How to Choose the Best Deck Finish

This article, drawing insights from designer Celerie Kemble's book "Black & White (and a Bit in Between)," offers practical advice on selecting the appropriate paint finish for various interior spaces. Kemble emphasizes the enduring appeal and versatility of black and white as a design foundation, noting its adaptability for adding or subtracting elements over time while maintaining cohesion. She explains that in a black and white scheme, the introduction of other elements like gilt finishes, wood tones, or colors creates a dramatic accent. The article then details different paint finishes, outlining their pros, cons, and ideal applications. Flat finish paint is presented as suitable for concealing wall imperfections due to its minimal light reflection, offering a classic, old-world aesthetic. However, its delicate nature makes it prone to showing scuffs and fingerprints and difficult to clean, thus recommended for low-traffic areas or ceilings. Eggshell finish provides a slightly more durable alternative to flat paint with a similar low sheen but remains somewhat challenging to clean and easily marked, making it appropriate for most rooms except those with high kid traffic. Semi-gloss paint, which reflects a significant amount of light, is highlighted for its ease of cleaning. Its main drawback is its tendency to reveal every wall imperfection, brushstroke, and roller brush's "orange-peel finish," necessitating a good skim coat on walls before application. This finish is ideal for doors, trim, casework, bathrooms, and kitchens. Venetian plaster is described as a finish that can appear modern and sleek when applied with the right pigments and gloss, despite its old-school perception. Its durability is a key advantage, as its integrated tinting minimizes the visibility of scratches and dings, and higher gloss versions are easy to wipe clean. The labor-intensive application, often requiring professional expertise, and the difficulty in painting over it are noted as its main disadvantages. It is recommended for spaces where a special and deep finish is desired to elevate the wall's integrity. Finally, high-gloss paint is featured as a spectacular option for impeccably skim-coated rooms, offering a less expensive alternative to real lacquer. Achieving an ideal, lacquer-like finish requires significant effort, often involving light sanding between coats and several applications, making it expensive to execute well. The article also mentions the potentially shocking price of darker high-gloss colors. This finish is best reserved for rooms requiring drama and a distinct, special-occasion feel, such as dining rooms, entry halls, powder rooms, and libraries. #PaintFinish #InteriorDesign #CelerieKemble #HomeImprovement #DIYPainting #WallFinishes #HomeDecor #PaintingTips

Protecting a wooden deck from environmental elements and wear and tear from furniture and foot traffic is crucial for its longevity. Unlike paint, deck stains penetrate the wood's pores, rendering it water-resistant. The choice of stain type significantly impacts the deck's appearance and maintenance requirements. According to house painter and restoration expert Austin Strawn, transparent stains are recommended for new decks because they fade rather than peel, simplifying recoating. In contrast, solid-hide or semi-transparent stains, while offering more coverage, are more labor-intensive to recoat if they peel. This guide identifies top deck stains, categorizing them by transparency (transparent, semi-solid, and solid) and base (oil and latex), incorporating insights from Strawn and Brad Henderson, director of product management at Benjamin Moore, regarding stain types and application. The best clear stain is the Benjamin Moore Woodluxe Waterproofing Exterior Stain + Sealer, a water-based transparent option that allows the wood's natural grain to show through while providing UV and mildew resistance. It dries in one hour and cures in 14 days, suitable for various wood types like cedar and mahogany. Its main advantage is ease of reapplication, as it fades rather than chips, requiring only cleaning before reapplication, though it generally needs reapplication annually. For solid coverage, the BEHR DECKplus Waterproofing Wood Stain is recommended. This acrylic-based stain offers robust protection, covering existing faded coats without sealing components, which reduces separation. It promises up to five years of protection for horizontal surfaces and 15 years for vertical ones, though actual results vary with wear. While available in numerous colors, solid stains are harder to recoat due to their thick seal, often necessitating sanding and extensive prep work. The Cabot Wood Stain and Sealer in One is the top semi-solid choice, an oil-based product that penetrates and seals wood, providing strong protection and rich colors while still allowing some wood texture to be visible. It requires a single coat, dries within 24 to 48 hours, and comes in several shades. Users should be aware of fumes during application and handle rags used with the product carefully due to spontaneous combustion risks. The Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer is highlighted as the best semi-transparent option, popular for its all-in-one oil-based formula that deeply penetrates wood and creates a water-resistant seal. It self-levels, minimizing the need for back brushing, and is ideal for older decks previously treated with oil stains. However, it has fewer color options and emits strong fumes. The DEFY Exterior Wood Stain is the best water-based choice, an environmentally friendly, low-VOC product with a zinc-based formula that protects against UV damage. It creates a matte finish that highlights natural wood grain, though it requires stripping any existing stain before application and offers less coverage per gallon than oil-based alternatives. Reapplication is recommended after cleaning with a wood brightener. For significantly aged wood, Behr's Deckover is suggested for its thick, solid coat that rejuvenates cracked surfaces, extending the deck's life. Proper application involves thorough cleaning, sanding, and liberal application to cracks and nail holes, allowing drying time before subsequent coats. Key considerations for choosing a deck stain include stain type (transparency levels range from clear to solid, affecting longevity and reapplication effort), wood type (denser woods prefer clear/transparent stains), color matching (testing on a scrap piece is advised), dry time (oil stains generally dry slower than latex), and climate suitability (extreme temperatures and humidity can degrade stains faster). Calculating the required amount of stain involves determining the deck's square footage and accounting for railings and multiple coats, with rounding up for extra product recommended. While staining the underside of a deck is generally not necessary unless visible or exposed to high moisture, it can offer maximum protection. Acrylic-based solid stains typically last longer than oil-based stains, but overall longevity depends on various factors. Essential tools for deck staining include a 5-in-1 tool, rag, brush, roller, roller frame, and a pole. The optimal time for application is during moderate, cloudy weather in spring or fall, ensuring the deck is dry before and after application to allow for proper curing. #DeckStain #WoodProtection #HomeImprovement #ExteriorMaintenance #DIYProjects #DeckCare #StainTypes #OutdoorLiving #BenjaminMoore

