Best thing to do for Cedar Deck

[SteveMKIIDub]

Ok, so we put on a Cedar deck that is around 700 sq ft. We haven't stained it or done anything with it.

Now I'm not sure what to do. I'm worried if we do stain it that in 2 years the nightmare will return and I'll be doing it all over again.

What else can you do? I'm assuming nothing will just cause the deck to grey overtime, no?

Any help appreciated..

[barry2952]

Why did you spend the money on cedar if you're just going to treat it? It's naturally weather and bug resistant.

Let it gray and power-wash it every couple of years.

[SteveMKIIDub]

Why did you spend the money on cedar if you're just going to treat it? It's naturally weather and bug resistant.

Let it gray and power-wash it every couple of years.

Assumed you had to treat it (I knew it was "rot" resistant naturally).

What do you need to put on before a gentle pressure wash?

[barry2952]

It has natural oils that make it water resistant. You could seal it. I don't think that will do any harm, but don't expect that to keep it from turning gray.

You're probably better off not using a power-washer on cedar as it's very, very, soft and high-pressure water could easily remove material. They make deck wash that you brush on and hose off. That would be better.

[SteveMKIIDub]

It has natural oils that make it water resistant. You could seal it. I don't think that will do any harm, but don't expect that to keep it from turning gray.

You're probably better off not using a power-washer on cedar as it's very, very, soft and high-pressure water could easily remove material. They make deck wash that you brush on and hose off. That would be better.

So in a couple of years simply brush on special deck wash, hose off and it should look like new again?

Seems to good to be true..

[Diamond Dave]

So in a couple of years simply brush on special deck wash, hose off and it should look like new again?

Sort of. Any wood in the sun is going to fade and wear, regardless of deck stain or not. Cedar just happens to be a little more resilient depending on your area. NO deck stain is going to last more than a few seasons without needing reapplication or cleaning.

Also, pressure washing is OK, but you need to make sure you use the low PSI nozzles or you'll remove the soft wood on top and it will leave ridges (ask me how I know).

[SteveMKIIDub]

So by doing nothing, but every year or so just cleaning and washing off (no sanding) it should "return" back to normal?

I only splurged for cedar because it was $0.86 / LF. Didn't seem so bad!

[drhavoc]

I used this stuff on my Cedar deck it's awesome http://www.penofin.com/products_rl.shtml





it works like a charm you can simply spray it on its all natural and it keeps the Cedar from turning grey.

[spockcat]

What is that, knotty pine? I'd be afraid I was stepping on something or going to trip over something.