Deck Maintenance
Renew your deck with our expert staining and sealing services, perfect for breathing new life into weathered decks or enhancing the allure of freshly constructed ones. Not only does staining preserve the wood’s strength and prevent damage like splitting and warping, but it also adds a touch of aesthetic charm with a variety of stain colors available, from subtle clear tones to bold, rich hues. Additionally, we extend our services to include wood fence staining and restoration, ensuring that every aspect of your outdoor sanctuary receives the care and attention it deserves.
01
Why should you stain your deck?
In Chicago’s harsh weather conditions, your home’s exterior, including your deck, faces constant challenges. Decks and porches endure exposure to rain, snow, and damaging sun rays, hastening their deterioration. Protecting your deck through staining is paramount.
Staining is often likened to painting, leading to occasional confusion between the two processes. However, a stained deck can closely resemble a painted one. Yet, the benefits of staining extend beyond aesthetics.
In addition to imparting your desired color and appearance, wood stain seals and shields the wood from environmental factors, enhancing its longevity, especially on horizontal deck boards.
The preparation involved in deck staining differs significantly, influenced by factors such as your deck’s age, the chosen stain type, and other considerations. Properly executed, staining not only enhances the visual appeal of wooden decks but also ensures their durability over many years. This is why we strongly discourage painting your deck or porch—opt for staining instead!
Deck Restoration Process
Deck restoration can be an easy project or it can be a more difficult, time consuming project. Considering the shape of your deck, we will tell you what treatment it needs. It might be “weathered” wood, previously stained with solid colors, or primed wood deck.
Steps:
Step 1.
Timing
The best time to stain your deck is when temperatures are moderate (above 55°F, but below 95°F), humidity is low to average, and no rain is forecasted. Ideally, you should have two to four consecutive dry days before starting.
Step 2.
Surface Preparation
Proper surface preparation is key. Depending on the condition of your wood:
- New wood: Use Brightener and Neutralizer to remove mill glaze.
- Unfinished wood: Use Multi-Purpose Cleaner to prepare for staining and remove mold/mildew.
- Maintained finished wood: Use Multi-Purpose Cleaner for regular touch-ups.
- Weathered/mildewed wood: Use Wood Restorer to clean; follow with Brightener and Neutralizer.
- Tannin-rich woods: Use Alkyd Primer to control tannin bleeding with solid stains.
Pressure wash all chemicals off, and ensure wood dries above 55°F before staining.
Step 3.
Choosing a Stain
Select the right stain based on desired opacity:
- Natural/Translucent: Shows full wood beauty.
- Transparent: Tints wood, grain and texture visible.
- Semi-transparent: Enhances with color, some grain visible.
- Semi-solid: Colors wood, some grain visible.
- Solid: Masks grain, texture visible.
Step 4.
Note
If your deck was previously stained with a solid stain, you cannot switch to stains with lower opacity.
Step 5.
Deck Staining
Remove planters, hoses, furniture, and light fixtures. Stain vertical sections (rails and posts) first to avoid drips on finished areas. Complete the job with the best results.
Step 6.
Note
Some decks might need replacement of rotted deck boards.
Pro Team Works
Deck Sealing
When it comes to new decks or porches, it’s tempting to seal them right away. However, it’s essential to exercise patience as the preservatives in new decking boards typically require 6 months for cedar and 12 months for treated decking lumber to settle before sealing. Additionally, the moisture level of the wood plays a crucial role, sealing wet boards can lead to uneven absorption and premature fading. At our company, we ensure proper drying by measuring the wood’s moisture level before sealing or staining, guaranteeing optimal results.
For older decks, there are clear indicators that it’s time for resealing. Water beading on the surface suggests the deck is still well-protected, while water absorption indicates the need for resealing. Visual cues such as fading color or grayish deck boards also signal the necessity for maintenance. Generally, we advise resealing every 2 to 4 years, depending on the product used, while vertical surfaces like wooden siding or fences typically require resealing every 4 to 6 years.
Deck Restoration
Our deck restoration service revives old and weathered wood, bringing new life to your outdoor space. We begin with thorough sanding to smooth out the surface and remove any imperfections. Next, we apply high-quality stains or paints to protect and enhance the wood’s natural beauty, ensuring a fresh and vibrant look. Whether you’re looking to restore the original charm of your deck or update it with a new color, our meticulous process and attention to detail will leave you with a stunning, durable finish that revitalizes your deck and extends its lifespan.
New Deck / Wooden Pergola Installation / Fence Installation
We build custom decks that provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation and entertainment, using high-quality materials for durability and style. Our wooden pergolas add a touch of elegance and shade to your garden, creating a charming focal point for gatherings. Additionally, our fence installations offer both security and aesthetic appeal, tailored to fit your needs and complement your landscape. Each project is handled with precision and care, ensuring a stunning and lasting addition to your home.
Exterior Carpentry
Replacing Rotten Wood, Frame Repair, Sinking Deck Lifting
We specialize in addressing and repairing various exterior carpentry issues, starting with replacing rotten wood to restore the integrity and safety of your structures. Our skilled team handles frame repairs to fix any structural damage, and we also lift and stabilize sinking decks, ensuring they are level and secure for continued use
Fence Repair
Our fence repair services include replacing damaged posts and making necessary repairs to keep your fence strong and functional. Whether you need a full replacement or just a few fixes, we ensure your fence remains durable and visually appealing.
Deck Floor and Railing Installation
We offer expert installation of deck floors and railings to enhance both the look and safety of your outdoor space. From choosing the right materials to precise installation, we create a beautiful and sturdy deck that complements your home and meets your needs.
Composite deck floor installation
Composite decking combines wood fibers and plastic to create a material that mimics the appearance of natural wood but offers superior resistance to moisture, stains, and fading. Our skilled installers ensure precise placement and secure fastening of each board, resulting in a smooth, attractive finish.
TESTIMONIALS
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAYS?
LINDA CANZONERI2024-03-24THE PRO TEAM DID MY WHOLE HOUSE. THEY WERE GREAT! DON'T WASTE TIME LOOKING FOR SOMEONE LESS EXPENSIVE; THEY WORK WITH YOU AND DO A GREAT JOB!!
Jeffrey Orloff2024-03-10Great Service
Michael Spinelli2024-02-17Great job Good price
Adam Widman2024-02-15First class service and communication throughout. Did a great job repairing my deck!
Patrick Takata2024-01-11I've been using Pro Team Works for gutter cleaning for the last five years. They've always shown up when scheduled and have made sure that everything was clear, including the elbows in the down spouts. Their fees were less than a couple of other companies that I called. I would definitely recommend them.
Pro Team Works
Do you provide free estimates?
At Pro Team Works, we provide complimentary estimates for all your deck needs. Whether you require repairs, rebuilding, or a thorough cleaning of your porch, simply reach out to us, and we’ll schedule a visit to assess the project. Our free estimates detail the material costs, labor expenses, and anticipated duration of the job, ensuring transparency and clarity throughout the process. Rest assured, there are no charges associated with having one of our representatives evaluate your porch and provide you with an estimate for the necessary work.
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