This article outlines the requirements and procedures for obtaining a building permit for deck construction in Saskatoon. A building permit is necessary for decks exceeding specific dimensions: those higher than 200 mm (8 inches) above ground, larger than 2.32 square meters (25 square feet) and more than 600 mm (24 inches) above ground, or any deck featuring more than three risers. Adherence to these regulations is crucial for ensuring the safety and legality of the construction project. The application process for a deck permit involves several key steps. First, property owners need to identify their property's zoning designation and residential zoning district. This information is critical because development regulations, including permitted uses, discretionary uses, development standards, and landscaping requirements, can vary significantly based on the zoning of a particular area. The Development Portal map and the Digital Zoning Bylaw are provided as resources to help individuals determine their property's specific zoning requirements. Once the zoning information is gathered, applicants must prepare comprehensive construction drawings and supporting documents. A complete submission package typically includes a completed submission details form, available in the Deck Project Guide, which serves as a checklist for necessary information. Additionally, a detailed site plan is required, illustrating the proposed deck's location and its distances from property lines and any existing accessory buildings. A separate drawing showing the placement of piles, beams, and columns is also essential for structural review. Any structural modifications to the main dwelling unit necessitated by the deck's placement must also be clearly documented. The final step involves submitting the application through the ePermitting online portal. This digital platform allows applicants to register an account, apply for the permit, and track all associated activities, including inspections, from the initial application phase through to project completion, renewal, or expiration. The ePermitting system streamlines the process, making it more efficient for residents and contractors. Beyond the building permit, several other important considerations and regulations apply to deck construction. Prior to any excavation, individuals are advised to contact SaskPower to locate underground utility lines and identify property easements, preventing accidental damage and ensuring safety. Both property owners and contractors are responsible for ensuring that all construction activities comply with the National Building Code, the Building Bylaw, the Zoning Bylaw, and any other relevant regulations. Furthermore, electrical and gas permits, if applicable to the deck project, are administered by the Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan (TSASK). Information on how to apply for these permits, along with contact details for TSask, is provided for convenience. The article emphasizes that thorough preparation and adherence to all municipal and provincial guidelines are paramount for a successful and compliant deck construction project. #DeckConstruction #BuildingPermit #ZoningRegulations #HomeRenovation #ConstructionGuidelines #PropertyDevelopment #Epermitting #Saskatoon #HomeImprovement

This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of composite decking, comparing it to traditional wood decking based on extensive testing conducted by Consumer Reports. Composite decking, made from a blend of ground-up wood and plastic, offers significant benefits such as reduced maintenance requirements; it does not need frequent sealing, staining, or painting, unlike real wood, which might require restaining every two years. While composite decking historically costs more than wood, the price gap fluctuates, having narrowed during the pandemic due to rising wood prices but widening again since. The material’s durability is a key advantage, but composite decking also offers aesthetic flexibility. Its ability to be heated and shaped allows for custom designs like rounded corners or railings, or borders for irregularly shaped pools, which would be prohibitively expensive with solid wood. Furthermore, composite decking provides a uniform appearance, devoid of natural wood irregularities like knots, and is available in various patterns due to manufacturers utilizing multiple molds. Many manufacturers also highlight the use of recycled materials, such as plastic grocery bags, in their products. However, it is noted that after its typical 25-year lifespan, these boards are still likely to end up in landfills. Consumer Reports' testing reveals that while most composite decking excels at resisting common stains from items like ketchup and mustard, certain products may offer less resistance to slips, flexing, and sagging compared to wood. Composite options are generally more expensive and heavier than natural pine, which can make self-installation more challenging. Despite their stain resistance, composite decks require periodic cleaning to remove everyday dirt. Cleaning instructions vary by manufacturer, particularly regarding pressure washing, so consulting the manufacturer’s website is advised. Other non-wood decking options, such as aluminum and plastic, are also available, but composite is highlighted for its wood-like appearance without the need for wood stain. The testing methodology employed by Consumer Reports involves rigorous evaluation of several factors to ensure longevity and safety. Specialized instruments measure resistance to flexing, preventing boards from bowing or bending under heavy loads or concentrated weight, such as a grill. Stain resistance is assessed using common household spills, and slip resistance is also evaluated, especially crucial for decks near pools. The impact resistance of each sample is determined by dropping weights of various sizes to check for denting. To gauge the effects of environmental exposure, more than a dozen samples of each material are sent to two distinct climates: hot and dry Arizona, and humid Florida. These samples are assessed annually for three years, with their appearance re-evaluated and all initial attributes retested to understand how age and exposure impact overall performance. This comprehensive testing aims to provide consumers with reliable information to make informed decisions about decking materials. #CompositeDecking #HomeImprovement #DeckingMaterials #ConsumerReports #OutdoorLiving #MaterialComparison #DurabilityTesting #MaintenanceTips #ProductReview