Deck Finishing Ideas

Wet and Shady

• When a deck is exposed to wet conditions, mold and rot can develop quickly. There are many products designed to protect wood from water, ranging in increasing pigmentation from sealers to oil finishes, varnishes, stains and, finally, deck paint and enamel. Of course, the less pigmentation you use, the more the natural beauty of the wood will show through. To prevent mold, many sealers and stains include a mildewcide, but if there isn’t one, it can be added.

  Wet locations are often slippery, so to prevent accidents add sand or a traction-improving paint additive. This works best with heavier finishes like paint and enamel.

Sunny and Dry

• Ultraviolet rays from the sun can damage wood as quickly as water, bleaching it and causing cracking and curling. For maximum protection in sunny locations, the more pigmentation in the finish, the better. Deck enamel or highly pigmented deck stain will give the best protection against UV light and are available in a variety of colors that allow you to match the decor of the house or blend in with the natural surroundings. Spar varnish is an oil-based finish used for boats that gives better UV protection than urethane varnish. If you choose to use less pigmentation in a sunny area, be prepared to refinish sooner.

Other Finish Systems

• Other possibilities for deck finish systems include fiberglass, recommended for a plywood deck, and vinyl, much like the linoleum on a kitchen floor. Urethane is easily applied and waterproof but not very durable, while magnesite is a non-combustible cement that can be shaped around irregular areas. You can use tiles for decking, but they require a solid, flat base, preferably of plywood. None of these systems are easily done by the home handy person.

No Finish Required

• Some decking materials do not require a finish. Ipe is a dense hardwood farmed in the Brazilian rain forest and will last for years. It turns an ashen gray over time but, if desired, its original color can be restored with an inexpensive stain. Trex is an imitation plastic deck board that is manufactured from recycled materials. It is available in a variety of colors and has a gritty surface that gives plenty of traction. Both Trex and Ipe are sold at the local lumberyard.