2 Cedar deck questions

jeff... · 07-23-2006, 09:57 PM

I'm building a cedar deck around my above ground swimming pool. And was wondering how the cedar deck boards (5/4x6) will hold up to pool water? I plan on sealing the entire deck with Thompons water sealer, You don't see any problems do you?

Also was wondering if anyone knows where I could plan and round over up about 1200 BF 5/4x6 cedar deck boards. My little 13" planer and router would do it but it would be mighty slow going. I don't think I'll need to send them through a sander. Planing should be smooth enough, it's just a deck. If you have the facilities please Private Message me to discuss price and arrangements.

Thanks

jjahr · 07-23-2006, 10:08 PM

I don't think you want to use Thompsons water seal. From my experance that is about the worst of the bunch.

I don't have any recommendations, but I'm sure other will.

DaveO · 07-23-2006, 10:15 PM

jeff... can't help you with the planning/shaping, but I would recommend checking out Penofin oil coatings for decks http://www.penofin.com/ they are way superior to Thompsons. I can't wait to see your deck. I love Red Cedar, and can oly imagine how beautiful a deck made out of it would be.

Dave

D L Ames · 07-23-2006, 10:25 PM

Jeff, if you can't find anyone locally to help you mill the boards I am about 130 miles south of you and have a 3 hp shaper and an 15" planer that your welcome to use. I may need you to cover the cost of the cutter for the shaper depending on what radius you plan to put on the edges.

D L

jeff... · 07-23-2006, 10:42 PM

Dave thanks for the info one Penofin oil coatings, no way am I going to stain this bad boy, I want a clear sealer so the grain will show through... Like you I too am wanting to see the deck done, it has become my ball and chain for the time being...

Thanks again

Originally Posted by DaveO

jeff... can't help you with the planning/shaping, but I would recommend checking out Penofin oil coatings for decks http://www.penofin.com/ they are way superior to Thompsons. I can't wait to see your deck. I love Red Cedar, and can oly imagine how beautiful a deck made out of it would be.

Dave

jeff... · 07-23-2006, 11:03 PM

DL Ames your in Fayetteville? I have a lumber delivery to Fayetteville and I think I'll be able to squeeze both on my trailer. Now only thing I got to do is finish milling enough to cover the deck and finish framing.

Wow It's very nice of you to offer your facilities, I'll contact you when the deck is ready for the deck planks, if that's ok?

Thanks again for being so generous...

Originally Posted by D L Ames

Jeff, if you can't find anyone locally to help you mill the boards I am about 130 miles south of you and have a 3 hp shaper and an 15" planer that your welcome to use. I may need you to cover the cost of the cutter for the shaper depending on what radius you plan to put on the edges.

D L

D L Ames · 07-23-2006, 11:22 PM

Originally Posted by jeff...

I'll contact you when the deck is ready for the deck planks, if that's ok?

Works for me Jeff.

D L

DaveO · 07-23-2006, 11:24 PM

jeff... Penofin does offer a clear UV resistant product in additon to the colored products. The Blue Label exterior clear would give you a Danish Oil like finish...which really brings out the natural color of the Cedar.
Dave

jeff... · 07-23-2006, 11:34 PM

Originally Posted by DaveO

jeff... Penofin does offer a clear UV resistant product in additon to the colored products. The Blue Label exterior clear would give you a Danish Oil like finish...which really brings out the natural color of the Cedar.
Dave

Dave thanks for the info, I'll be sure and give them a call. Explain what I'm doing and see what they got to foot the bill... I will settle for no less than clear, you know me and wood stain, I avoid staining wood at all costs...

Thanks again...

Ray Martin · 07-24-2006, 01:25 PM

Question for those who know more than I do... what will the chlorine from the pool water do to the color of the wood or the finish on it? Is that a consideration in selecting the finish?

Ray

jeff... · 07-24-2006, 02:15 PM

Ray - Yeah thats the question, that and all the other chemicals that go into pool water, chlorine perhaps being the majority...

Dave - Just got off the phone with Penofin, they don't make a clear. But they are sending me a sample of the clearest they make. She said it's 99% UV protection and applied by brushing or spraying (spraying is what I'll do). Is supossed to be a very light yellow which will highlight the cedar tones of the wood. Now I'm interested to see what the sample will look like on red cedar and how it will preform...

I think I'll apply as directed to a test chunk of cedar, scoop out some pool water in a bucket and let the cedar chunk float in it for a while, to see how the product does...

Anyways thanks a ton

DaveO · 07-24-2006, 03:13 PM

jeff...seeing as Penofin's products are oil based they all will give a slight yellow/amber tint to the wood just like if you applied some Danish Oil or Polyurathane. I think that you will like the look of the natural/clear on the Cedar. I will be interested in how well it stands up to the pool chemicals, that is an application where I've not seen it used yet.
Dave

dozer · 07-24-2006, 03:21 PM

Jeff you might have to apply a top coat each spring to the dec boards to keep them looking new. Also if you by a deck brush and some Simple Green and wash it off ev ey couple of weeks it will help keep the pool chemicals for doing much damage.

jeff... · 07-24-2006, 03:49 PM

I really don't want to create a maintance monster. I'll keep it clean with a leaf blower and a garden hose. But I sure don't want to have to spend much time doing it. I think a good washing with deck cleaner and fresh coat of sealer every two years is about all I'll do. Cedar turns gray over time if left untreated and thats what I want to avoid.

Thanks...

frigator · 07-24-2006, 05:09 PM

I wouldnt put any type of sealer or finish on it and it should do fine. Learning to like the grey weathered look will free you up from lots of maintence...If you finish it, expect to do it yearly.... We have both unfinished cedar and redwood decks and they do just great.

Once a year clean it with diluted bleach in a pump spayer, hose it off, and your done. Use stainless nails made esp for decking, thin ring shank style so they dont split

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