Part 3 of 5 Decks Patios Out Door Living Spaces

When it comes to designing a Deck, Patio or Out Door Living Space

Scotty, Scotts Contracting offers the following tips:

• Research the Materials you would like to incorporate into your Deck, Patio, or Out Door Living Space
• Take notes and pictures of similar designs you would like your project to look like
• Inspect the area you choose to build your project.
• Sketch or Draw out your design.
• Determine a Material list-with your Material list in hand-your can ask the Pro Department at your Local Home improvement Store for their Lowest Bid.
• Build your project as outlined by the Manufacturers Guidelines and Local Building Codes
• Enjoy the outdoor living space you have created!

If you choose to Contract out your next project-

Scotts Contracting Offers the Following Services: Design-Build Projects for Residential & Commercial Buildings--Construction,Remodeling and Rehab's - to include: Carpentry, Weatherization, Roofing, Flooring, Interior and Exterior Finishes, Painting/Staining, Wood Finishing, Custom Wood Working, Solar & Wind Renewable Energy Systems, Doors, Windows, Home Repairs & Upgrades, Basic: Plumbing, Electric, HVAC,-

"Including: Decks, Porches, Patios and Other Out-Door Living Spaces"

"We will be offering: Home Energy Audits Soon!!!"

Scotts Contracting is a Proud Supporter of the Green Building Industry & Green and Eco Friendly Products !!!

Click Here to email scotts contracting and set up a Free Green Site Evaluation and Bid for your next project

DIY Home Center looks to give DIY types an edge with premium products for your decking (like Tiger claw hidden deck fasteners for nail free deck surfaces or deck drainage with under-deck) to recycled outdoor furniture from Polywood. With amazing online tools, videos, & calculators make sure you get the job done right the first time.

Prep a Deck: Strip Old Stain Removing old stain with a chemical stripper is relatively uncommon with decks, but it can do an excellent job, leaving wood noticeably cleaner than using a power washer alone. A stripper is particularly valuable for areas where old stain still adheres tight, such as on railings and other areas exposed to less wear than the main deck surface.

Prep a Deck: Pressure Wash the Surface Pressure washing, the standard in deck cleaning, efficiently removes dirt, old stain, and debris from wood. Most pressure washers can be used with trisodium phosphate (TSP) or other deck cleaners for an even better result. When you use a pressure washer, don't let the spray linger in one spot too long, or it may gouge the wood. Discoloration or stubborn stains are better removed with a stripper than with overly aggressive power washing.

Tip: Consider Nearby Plants Wet nearby foliage before using deck cleaner or stripper to reduce chemical damage. After you finish cleaning the deck, spray plants again to wash off any chemical residue.

Stain a Deck Once your deck is clean and dry, it's time to apply finish. Finishes come in clear, tinted, semitransparent, and solid colors. The look you choose is mainly a matter of personal preference, but there is a practical consideration: Clear or tinted products usually last just a year or two, depending on the climate. Semitransparent and solid stains may last two to four years.

Tip: Before You Stain Before applying the finish, allow ample time for the deck to dry. Read the product label for guidance. Also, reset popped nailheads and replace warped or split boards.

Stain a Deck: Use a Roller An ordinary paint roller can make easy work of staining a deck, especially if you attach an extension handle so you don't have to kneel. (Check product recommendations—some finishes are not suitable for roller application.) To reduce overlap marks, roll no more than a few deck boards at a time, completing their length before starting the next. Paintbrushes can be used on decks too, but they're not efficient for large surfaces. They are, however, useful for railings and recesses that rollers can't reach.

Stain a Deck: Grab a Sprayer Sprayers are excellent for applying stain because they allow you to cover large areas quickly and uniformly. Another advantage is the ease with which sprayers treat railings and other awkward hard-to-paint surfaces. Power sprayers are available, but even simple pump-type sprayers will work. (Not all deck finishes are appropriate for sprayer application; check the product label.)

Stain a Deck: Use a Pad Browsing stain aisles at home improvement centers can reveal some nifty innovations. For instance, gel stains applied with pads are easy to use without drips or runs, and various pad applicators are designed to reach difficult spots. The application process is longer, however, so limit pad applications to smaller or difficult-to-reach areas.

DIY Home Center looks to give DIY types an edge with premium products for your decking (like Tiger claw hidden deck fasteners for nail free deck surfaces or deck drainage with under-deck) to recycled outdoor furniture from Polywood. With amazing online tools, videos, & calculators make sure you get the job done right the first time.