Redwood Deck Refinishing in Los Angeles, CA
Contents
Our Redwood Deck Restoration Technique
Nature’s weathering elements, inferior products, and substandard services are the main reasons why decks look and weather so badly. Chances are you have run into one or all of the above and are in search of the best technique to bring back its original state.
Our redwood deck refinishing technique starts with mild washing to remove soot, dirt, black mold, algae, and previous coatings. Step number two and most important is sanding. Sanding is absolutely essential because it will remove stubborn coatings, and weathering while unearthing fresh raw smooth wood. To skip the sanding technique would compromise your entire redwood deck refinishing project.
A mild brightening rinse will follow the sanding process to remove dust and debris while brightening the wood to its purest state. The brightening rinse also helps eliminate and prevent mold, mildew, and algae.
The final step is an application of the protective coating. The best way to show off your deck’s beautiful grain is with the use of a transparent or semi-transparent sealer. Solid opaque stains are available for an even look in any color. All coatings are applied the old-fashioned way with a brush. All of our coatings allow for simple maintenance to be performed to keep the surfaces protected and looking their finest at all times.
Maintaining Your Redwood Deck
Our coatings allow for simple periodic maintenance to keep your investment looking its finest at all times. Weather conditions will dictate when it is time for redwood deck maintenance. Weathering characteristics will vary in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. Over time protective coatings will dissolve and fade and is natural.
Maintenance consists of establishing an estimated schedule for service. Redwood is a bit more porous than other hardwoods and can accept a more protective coating which translates into longer protection. We generally recommend maintenance service at 8 to 12 months for oil base sealers and 2 years for solid opaque stains. Maintenance should be performed whenever visually necessary in lieu of estimated service timeframes.
Redwood deck maintenance entails a mild surface wash to remove debris that has landed on the surface over time. Spot sanding may be employed to remove stubborn stains and debris. The wood will be cleaned and brightened to promote natural color. The protective coating will be re-applied to protect for another period of time.
The best way for day-to-day maintenance is to sweep or blow with a leaf blower. This is the safest way to remove surface dirt without harming the coating. Mild hosing at quarterly intervals will remove stubborn dirt and contaminants. Excess water should be squeegeed off after hosing. The frequency of day-to-day maintenance will vary for Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, and the particular microclimate you are located in.
Protective Coatings
After such intense preparation, it makes sense to use only the finest protective coatings. Our protective coatings are specifically formulated for redwood. This means they have special solvents and pigments to penetrate and protect to the highest level. In fact, we have custom colors and formulations specifically made to our specifications.
Oil Base Sealer
Why oil base? The old-fashioned way is still the best. Oil and pigments penetrate into the wood and protect it both inside and out. Oil sealers will enhance the wood grain giving it a natural, rich, and vibrant matte appearance. These oils highlight the varying natural attributes of each piece of wood for a stunning look. Varying tint shades are available to achieve the particular color desire. Over the course of your projected time frame, the sealers will eventually dissolve back to bare wood. Mild cleaning and reapplication are all that will be needed to keep the wood protected and looking amazing.
Water Base Opaque Stain
Water base opaque stains allow for a unique solid appearance. Although more traditionally used for Pine and older decks, solid stains are recently more popular because they allow for the ultimate even appearance. They are also available in any color you can think of for a custom look like none other. Maintenance is a breeze by simply mopping the surfaces clean and re-applying.
Protecting Your New Deck
We cannot stress how important it is to protect your deck correctly from the beginning. Who wants to go through deck restoration, right? It is essential to apply a coating that is specifically formulated for redwood. This allows for easy periodic maintenance moving forward. We recommend staying away from water base semi-transparent and semi-solid stains and any film-forming finishes such as varnish or polyurethane. These types of coatings are not maintainable and can be unsafe when wet.
Protecting your new investment consists of very light finish sand to remove mill glaze and open the grain. This will allow the oil base penetrating sealer to delve deep into the boards. A brightening agent will be applied to remove tannins and help prevent black mold and algae.
New decks will be coated with oil base sealer to enhance the look and protect. Various tints are available to achieve the color and aesthetic you desire. Your investment will be protected for its projected time frame and maintenance can be performed easily.
Redwood Deck Repair in Los Angeles
Over time boards can become loose and need tightening. Sometimes boards can become damaged and succumb to rot or termites. We can perform repair on both of these problems and replace wood with like-kind as needed.
Redwood Deck FAQ
- What is the best way to protect a redwood deck?
- Why has my redwood deck weathered gray?
- Are water-based products good for protecting redwood decks?
- Can I alter the color of my redwood deck?
- What is general upkeep for a redwood deck?
How is redwood maintained?
Keeping a new or restored redwood deck in top shape requires regular maintenance and the renewal of coatings when they begin to degrade. Maintenance includes washing, spot-sanding, and replacing finishes where required.
Maintenance needs for redwood decks vary depending on the climate and how often they are used, but an annual inspection is the best way to stay on top of potential issues before they become unsightly and lead to more restorative work. Light sanding and cleaning with a brightener may be required, and coatings can be renewed when necessary. While decks with oil-based coatings should be inspected every eight to 12 months, visible issues should be addressed sooner. Solid opaque stains may last up to two years, but timelines vary depending on climate and use.
All kinds of deck materials benefit from regular cleaning and maintenance. Excessive moisture should be avoided, with furniture and other items placed or installed carefully.
What is the best way to protect a redwood deck?
Penetrating oil-based finishes protect redwood decks the best because they can keep the wood looking natural. Furthermore, these finishes allow for ease of future maintenance. The key to protecting redwood decks is applying a natural-looking and maintainable protective coating.
Why has my redwood deck weathered gray?
Natural oils inside the redwood oxidize to produce a gray appearance. The gray or oxidized appearance of a redwood deck is only a microscopic thin layer that can be easily removed with proper refinishing techniques. Our “Clean, Sand, Brighten and Seal” method can bring back its original and pristine appearance.
Are water-based products good for protecting redwood decks?
Water-based products are not maintainable finishes. Water molecules aren’t able to penetrate into the grain as well as oil-based sealers and end up sitting on top of the redwood – creating a layer of film. Like varnish or urethane, water-based finishes will weather unevenly and crack and blister.
Can I alter the color of my redwood deck?
A redwood deck’s natural color can be altered using tinted oil-based finishes. Most oil-based finishes that are formulated for redwood are available in a variety of colors. These colors may change in appearance when they are applied to the redwood itself.
What is general upkeep for a redwood deck?
A redwood deck should always be coated with an oil-based penetrating finish. This finish should be applied periodically to keep the wood protected and nourished. Periodic maintenance and upkeep will prolong the life and extend the natural beauty of the redwood deck.
Why is redwood a popular choice for a deck?
Redwood, or Sequoia sempervirens, is a coniferous tree that’s native to the northwestern coastal United States. This long-lasting, strong, tall tree is called Coast Redwood or Sequoia. Redwood is a softer wood with a low-maintenance, stable, and durable decking material. It’s vulnerable to weathering, particularly around sapwood and knots. It should be waterproofed, stained, or painted annually for a favorable lifespan. Redwood is used for decking material as well as for beams, posts, and outdoor furniture.
Redwood can last for many years, especially when harvested from old-growth trees. When adequately maintained, redwood can resist decay. Natural tannins provide resistance to fire, insects, and decay and keep the wood’s natural color.
Redwood has many benefits for homeowners, including:
- Durable and attractive.
- Naturally resists warping, shrinking, and cracking.
- May be easily restored to its original beauty.
- Low maintenance and stays cool in summer.
- Budget-friendly but adds value to your home.
- Resistant to fire and fire-code friendly.