Ideas for Decking Your Back Yard this Spring and Summer

More Americans than ever are turning to their back yards for spring and summer enjoyment, and decks have become the center attraction. You’ll want your deck in tip-top shape this season for relaxing and entertaining.

If your deck is showing its age, now is the time to consider improvements. Rather than dealing with the hassle of annual maintenance such as scraping, power washing, staining or painting, many homeowners are replacing their wood deck with a low-maintenance composite decking product.

Composite decking material is typically made of wood fibers mixed with plastic to create a low-maintenance alternative to pressure-treated wood. It may cost more than wood initially, but won't splinter and requires only periodic cleaning. Most composite decking is considered low-maintenance because it never requires painting or staining.

Longer limited-warranties are another benefit offered by composite decking products such as EverGrain Decking by TAMKO. The decking comes with a 25-year limited warranty against rotting, splintering, splitting and termite damage. Several manufacturers offer these types of products – so it’s important to research different options to select the product that’s right for you.

An easy way to upgrade without replacing your deck is by installing a composite railing system. Railing systems instantly improve the look of a deck by adding a finishing touch and they also improve safety.

“Composite railing systems are a fantastic way to enhance the overall appearance of your deck,” says Stephen McNally of TAMKO Building Products, Inc. “Many options are available when choosing a railing system, but homeowners should consider several factors before making a selection, such as safety, maintenance, durability and aesthetics.”

Demand is increasing for decks with customized railing systems, according to a recent study by Principia Partners. Principia reports that homeowners often customize railing systems to differentiate their deck from their neighbors.

Today, bigger really is better when it comes to a deck. Some homeowners are opting for non-traditional design including large-scale, multi-level decks that incorporate fireplaces, hot tubs, televisions – just about anything you can think of. They’re also concentrating on building a deck that fits their own personal style. The new rule of thumb with deck design seems to be anything but square.

When considering alternatives for improving your deck, remember that personalization is key. Think of your deck as an extension of your home. Try personalizing your deck the same way you would a living room. This will enhance the outdoor living experience for you, your family and friends.

To learn more about TAMKO composite deck products, visit www.EverGrain.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Is Your Deck Safe?

As spring approaches, thoughts turn to sprucing up the yard, the garden, and spending more time outdoors. Part of gearing up for this time of year is making sure your deck is safe and well-maintained.

A deck can be the perfect place to spend time enjoying the weather with friends and family. A well-built and maintained deck offers a safe haven for outdoor living. However, an improperly built or deteriorated structure can mean disaster. A deck collapse can cause unnecessary, and often serious injuries, and even death.

In an effort to save lives and prevent injuries, the North American Deck and Railing Association, Inc. (NADRA) declared May as Deck Safety Month in 2006. Now in its third year, the Deck Safety Month program helps increase public awareness of the necessity for regular inspection and maintenance of existing decks, and proper installation of new decks.

The number of deck failures and resulting injuries has been increasing at an alarming rate. Between 2000 and 2006, there have been at least 30 deaths reported as a direct result of deck collapses and more than 75 percent of people on a deck when it collapses are injured or killed, illuminating just how important it is for homeowners to check their deck. There are 40 million decks in the U.S. that are over 20 years old. At a conservative one percent, that means 40,000 decks are currently in need of repair or replacement. Taking that estimate to 10 percent brings the total number of unsafe decks to four million.

Mike Beaudry, executive vice president for NADRA states, “Our number one priority to the public is to ensure that the decks they and their families enjoy are safe. NADRA takes this responsibility seriously and has created campaigns and educational programs for the builders, lumberyards, and manufacturers to improve proper installation practices along with checklists and safety awareness information for consumers to follow.”

Reasons for a deck collapsing can range from age of the deck, poor maintenance and exceeding load capacity to improper building methods. Deck failures can be avoided. It’s a matter of making the consumer aware of the necessity of choosing a professional deck contractor, regular maintenance and inspection, and knowing the limits of the deck structure.

It's time to Check Your Deck! Homeowners should visit NADRA’s website at www.nadra.org for the Check Your Deck ten-point safety checklist.

“May is a great time to make your deck-check,” Beaudry says. “In parts of the country where there’s a lot of snow and ice, your deck could have developed a trouble spot over the winter.” Beaudry adds, “If you’ve never had your deck professionally inspected, make that appointment. A professional inspection will examine every inch of your deck, educate you on your deck’s capacity limits, identify any problem areas, and give you a map of what to keep your eye on in the future. If your deck is older, this might include a regular deck inspection schedule.”

If you find your deck is not safe to enjoy, NADRA advises taking immediate action to have it repaired or rebuilt as necessary and recommends the following tips to choose a deck builder.

* Ask friends and family members for referrals and contact state and local licensing authorities and trade associations such as NADRA.

* Meet with and carefully evaluate all potential deck builders. Ask to see a portfolio and some samples of the decking and railing materials they prefer to use. Good builders take pride in their work and will be enthusiastic about the possibility of creating a relationship.

* Pay attention to the deck builder’s experience, licensing, insurance coverage and professional references.

