FAQ

What products will you use to clean and stain my deck?

In general, we use either sodium percarbonate or oxalic acid to loosen the existing stain. Then we use a power washer to gently remove the stain. We then apply sodium hydroxide to neutralize, brighten and restore the pH balance of the wood, helping it resist mold. The wood is left to dry to a moisture content of 12% or less per a moisture meter. Drying can take one to several days, depending on the weather. If needed, we sand any rough surfaces. Lastly, we stain/seal the wood by hand with a penetrating, enduring oil-based stain/sealer in cedar, redwood, rustic oak, pecan or honey. This stain/sealer protects your wood from sun, water and algae. To see the colors and read about TWP Total Wood Protectant stains, visit amteco.com

How often will our deck need to be re-cleaned, stained and sealed?

Every 2 to 4 years, depending on the type of wood, its exposure to the elements and the amount of traffic.

I have a brand-new deck. Do I need to wait to stain it?

You should wait at least 30 days before having a new deck cleaned and stained to prevent premature aging and expensive repairs. Proper cleaning of the wood before staining will ensure that it is able to absorb the wood sealer.

I have pressure-treated wood. Do I still have to stain it?

Some people believe that pressure-treated wood is weatherproofed, but it isn’t. Pressure-treated wood has been injected with a chemical that protects it against rot and wood-eating insects such as termites. But this process does not protect the wood against weather. In fact, it actually makes the wood even more porous and vulnerable.

Can you do repairs?

Yes, we can any type of repair, from replacing a single board to replacing the whole floor and building a new railing system. We do composite decks, too.