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Porches & Decks

does this sound right?

16 years ago

our deck is probably at least 15 yrs. old & is in amazingly good condition (at least my hubby insists it is!)... can't find the original contract & don't remember what the wood is, but seem to remember the words *pressure treated* & *wolmanized*(sp?)

we have never done anything to it!!! ... BUT i can't stand how *old & weathered* it looks ...

we got a bid for powerwashing (260sq. ft) and application of 2 coats of sherwin wm's deckscape solid color (charcoal) for $825 ...

after spending the last several hrs. reading pg. after pg. of posts here, i realize how much we DON'T KNOW!!!!

firstly, from my description above, does it sound like our deck is even worth trying to save? ... any suggestions would be greatly appreciated ... thanks, phyl

p.s. our location is northern chicago suburbs, if that makes any difference ...

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Comments (3)

riles_j
16 years ago
It's really hard to answer whether or not it is worth saving without pictures, but from your description it sounds like it is in good shape. If that's the case then keep it as long as you can. If you are worried about structural issues before you drop $825 to spruce it up then it may be worth having someone come out to take a look at that.

I have a deck that is aged and I would love nothing more than to keep it, but I have issues that can't be solved with a cleaning and a new stain.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. . . but you can spruce it up! Good luck!

Riles
phyl345
Original Author
16 years ago
yup, if it aint broke; don't fix it!

what are the pros & cons of pressure-washing vs. sanding?

or both?

thanks, phyl
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riles_j
16 years ago
Do you know what type of stain (if any) is on your deck right now? What condition are boards in? Are they badly splintering? Usually you can clean the deck using a deck cleaner. Many here have used the RAD stuff www.restore-a-deck.com with great success. The website has a lot of good info on how to do that. After you clean then you can apply a new semi-transparent oil based stain.

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