A key element of enjoying your deck for years to come is making sure it is safe and code compliant. When hiring a deck builder, there is more to consider than just price. In addition to the tips above, NADRA recommends homeowners contact their city or county building department to speak with an inspector with knowledge in deck construction.

For more information on Deck Safety Month, the Check Your Deck program and finding a reputable deck builder, visit www.nadra.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Spring Cleaning Tips for Wooden Yard Structures

Warmer days and shorter nights mean it is time to get out garden tools and hoses, tidy up the yard and prepare your home’s wooden outdoor structures for spring and summer use.

Caring for decks, gazebos and pergolas, often made of Western red cedar, should be a regular part of the spring cleaning checklist. Routine maintenance, like cleaning surfaces of dirt and other debris and protecting wood from mold and mildew, can be done easily in a weekend.

“Many people choose Western red cedar because of the natural durability and beauty of the wood,” says Paul Mackie, western area manager, Western Red Cedar Lumber Association, or “Mr. Cedar” as he is known in the industry. “Preparing your outdoor living structure for a busy spring and summer is an important step to help maintain that beauty.”

Western red cedar contains natural preservatives that make the wood very durable and basic maintenance relatively simple. A broom, a garden sprayer, a little bleach and a hose are all you need.

Cleaning the Deck

Start with the deck. Inspect it for buildups of dirt that may have accumulated during the winter. Begin by sweeping the deck to remove debris, taking special care to clean between the planks and boards of horizontal surfaces. This will help spring rainfall drain from horizontal surfaces and allow air to flow between the boards. Reducing standing water and increasing airflow will limit the amount of moisture that can collect and stay on the surface of the plank.

Get Rid of Mold and Mildew

Killing mold and mildew that may have grown during fall or early spring is another important piece of deck maintenance, particularly for materials that have rough textures such as composite decks. Mackie recommends a simple solution of three parts water and one part oxygenated bleach be applied with a garden sprayer. Rinsing the treated areas with clean water once the solution is applied should eliminate mold and mildew.

Skip Pressure Washing

Do not pressure-wash wood, says Mackie, because “you can make it look like your grandfather’s corduroy pants.” Pressure-washing also can disrupt Western red cedar’s natural moisture resistance by forcibly pushing water into the wood. If you just cannot resist using your pressure-washer, keep it below 800 pounds per square inch.

Elevate Planters

Many outdoor living spaces are decorated with planter pots and boxes, but setting and leaving planters directly on wooden surfaces can stain.

The Web site realcedar.org recommends people elevate planters from deck surfaces so moisture can more easily evaporate from wood planks. Adequate airflow keeps the area drier and allows Western red cedar’s natural preservatives to protect the wood.

Care for Gazebos and Siding

Check gazebos and pergolas, as well as any wooden siding on the house itself, for dirt, mold and mildew. Clean away any dirt, and treat the siding or structures with the oxygenated bleach solution if needed.

Water, dirt, pollen and mold tend to collect and sit on horizontal surfaces. Left alone, they become a harmful cocktail that can speed up the deterioration of otherwise healthy wood.

Preparing an outdoor structure for spring and summer use is simple and well worth the minimal time invested. Following these easy steps is a sure formula to protect your wooden structures and maintain their natural beauty for years to come.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Protect Wooden Yard Structures as Part of Fall Routine

Brisk mornings and crisp evenings, long shadows and a quicker-to-fade sun all say it’s time to store garden tools and hoses, tidy up the shrubs -- and winterize your home’s wooden outdoor structures.

Caring for decks, gazebos and pergolas, often made of Western red cedar, should be a regular part of the fall checklist. Routine maintenance like removing seasonal and ornamental pots and plants, cleaning the wood of dirt and other debris, and getting rid of mold and mildew can be done easily in a weekend.

“Many people choose Western red cedar because of the natural durability and beauty of the wood,” says Paul Mackie, or “Mr. Cedar” as he’s known in the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association. “Preparing your outdoor living structure for winter is an important step to help maintain that beauty.”

Properly preparing wooden yard structures for winter protects them in much the same way as winterizing plants and water features and helps maintain their original appearance. Western red cedar contains natural preservatives that make the wood very durable and basic maintenance relatively simple. A broom and a garden sprayer, a little bleach and a hose are all that are needed.

Winterizing the deck

Start with the deck. Inspect it for buildups of dirt, water and pollen, and sweep it clean of debris the way you would with any wood, plastics, composite or cement surface. Take special care to clean between the planks and boards of horizontal surfaces so water can drain and air can flow between the boards. Reducing standing water and increasing airflow will limit the amount of moisture that can collect and stay on the surface of the plank.

Get rid of mold, mildew

Killing mold and mildew is another important piece of deck maintenance in wetter climates, particularly for materials that have rough textures such as composite decks. Mackie recommends a simple solution of three parts water and one part oxygen bleach applied with a simple garden sprayer. Rinsing the treated areas with clean water once the solution is applied should eliminate mold and mildew.

Don’t pressure-wash

Don’t pressure-wash wood, says Mackie, because “you can make it look like your grandfather’s corduroy pants.” Pressure-washing also can disrupt Western red cedar’s natural moisture resistance by forcibly pushing water into the wood. If you just can’t resist using your pressure-washer, keep it below 800 pounds per square inch.

