Cedar Deck Restoration in Los Angeles, CA
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While Los Angeles experiences mostly sunny days and little rain, this lovely weather can still be harsh on your cedar deck. If your deck isn’t looking its best anymore, it might be time to give it some attention. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about wood deck refinishing here in Los Angeles.
Signs Your Cedar Deck Needs Refinishing
Even the most resilient cedar decks can deteriorate over time. By keeping an eye out for wear and tear, you can keep your deck safe and enjoyable while avoiding expensive repairs. Here are some issues to look out for.
Cracks or Splintering
Sun exposure, moisture, and fluctuating temperatures can make the wood fibers in cedar planks break down faster, causing them to splinter or crack. This can be dangerous for bare feet and paws. If you’re seeing splits or sharp pieces, refinishing your deck can smooth things out and shield the wood from more serious damage.
Discoloration and Fading
Cedar naturally turns a dull gray over time. If your deck looks tired or patchy, it’s time to refinish it. A faded look means the sealant has worn away, leaving your deck exposed to the elements.
Peeled or Chipped Paint
When your deck’s paint or stain starts to peel or flake, it’s a clear sign that the wood is no longer protected, making it vulnerable to water damage. To ensure a new coat sticks well and offers long-lasting protection, it’s crucial to remove the old finish first.
Loose or Rusting Fasteners
When nails or screws start popping out of the boards or have rust forming around them, your deck’s underlying structure could be weakening due to excess moisture. Also, wood naturally expands and contracts with the weather. When refinishing your deck, remember to tighten or replace those fasteners.
Slippery or Moldy Surfaces
If your deck becomes slippery when wet or has moldy patches, it requires some attention. Those slick spots can be dangerous, and mold often means moisture is trapped, usually because the finish isn’t doing its job anymore. Giving your deck a good clean, followed by sealing or staining, will help make it less slippery and prevent mold from growing.
Before & Afters
Why Choose Cedar Wood for Your Deck?
Cedar is a popular deck choice because it looks great naturally, is long-lasting, and handles the weather in Los Angeles well. If you’re building or refinishing a wood deck, cedar is a fantastic choice that combines durability and style. Cedar is a go-to for many homeowners because it’s:
- Naturally cool: Cedar stays cooler than many composite or dark hardwood materials even on hot days. This makes it more comfortable to walk around barefoot, especially if your deck gets a lot of sun exposure.
- Easy to work with: Because cedar is a softwood, it’s easy to work with. This can speed up projects and reduce how much you spend on labor compared to using tougher woods.
- Durable yet lightweight: Cedar is light enough for simple installations and repairs but strong enough for daily use. Cedar outlasts many other woods in warping, shrinking, and twisting.
Our Cedar Deck Refinishing Process
When you restore your cedar deck, it looks better and lasts longer. At Teak Master, we offer deck refinishing services that can bring back your deck’s good looks and durability. Here’s a breakdown of our step-by-step process.
Step 1: Inspection and Preparation
First, we’ll give your deck a thorough once-over. We’ll look for loose boards, soft spots that could be rot, and rusty nails or screws. Then, we’ll make sure the area is clear and ready for the next steps.
Step 2: Deep Cleaning
We’ll deep clean your deck with a power washer to blast away dirt and mold. A clean surface ensures the new finish will stick and do its job.
Step 3: Sanding
Next, we’ll sand your deck down to remove the old finish and smooth out any rough spots once it has dried. This will make it easier for the wood to absorb the fresh stain or sealant.
Step 4: Staining or Sealing
We’ll apply a new stain or sealant to accentuate the natural beauty of the wood and protect it against moisture and sun damage. You’ll usually need a coat or two.
Step 5: Final Examination and Cleaning
For your deck to have a flawless finish, we’ll conduct a final examination and cleanup.
Essential Maintenance Tips for Deck Longevity in Los Angeles
Los Angeles weather might feel gentle most days, but sun, dry air, and even a bit of rain can take a toll on your cedar deck. To keep it looking great and lasting for years, regular upkeep is key. Here are some essential maintenance tips:
- Clean your deck regularly: Debris, dust, and pollen can accumulate rapidly in semiarid environments. To keep things looking nice, sweep and rinse your deck often.
- Reseal or restain your deck: Sun exposure in Southern California speeds up the wear and tear of protective wood finishes. Staining or sealing your deck every year or two helps keep the wood free from UV damage and moisture.
- Check your deck for moisture: Even occasional rain or poor drainage can cause problems. Make sure water runs off your deck quickly, and steer clear of placing planters anywhere moisture could get caught under.
Get Your Deck Ready for Los Angeles Weather
Want to keep your cedar deck looking great without the hassle? Whether it needs a complete refresh or just some routine upkeep, our experts at Teak Master can help. Contact us today for a deck assessment. Let’s make your outdoor space shine.
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Tim Gilliam
I am as passionate about the services our company provides as the day I started as Teak Masters' only employee in 1997. For 2 decades I have been obsessed with continuing to developing state of the art refinishing techniques and application of the finest cutting edge wood coatings modern science can create. I have training certifications and have been hired as a consultant for esteemed companies such as Benjamin Moore, Arborcoat, Messmers, Dewalt, Porter Cable, TWP, Sikkens, Tropitone, and Brown Jordan.