Q: Will pressure washing harm my deck?
A: Not with our technicians! We focus on using a high-volume yet low pressure process. This is also adjusted depending on if you have a cedar deck or pressure treated wood deck, cedar is a softer wood so it requires a lower pressure cleaning. That being said, in the wrong hands, pressure washing can cause damage to wood! That’s why we hope you leave the pressure washing to us.
Q: What kind of stain does your company use?
A: It depends on the project and the type of look you are seeking. When it comes to oil-based transparent and semi-transparent we proudly use Armstrong Clark & TWP Deck Stain and Sealer. Both products provide a very natural look to the wood and highlights the natural beauty of the wood grain. This stain penetrates deeply into the wood, giving the wood the oils it needs to repel water and prevent drying out and cracking.
When it comes to solid stain we rely on Cabot’s long history of a quality product to help us get the job done.
Q: What’s better, solid stain or transparent?
A: If your deck is new or has never had stain applied we definitely recommend starting with an oil-based transparent/semi-transparent stain. This will not only highlight the natural beauty of the wood but it is easier to maintain, provides the longest longevity for the wood, and allows the wood to “breathe” so that excess moisture doesn’t get trapped and rot out the wood over time.
Of course, many prefer the look of a solid stain. Solid stains provide benefits as well as long as they are applied correctly. All too often too much stain is applied which really takes away from the strength of the stain and causes premature cracking and peeling. We work with many solid stains as this is a look that many prefer and once you’ve gone solid, generally speaking, you have to continue treating your deck with a solid stain.
Q: How long will the stain last?
A:For transparent stain we recommend having a clean and re-coat every 2-3 years depending on the UV exposure. Ideally, a deck that receives direct sun part of the day and shade part of the day will last the longest, getting the best of both worlds so-to-speak.
Solid stains will generally need a clean and re-coat every 3-4 years.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: That all depends on the weather. At least 3-4 days. The first day is the cleaning process. Then we need 12-36 hours of dry weather for the wood to be under 18% moisture content. The sanding and staining are then done when the wood is dried out. The process will generally consist of 3 visits to your home. First, the initial consultation. Second, the cleaning. Third, sanding and staining.
Q: Do I have to sand my deck? What are the benefits?
A: Although not necessary, we generally recommend it. Remember that surface preparation is EXTREMELY important. Sanding helps to remove the imperfections from the wood and reveal a fresh layer of wood. It also opens up the pores of the wood so that the stain can penetrate deep.
Q: What is your service area?
A: We offer deck cleaning, sealing, and pressure washing services to the following Chicagoland suburbs: Aurora, Batavia, Bristol, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, Geneva, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, Lisle, Lombard, Medinah, Naperville, North Aurora, Oak Brook, Oswego, St. Charles, Sugar Grove, Winfield, & Wheaton.