Empty and store planters

Many outdoor living spaces are decorated with planter pots and boxes. Setting and leaving planters directly on surfaces can stain the wood. Moisture accumulates below the planter, leaving insufficient airflow for the moisture to dry.

The Web site realcedar.org, recommends people remove dirt from pots and planter boxes in early fall and store them in a covered area until spring. If moving the planters is not possible, it is especially important during the cold, wet months to elevate them from the surface with planks that will allow moisture to more easily evaporate without the benefit of the hot summer sun. Adequate airflow keeps the area drier and allows Western red cedar’s natural preservatives to preserve the wood.

Care for gazebos, siding

Check gazebos and pergolas, as well as any wooden siding on the house itself, for dirt, mold and mildew. Clean away any dirt, and treat the siding or structures with the oxygenated bleach solution if needed.

Water, pollen and mold tend to collect and sit on horizontal surfaces throughout the spring and summer. Left over the winter, they become a harmful cocktail that can speed up the deterioration of otherwise healthy lumber.

Preparing an outdoor structure is simple and well worth the minimal time invested. Following the easy steps is a sure formula to protect your wooden structures during the winter and maintaining their natural beauty for years to come.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Epoxy Deck Stain

Tim Carter, of AsktheBuilder.com, demonstrates a deck sealer and stain that contains synthetic resins. This sealer stain doesn't contain natural oils that become food for algae and mildew.

Building a Deck

This is the definitive guide to building the most popular exterior building project there is: the deck. By walking the reader through the entire process -- from the planning stages, through construction step-by-step, to the custom details that make a deck unique -- Building a Deck covers the practical side of building as well as design considerations that make a difference to discriminating homeowners. 35 drawings and over 300 color photos are included.

Available at Amazon.com.

How to Easily Clean Your Deck

Spring is right around the corner and behind it summer fun. It’s the time to clean up after the long winter and prepare the yard for enjoyment. Most people don’t build a beautiful deck so they can spend time cleaning it, but proper deck care is essential to maintain its appearance and the life of the wood.

To treat your wood deck with a stain or finish, it’s important to clean it first. To get this done the quickest and easiest way possible, you need to have the right tools. Look for quality deck cleaning solutions at your local hardware store or home center. And while you will find power washers on display with the solutions, these are not as easy to use or as convenient as you might think.

Power sprayers typically are only used for heavy duty surface removal -- like taking paint off. The spray is powerful and can even damage the surface you’re cleaning if you’re inexperienced. For most deck dirt that accumulates over the course of winter, a stiff scrub brush and proper cleaning solution will do the job nicely.

Mr. LongArm's TeleWash flow-through extension pole and cleaning brush is an excellent tool to help you complete many outdoor tasks, including deck cleaning. The TeleWash makes finishing a tough job fast and easy and is a much less expensive solution than its heavy-duty counterpart.

The lightweight, aluminum flow-through extension pole is easy to use and extends three to six feet in length. The TeleWash's stiff, short scrub brush is perfect for deck cleaning and surface preparation. Durable, chemical resistant materials work well with most common cleaning agents. Other brush styles are available to clean everything from fine auto finishes to windows, concrete and more.

Preparation

• Remove patio furniture and all other items from the deck.
• Lightly cover potted or other plants near the deck to protect them.
• Be sure to use a commercial deck cleaner specially formulated not to harm vegetation.
• Make sure you have all the tools, including the TeleWash (flow-through extension pole and cleaning brush), dust pan, trash bag, garden hose, bucket and commercial deck cleaner.

Cleaning

• Pick up large debris and sweep the small stuff into a trash bag.
• Attach the garden hose to the TeleWash and turn on the water. Adjust the flow using the flow control/shut-off valve on the TeleWash and sweep over the surface of the deck to rinse it clean. Use the most powerful flow of water on heavily soiled spots and scrub the area with the TeleWash brush to remove as much dirt as possible. Begin at one end of the deck and continue until you have rinsed it completely.
• Use the bucket to prepare your deck cleaning solution; follow the directions on the container.
• With the water off, dip the TeleWash brush into the bucket and scrub the entire surface of the deck using up all the solution.
• Be sure to check your cleaning solution directions for appropriate application time. Turn the water on and sweep over the deck with the TeleWash to remove the cleaning solution.
• Allow the deck to dry completely before staining or applying a wood finish. This may take as long as two or three days depending upon weather conditions.

Get this project done in the spring after temperatures have warmed and before spring rains. Washing and caring for your deck once a year will keep your wood looking beautiful for years to come.

Mr. LongArm, Inc. of Greenwood, Mo. has manufactured extension poles, painting tools, window washing equipment and hardware products since 1958. The first to offer telescoping extension poles, they continue to lead the industry in their development.

For a list of locations that carry the Mr. LongArm TeleWash and brushes, or for more information visit www.mrlongarm.com or call (800) 821-3508.



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Deck Cleaning

TipVision host Charlie Stone and home improvement expert Jeff Wilson give tips on cleaning outdoor decks to lengthen the life of your outdoor room.