1.  Why do I need to clean and seal my deck or fencing?
 2.  Why is this service so important to me?
 3.  What are the possible replacement cost of a deck and/or fence if left untreated?
 4.  How often do I need to clean and seal my deck or fencing?
 5.  How long will the sealers last?
 6.  Why doesn't water bead?
 7.  Will the chemicals kill my plants?
 8.  How do you clean my deck?
 9.  How soon can I seal my new deck?
10. What is the difference between sealing and staining?
11. How do you apply the sealer?
12. What if it rains after you seal my deck?
13. Is there a guarantee?
14. What other services does your company provide?

1.  Why do I need to clean and seal my deck or fencing?

• Sealing and staining your deck or fencing adds vital nutrients to the wood surface, so that it will not deteriorate at an accelerated rate.  Wood products take a tremendous beating through seasonal changes, i.e.;. warping, cracking and/or graying (ultraviolet damage).  With these elements attacking wood on a day to day basis, you can see the importance of having your deck or fencing treated right away.  

2.  Why is this service so important to me?

• Deck Finishings Unlimited specializes in treating wood surfaces with high quality products designed to produce lasting beauty and protection.  As a consumer, we understand the importance of protecting your investment.  

3.  What are the possible replacement cost of a deck and/or fence if left untreated?

• Deck and fence replacements can be very expensive if left untreated.  The average price for a deck ranges from $1000.00 - $3000.00* (depending on size and design).  The average price for fencing ranges from $500.00 - $2500.00* (depending on size and design).  Floor boards, railings and banisters can be costly if replaced by a certified contractor.  

4.  How often do I need to clean and seal my deck or fencing?

• To insure the best protection and the best appearance for your deck, it should be maintained on a yearly basis. Decks take a tremendous beating from the weather and will deteriorate rapidly without proper care. We recommend a yearly power-wash and the application of another coat of sealer to keep your deck at its best.   

5.  How long will the sealers last?

• Most sealers will protect your deck for 1 to 1 ½ years on the horizontal surfaces and 3-4 years on vertical surfaces depending on use and weather exposure.

6.  Why doesn't water bead?

• If the sealer used on your deck contains this wax, you will see the water bead for a period of time after the sealer is applied. Other sealers use oils as their protective ingredients. Although decks sealed with an oil-based sealer do not bead water, they are fully protected from any damage that may be caused by water. 

• All the chemicals used to clean and brighten your deck are environmentally friendly and will not harm your plants, children or pets. The sealers, however, will kill plants if saturated. We will do our best to cover all plants and grass before sealing.  

• When wood has been weathered, it will have to be restored before it may be sealed. In our process, we first apply an environmentally safe cleaning chemical, then power-wash the deck. This process removes all the gray discoloration caused by damaged wood fibers, and restores the wood to almost its natural color. All decks, including new ones, should be cleaned before they are sealed. Once the deck as been power-washed, we then apply a wood brightener to neutralize the cleaner and further restore the wood’s natural color. 

• We recommend waiting a minimum of four weeks after construction of your deck before we apply a penetrating sealer. The problem with new wood is that the grains are closed while still containing natural chemicals called tannin and mill glaze. If left to nature, it would take 3-6 months for the grains to open and the natural chemicals to leach out. By using a combination of power-washing and mill glaze remover, we can speed up this process. 

• When we use the term “sealers,” we are referring to a semi-transparent product designed to give your deck a warm, natural appearance. Sealers allow the natural grain of the wood to show through the color.  When sealing the wood, weathering, shade lines, sun exposure and wood structure greatly affect the color and evenness of the sealer. It is not uncommon for there to be lighter and darker areas on the floor. Stains, on the other hand, are similar to paints and completely cover the wood surface. At Deck Finishings Unlimited, we only recommend using stains on the vertical surfaces of your deck. When stains are used on horizontal surfaces, like the floor of a deck, cracking and peeling usually occur within one year. A popular look for decks today involves using a stain on the railings and a sealer on the floor. The stain is usually tinted to match the trim of your house. We call this a two-tone deck.

• All sealers and stains are applied according to the manufacturer recommendations. They can be sprayed, brushed or rolled depending on the product and the specific deck. Some products require one coat and some require two. Please ask if you have questions regarding these procedures. 
   

• Most sealers need a minimum of 8-12 hours to dry, although this can vary depending on the weather and the condition of the deck.  If it rains soon after we apply the sealer, look for water spots.  These are lighter discolorations on the wood similar to water marks left on fine furniture. If the deck has water spots, please contact us immediately to have the sealer reapplied.

• We guarantee our work for one year. If within that year we determine that the seal or stain has not performed to our specifications, and the wood needs to be restored before we seal it again, we will power-wash and restore the wood at no charge. 

Not only do we specialize in water-proofing decks and fencing, but we Pressure Clean the following areas:

• Decks
• Fencing
• Wood Trimming
• Vinyl Siding
• Brick
• Driveways

• Sidewalks