How does your deck look? With spring on its way, it’s a good time to start thinking about sprucing up. There are some great products for finishing or staining that can bring your old deck back to life. Exotics (or hardwoods) such as Ipe wood or Mahogany should be handled with care. Scott Alexander, President of A&M Paint and Wallpaper in Portsmouth, NH recommends using C2© brand guards and stains.  C2© offers a variety of colors that are water-based, quick-drying, UV protected, and environmentally safe. If you prefer oil-based products, Scott suggests using Storm System© brand guards and stains for soft & hardwoods.

“Storm System dollar for dollar offers a higher quality product at lower price points than [some of the other brands we carry]”, says Scott.  A&M Paint and Wallpaper can even customize the color you want, while you wait! For composite decking, power washing with mild soap & water should do the trick, but if you’ve got a mildew or mold problem, or find that the pile of leaves left sitting there left a stain, using Seal Once© brand mold & stain eliminator is a top of the line product to buy.

Plan Your Deck Project Accordingly

If you’re looking to build a deck this year, be sure to plan early before calendars fill up. Here are some tips to consider:

  1. Plan for the way you live: Start with general ideas of what the deck can do to enhance your life. What will you really use the deck for? For instance, if you’re not a party animal, maybe you want to emphasize intimate gathering and dining areas.
  2. Shape & size: There’s nothing wrong with a rectangular deck, but consider adding pizzazz with angles or even curves. They will take additional time to build, but they can make the structure feel special rather than cookie-cutter.
  3. Plan for use areas & traffic: Once you’ve got your priorities right, plan a deck that allows enough space for the activities you enjoy, as well as comfortable traffic pathways between and around them.

Decks.com has these tips and more in detail. They also have a fabulous planner that’s free for you to use! Call us today to get started.