There are two ways we can make a low maintenance wood deck surface. The same materials are used on each so the physical attributes of the coatings in terms of maintenance and expected lifetime are similar.
The most striking process is a complete remodel of the deck. This was an older wood deck that was stripped to the joists and then completely remodeled as shown below. The end result was a low maintenance deck that resembles a masonry deck that would cost 4-5 times as much to build. It’s easy to clean with a hose and the only maintenance is an annual sealing which takes about two hours for this almost 800 sf deck.
Main seating area
Wood Deck that Looks like Stone
Underdeck Storage
This is the process used to create this deck…
- The deck supports are adjusted to provide a slight pitch so that rain water runs away from the house.
- 3/4″ tongue & groove plywood is installed that has been previously coated with our waterproof Elastolock agent on the underside. As we install each sheet, we butter the edges with Elastolock to securely seal the edges. The Elastolock will also bond the adjacent edges of the boards which are screwed into place (no nails). Each seam is then further coated to a width of 6 inches with Elastolock into which a 41/2″ seam strip is immediately embedded, followed by a second Elastolock coating. Lastly the entire top surface of the plywood is coated with Elastolock and 50″ wide mesh embedded. An Elastolock finish coat is then applied over the mesh to complete the plywood installation.
- The deck sidewalls and stairs are reviewed for any replacements necessary and then coated twice with Elastolock
- A primer coat of LiquiStone is applied which is tinted to the grout color over the entire surface
- A grout stencil and/or tape is applied to the surface to lay out the grout lines.
- Two coats of SpreadStone are then applied to create the stone finish
- The stencil/grout tapes are removed and any minor touch ups are made
- A color wash is applied to add contrast and depth
- The entire surface is sealed with two coats of acrylic sealer
Remodeling a deck completely may not be for everyone. While it greatly enhances the value of the home and is a small fraction of the cost of a true masonry deck, it is still not an inexpensive undertaking ranging from $30 to $45 per sf. or roughly in the same price range as the wood composite products.
The second way we can apply the costing is directly to the existing deck boards themselves. Since the coatings we use rarely exceed an 1/8th inch, there are never tolerance issues with door thresholds to consider, or plywood to install. Below is a before and after look at a deck done this way. We can’t achieve the aesthetics of the masonry styled deck surface but, since we are using the same materials, we can achieve the long lasting and low maintenance many homeowners are looking to achieve.
Old wood deck with peeling paint
This is accomplished as follows.
- First, the deck is thoroughly washed with a detergent deck cleaner and powerwashed to remove any surface decay (such as when wood turns gray). All loose boards are screwed down tight, high spots from cupping boards are sanded, decayed areas are treated with an epoxy hardener and gouges and pitted areas are filled with epoxy filler. If necessary or more economical, boards may be replaced.
- A coat of ElastoLock is applied to all surfaces. It is an excellent bonding agent, protects the wood surface, and bridges many cracks and surface imperfections. All coatings are applied to the sides of the boards in the gaps between the boards so as to coat all surfaces which can be normally seen. The bottom surface of the deck boards can also be coated with Elastolock if accessible (and at least texturized primer and sealer)
- Next, Texturized Primer is applied
- One or two coats of either SpreadStone or RollerRock is then applied, generally by roller or spray and, in tight spaces, by brush.
Finally, two coats of our matte finish acrylic sealer are applied.
After application of LiquiStone
It is within the expertise of many homeowners to make this a DIY project. While this has more steps than just re-staining your deck, it is now more securely protected from exposure, drying, and decay. The coating will last a lot longer (we warranty our installations for up to10 years) and the only maintenance needed other than occasional hosings is to keep it sealed. We recommend this be done annually. It’s really a quick process…a 500 sf deck can easily be done in less than an hour.
Tags: Deck coating, deck paint, deck sealer, durable, Elastolock, LiquiStone, long lasting, low maintenance, wood deck
