
splintered and warped,

To take your existing deck from drab to

shipshape:

Survey the area and hammer down any

protruding nails. Sand down rough spots.

Rinse off debris.

Apply a standard deck cleaner, working

it in with a stiff brush. Follow label

instructions for length of standing time.

Rinse with a power washer.

Allow at least two days to dry before

applying sealant.

Sealers and stains are water-based or oil-

based. Clear wood preservative with UV

protection prevents graying. Semi-transpar-

ent stains allow the texture and grain of the

wood to show through. Oil-based semi-

transparent stains provide the most protec-

tion, better color retention and longer life. A

solid stain covers the grain and requires

frequent maintenance.

— David Moss