About Dan Donavin Expertise I can answer questions regarding planning, repairing, hiring contractors, and building decks, stairs, landings, and most residential outdoor woodwork. I know the building codes for my surrounding counties but I cannot answer specific question on passing inspections unless it is something nationwide.
Experience I have 10 years of carpentry experience and the last five years owning my own company. I currently build, repair and replace stairs and decking for new construction, remodeling, and commercial customers. I am often called on to bring stairs and decks up to code in new construction sites. I have used most new types of decking, railing, post, and fencing materials that are on the market.
Organizations Habit for Humanity
Concrete Network
Education/Credentials College of Dupage two years business and sales coursework
Question I am a first time home owner, I do not know anything. please assist me in the proper way to clean, stain and seal a deck. What materials to use to achieve all of the above. Any guidance you can provide for me will be greatly appreciated. this is the Second e-mail because i put the wrong e-mail address in the first question.
Thank you,
Eric
Answer Hi Eric,
The start is to clean the deck as thoroughly as possible. A pressure washer works great for this. You can rent one or call a company to do it. A deck should not cost very much to have someone pressure wash for you. You can sand it next but that is only if it has been stained improperly before or is in very bad shape. I recommend One Time to seal your deck. They have stains available as well and is the longest lasting sealer I have seen with a great warranty. http://www.onetimewood.com/ Thompsons also makes good product as well and very easy to find. You can get a hand pump sprayer to apply it or a deckmate. The deckmate looks like a swifter wet but has a nub in the middle of the pad to coat in between decking boards. If you can find one it is the best way to apply stain and sealer to a deck. One time has their specific instructions on their to apply their product and Thompsons does as well. If you are east of the Mississippi River we will be happy to help you out.
Good Luck
Dan Donavin
Gorgeous Finish Works LLC
gorgeousbuilders@yahoo.com
