Cedar wood is known for its beauty and durability. The wood itself is very attractive and people paint or stain it to match it with their decor. It is resilient against rot and insect damage. The above mentioned qualities make cedar a suitable wood for many indoor as well as outdoor uses. These uses for Cedar include sliding, decking, beams, timbers, and many others. It is commonly known that cedar wood requires a little or no maintenance. Despite the hassle-free nature of cedar wood, there are some necessary care, staining and painting tips that can help in maintaining its beauty for a longer period of time.
Dirt is a common problem with Cedar or any decking. Dirt can be easily cleaned with mild non-phospate detergent and water. A quick test is a few drops of common household bleach. If the discoloration bleaches out in about 30 seconds you have a mildew problem not a dirt problem. If it stays dirty, then clean it with soap and water.
Mildew is the most common cause of Cedar discoloration. Clean off mildew with a mild bleach solution (mix of 20 percent normal bleach, water and an ounce of normal detergent) or a commercial mildew remover. You can then refinish the cedar once the wood is completely dry. Read that again, wait for your cedar to dry before refinishing. For added protection, add to, or use a refinisher with a mildewcide. This will reduce future mildew problems.
Iron stains can be either blue black or rust color. They are caused by iron in contact with the deck. This can either be nails in the decking or iron products left on the deck. Garapa has a similar problem with iron reaction. To clean your cedar use a commercial cedar cleaner. If that does not clean the stain, or if the stain has penetrated the surface, you may need to sand and refinish.
Chalking is caused by the weathering of the paints service. It is a problem with the paint not the cedar. Sand and repaint is the primary solution.
Regular Maintenance extends the life of your deck and cedar. A dry deck lasts longer than a wet one. After you deck is wet be sure to allow it to dry. Insure proper drainage. Remove dirt, leaves, tree branches and other trash. Making sure your deck is clear of debris will insure good drying. Be sure to rotate planters and benches to improve overall drying. Also, be sure ventilation is maintained beneath your deck.
The above simple tips will greatly prolong the life and beauty of your cedar. Cedar decking, timbers, furniture or any cedar products should provide a long service life.
