The day you installed your deck it was pristine and gorgeous, offering you the advantages of aesthetics and functionality both. But now here we are a few years (or potentially months) later and the wood has begun to gray. What causes this, and what can you do to make the problem go away? Follow along with Diamond Decks and we’ll help you learn the ins and outs of a graying deck!
Why Is My Wood Deck Turning Gray?
The answer is that there are actually a few answers. Deck graying comes as a result of what you could simply refer to as “weathering,\” but the term means a few things. Essentially, graying is the result of the moisture, foreign objects, and sunlight your deck is constantly being exposed to. These all work against the wood, both physically and chemically, resulting in discoloration, as well as cracking and other common forms of age and wear.
Dust, mold, and even bugs can present a significant problem for wood. Most typically these are simply a result of wearing down and worming into the wood itself, which will alter how the color looks, though this still technically isn’t graying as the industry would define it.
The most significant contributor to graying is sunlight exposure. When wood is exposed to sunlight, the UV radiation from the sun will react chemically with the cellulose that your wood deck is mostly comprised of. The process is photochemical degradation if you want to be scientific, but in simpler terms it just means your wood gets sapped of what gives it its color, resulting in wood that looks dull and gray.
What Can I Do to Fix Gray Decking?
It sort of depends, honestly. If your deck is made of hardwood the question then becomes whether or not you mind the graying. Some refer to the appearance as a patina (though that’s not technically accurate), and kind of like it. But for softwoods, which are far more at-risk, and for those who hate the gray and want the gorgeous natural color they started with, you have a few options:
- Staining and sealing. High-quality wood sealants are an excellent way to prolong and preserve the appearance and health of your wood deck, and staining can be excellent for restoring the natural (or not so natural) look you want.
- Resurfacing. If your deck is too far gone, or you’re looking for a “complete” solution, then resurfacing can bring back the look you loved most. Resurfacing involves replacing the old boards, stairs, and rails of your old deck with newer high-quality materials. It’s much more cost-effective than replacement, and the results are excellent.
Deck Restoration Service in Maryland
For top-quality decking service and solutions for a graying deck, you can trust Diamond Decks to bring you the best! We’re committed to offering our clients the most effective and cost-minded solutions available, so contact us online today to learn more!
