Redwood is celebrated for its natural beauty and durability, especially in outdoor applications like decking. Many homeowners appreciate its resistance to decay and insects, making it a popular choice for decks. However, like any natural wood, redwood benefits from proper care and treatment to maximize its lifespan and maintain its aesthetic appeal. This article explores how to protect and enhance your redwood deck, discussing treatments like linseed oil and other effective methods.
Understanding Redwood’s Natural Durability
Redwood species boast inherent qualities that contribute to their longevity, even when exposed to the elements. Their natural resistance to rot and insect infestation is a significant advantage, allowing them to last for decades outdoors with minimal intervention. This inherent durability stems from compounds within the wood that act as natural preservatives. For example, redwood decks have been known to endure for 20, 30, or even 40 years without any chemical treatments, showcasing the wood’s robust nature.
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This resilience was evident in older construction practices, where redwood was frequently used for pool decks and other outdoor structures. In some cases, even after decades of exposure and minimal maintenance, redwood decks have been repurposed and continued to provide reliable service. This testament to redwood’s strength underscores why it remains a favored material for outdoor projects.
Linseed Oil: A Natural Finish for Redwood
Linseed oil, derived from flax seeds – also known as flax oil – is a traditional wood finish valued for its natural properties and ability to enhance wood’s beauty. Raw linseed oil, in its pure form, is quite thick and dries slowly. For effective application on redwood, it’s essential to use it with a solvent to improve penetration and drying time. Historically, solvents like turpentine or toluene were used to thin linseed oil, making it easier to apply and allowing it to soak deeper into the wood fibers.
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When properly applied, linseed oil penetrates the redwood, providing a degree of water resistance and highlighting the wood’s natural grain and color. It creates a warm, natural finish that many find aesthetically pleasing. However, it’s important to note that linseed oil, especially raw linseed oil, can be susceptible to spoilage and, if applied too thickly without proper solvents, may darken the wood excessively. Boiled linseed oil, a pre-treated version, contains driers that accelerate the drying process, but some prefer to mix raw linseed oil with solvents for greater control over the finish and potentially reduce costs.
Considerations for Linseed Oil Application
Applying linseed oil to a redwood deck requires careful consideration. Firstly, dilution with a solvent is crucial. This not only aids in application but also prevents the oil from forming a thick, sticky film on the surface, which can attract dirt and remain tacky for extended periods. Historically, users sometimes opted for solvents like turpentine or mineral spirits to achieve the desired consistency.
Secondly, reapplication is a key aspect of maintaining a linseed oil finish. Unlike some modern sealants, linseed oil is not a long-lasting surface coating. Annual reapplication is generally necessary to maintain protection and the desired appearance, especially on decks exposed to significant weathering. This ongoing maintenance is a trade-off for the natural look and feel that linseed oil provides.
Alternatives to Linseed Oil: Exploring Modern Sealants
While linseed oil offers a natural and traditional approach to redwood deck treatment, modern sealants provide alternative options with varying performance characteristics. Products like clear Thompson’s Water Seal, popular in past decades, offered water repellency and UV inhibitors to slow down the graying process of redwood. These sealants typically required reapplication every couple of years, depending on the climate and exposure.
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Varathane and similar polyurethane-based finishes are another category of wood coatings. While they offer greater durability and water resistance compared to linseed oil, they can yellow over time and eventually require stripping and reapplication. The choice between these options often depends on the desired aesthetic, maintenance commitment, and performance expectations.
Maintaining Your Redwood Deck: Beyond Finishes
Regardless of the chosen finish, regular maintenance is essential for maximizing the lifespan and beauty of a redwood deck. This includes:
- Regular Cleaning: Sweeping and washing the deck periodically removes dirt, debris, and mildew, preventing buildup that can accelerate decay.
- Inspecting and Replacing Fasteners: Over time, nails may loosen or screws may corrode. Replacing them ensures the structural integrity of the deck. Switching from nails to screws, as mentioned in personal accounts, can improve the deck’s longevity.
- Addressing Support Beams: Support beams are critical structural components and may require periodic inspection and replacement due to ground contact and moisture exposure.
By combining appropriate wood treatments with consistent maintenance practices, you can ensure your redwood deck remains a beautiful and functional outdoor space for many years to come. Understanding the properties of redwood and the characteristics of different finishes allows for informed decisions about deck care, balancing natural aesthetics with long-term protection.
