We only use High Grade Wood Stain......

Is  Deck Stain Maintenance Necessary?

Most decks are made of pressure treated pine. Good quality treated pine will last forty years or so before there is any substantial decay. However, discoloration and splintering can begin after only a few months. For this reason, most people take on a regular cycle of Stain maintenance. Failure to do so won't cause your deck to rot, but your deck will most certainly become discolored and the surface will become rough and prone to splinters. Cleaning and sealing and staining your deck will keep it looking good and keep it from decaying.

What should I look for in hiring a professional to Stain my Deck or Fence?

Selecting the right contractor  to clean and apply the wood stain can be a tough decision, because the only criteria most homeowners have to base their decision on is price and their neighbors' experience.  If you go strictly by price, you will inevitably select a contractor who doesn't have experience, hasn't invested much in training and tools, will be using the cheapest sealer and may not be in the business next year when the job fails.  Check references and other credentials and find out if the contractor has a reputation for standing behind his work.  When comparing staining estimates from other contractors it is the utmost of importance that you know what wood stain your contractor is going to be using.

Why do I need to do anything if my deck is made of Pressure Treated Wood?

Pressure Treated Wood is protected against rot and decay.  Pressure Treated does not mean weatherproofed, in fact pressure-treating wood can make it more susceptible to moisture damage.  Moisture damage leads to splitting, warping, and cracking, and can cause wood to become discolored and unattractive.  Pressure treated wood also contains CCA, Chromated Copper Arsenate, and contains the dangerous chemical arsenic.  As of December 30, 2003, CCA products cannot be used to treat lumber intended for residential settings.  The US EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) does not recommend replacing your pressure treated wood structures, it does however suggest finishing them with oil-based semitransparent stain on a regular basis to reduce CCA exposure.