They may be designed for pleasure, but decks can be a headache. If they`re not level, chairs may slant and tables may wobble. You may want lighting, but how do you keep the wires out of sight?
And even once a deck is built, the problems don`t end. As you`re sitting on it, relaxing, the wood may be drying out and shrinking as water evaporates from an overnight rainfall, sunlight may be discoloring it, and mold, mildew and rot may be eating it away.
But deck lovers needn`t despair, because there is a host of new products- ranging from how-to books to sealants-to deal with all of the problems of building a deck and protecting it.
In the past, deck care products, as well as oil-based household paints, were formulated with solvents called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that can create ozone as they evaporate. A decade ago, some California communities decided to do something about this form of pollution and began establishing regulations limiting the amount of VOCS in the products. As a result, old products have been reformulated and new ones introduced that cut down on the amount of VOCs-and they are available nationwide.
All prices listed below are suggested retail prices; they may be available at a discount at certain stores. The manufacturers listed can tell you where their products are sold in this area.
A guidebook
In his new book, ”Decks and Patios: Designing and Building Outdoor Living Spaces,” Edward A. Baldwin, in 160 pages with 180 illustrations, lays the groundwork for adding an outdoor living space to any home. The book offers information on choosing a design and gives do-it-yourselfers step-by-step instructions beginning with the first trip to the store to buy treated wood, brick, cement or stone to the last trip to choose a sealant. The book also covers additional touches, such as built-in tables and benches, railings and banisters and lighting installation. Price: $16.95 paperback, $26.95 hardcover, at bookstores or by mail. Tab Books division of McGraw-Hill, Blue Ridge Summit, Pa. 17294-0850 (800-822-8158).
On the level
Leveling a deck is easy and accurate with the Carpenters` Choice Water Level, which applies the principle that water seeks its own level. Model WL-200 has a cylinder marked with inches connected by a hose to a reservoir filled with water. With the cylinder and reservoir placed at either end of the deck, the cylinder will indicate whether the surface is level and measure the difference between the two elevations. Carpenters` Choice also can be used for other projects, such as leveling the foundation of a house or simply leveling appliances. Price: $19.95. Fi-Shock Inc., 5360 National Dr., Knoxville, Tenn. 37914 (615-524-7380).
A bit of help
Until now, installing deck lighting was a hassle, but the Around The Corner Bit has changed that. By using cutters on all sides, it can drill curved holes through wood at angles of up to 45 degrees. The curve of the drill hole allows wire to be easily pushed through. The bit also can be used when running wire for cable TV, burglar alarms and stereos and can be used like an ordinary bit for straight drilling. Price: $8 for the seven-eighths-inch size, $9 for the 1 1/8-inch size. Vermont American Tool Co., P.O. Box 340, Lincolnton, N.C. 28093-0340 (704-735-7464).
E-Z Seal sealer
Wood decks need to be waterproofed so that the wood will not absorb rainwater and eventually deteriorate. E-Z Seal has created a new Waterproof Sealer that complies with VOC regulations and can be used not only on wood but also on concrete, brick, stone and canvas surfaces. The sealer improves resistance to staining, salt damage, freezing and thawing. Price: $8.99 a gallon. Gibson-Homans Co., 1755 Enterprise Pkwy., Twinsburg, Ohio 44087
(216-425-3255).
McCloskey coatings
McCloskey recently introduced a line of indoor and outdoor sealers and clear coverings called Man O` War Clean Air Formula coatings. They meet restrictions on VOCs and are practically odor-free. The Water Repellent Sealer prevents swelling and warping and leaves a clear finish. It can be used on wood as well as well as fabrics; so it can seal awnings and tents, too. The Patio and Stone Sealer penetrates the surface so water cannot be absorbed by bricks and masonry. The Clear Wood Preservative protects against mildew and rot and has a UV screen that filters out damaging sun rays. The Marine Spar Varnish is resistant to weathering, salt air and water and can be used on outdoor furniture and fences. Prices per gallon: $10.99 for Water Repellent Wood Sealer; $14.99 for Patio and Stone Sealer; $12.99 for Clear Wood Preservative; and $29.99 for Marine Spar Varnish. A free ”Guide to Using Clean Air Coatings” is available from the manufacturer. McCloskey, 7600 State Rd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19136 (800-767-CLEAN).
Cuprinol sealers
Cuprinol has a line of four VOC-compliant clear sealers designed for various surfaces. Clear Wood Seal works on pressure-treated wood, redwood and cedar. No. 20 Clear Wood Preservative was created for non-pressure-treated wood and contains a preservative to fight rot and mildew. Concrete Seal protects masonry surfaces from water damage. No. 10 Green Wood Preservative is designed for wood that is in contact with soil or water. Prices per gallon:
$10.95 for Clear Wood Seal; $12.95 for No. 20 Clear Wood Preservative; $10.95 for the Concrete Seal; and $14.95 for the No. 10 Green Wood Preservative. Darworth Co., 50 Tower Lane, Avon, Conn. 06001 (800-624-PROS).
Deck renewer
A deck that hasn`t been protected will grow dingy and dark. Thompson`s Wood and Deck Renewer will brighten wood that has been damaged by sun, dirt and mildew. This new product requires no scrubbing; the powder is mixed with water and is sprayed, brushed or rolled onto the wood and then rinsed off with a hose. Wood and Deck Renewer is VOC-compliant but it does contain bleach, which can damage your lawn or plants. The manufacturer recommends that overspray or spillage be thoroughly flushed to prevent damage to foliage. Price: $6.99 for the 6-ounce size, $16.99 for the 30-ounce size. Thompson publishes a free brochure on deck care. To receive a copy, write to Deck Digest Offer, 825 Crossover Lane, Memphis, Tenn. 38117 (800-367-6297).
Patio tile
To create a durable, fashionable patio, Metropolitan Ceramics has introduced the Sierra Series in its Ironrock line of indoor/outdoor tiles. Sierra is a collection of desert Southwest shades, including Mesa Blush, Desert Pink, Sagebrush, Vista Blue and Misty Dawn. The tiles come in 8-by-8-inch or 4-by-8-inch sizes and blend well with the neutral colors of the less expensive Metro Tile series for more pattern possibilities. These tiles do not require a sealer. Price: $6.25 per square foot for the Sierra Series, $3 per square foot for the Metro Tile. Metropolitan Ceramics, P.O. Box 9240, Canton, Ohio 44711 (regional office: 478-6431).
Brick-laying made easy
Making a brick patio looks like child`s play with Argee`s Patio Pal. This system uses plastic interlocking frames to create a grid that insures proper alignment and even spacing of the bricks. The frames block out weeds from the finished patio while drainage holes enable water to get through. Price: $9.95 for a package of 10, which will cover about 20 square feet. Patio Pals are available in stores but also by mail with a $5.50 shipping charge per order. Argee, 9550 Pathway St., Santee, Calif. 92071 (619-449-5050). c8
