8 Things To Remember To Preserve Your Wooden Deck

Example of hidden deck fastner installation

Few people realize that it's not just about maintaining your deck after it's built that circumvents your deck from splitting, splintering, cupping, or rotting.  It's also about building your deck with the correct materials.

Most decks built in the past 25 yers have used the simplest deck building material, galvanized nails, to keep the boards attached to the structure.As a matter of fact, builders have used nails like this for decades and thought very little about other alternatives.Stainless steel hidden deck fasteners are becoming more popular and even have power tools, as of April 2009, to help simplify their installation.

Out of all the fasteners on the market TigerClaw by far, is the most popular.You need to understand, TigerClaw Fasteners were created by a contractor irritated with the expense and intensive labor of other hidden fastening systems. With a free installation block in every box, these fasteners install faster and easier than other comparable fasteners. You can save more on labor costs than compared with other hidden fastener installations since all work is done from the top.

Constructed from heavy gauge stainless steel, strength and durability are assured. These deck fasteners from TigerClaw offer outstanding strength for both man made decking materials & natural wood. They allow the natural qualities of the wood to be preserved and reduce splitting, splintering, cupping and rotting.

The concept of a nail free deck surface is one that is also aesthetically pleasing. With many new composites and clear-grained wood decking available,  blemishing  a smooth, even deck surface with unsightly rows of screws or nails is becoming  increasingly undesirable.

Even though a growing number of contractors are aware of hidden deck fasteners, the vast majority aren't familiar with them. This article's objective is to raise consumer awareness, and to bring hidden deck fasteners into the mainstream market.

With these hidden deck fasteners, you can construct an improved, longer lasting, & safer deck at an affordable price.  Their’s even an easy TigerClaw estimator tool to help you figure out how much these fasteners would cost to use on your deck.What's preventing you from choosing hidden deck fasteners over nails now?

Here are few other things to keep in mind when building a durable wooden deck:

* Use naturally decay-resistant or treated lumber for decks and other outdoor structures. Never allow untreated lumber posts or lumber to rest directly on concrete.
* Clean joints between deck boards or between a deck and a building so debris and dirt won't retain moisture.
* Wwater run-off, including downspouts, should be steered away from the deck
* Potted plants resting on the deck or porch can cause moisture pooling; likewise, plants and shrubs planted nearby can contribute to moisture and water buildup on and around your wooden deck. Make sure that watering tools (hoses, sprinklers, etc..) not spray the deck.
* Ensure that the underside of the porch breathes properly, it is critical to maintain airflow. This space should not be completely enclosed as to prevent moisture buildup.
* Don't let fall leaves, barbeque grill covers, etc…. layout on your deck for extended periods.  This allows mold and moisture to build up underneath.
* Add stains and sealers before the deck looks like it’s needing it.  Create a schedule once a year where you add the sealer so it's consistently apllied before the wood starts looking dried out.These can treat the wood and prevent moisture from leading to rot
* If you have a 2nd story deck over a ground floor deck, make sure you get an underdeck drainage system to prevent additional wear to the bottom deck.This also allows your bottom deck to feel like a covered porch on rainy days, and it can be used as an additional living space.

I'm sure these ideas help you keep your wooden deck beautiful for many years to come. We look forward to your feedback.

Technorati Tags: deck, deck building, deck fasteners, diy, hidden deck fasteners, home, remodeling, tiger claw, tigerclaw