How to maintain Your Wooden Patio in Sherwood Oregon

Wood is a staple used as a flooring for the patio. However, a wooden patio fuels many debates and opinions. The wood is warm, beautiful, and durable.
This living material remains a traditional choice that harmonizes very well with all housing models and which ages gracefully while remaining an ecological choice.

Here is a quick look at the most common patio materials and how to maintain your wooden patio in Sherwood, Oregon.

The different types of Wood Used for the Patio.

White Pine

This soft and uniform wood is appreciated for the ease of workability. It’s available in several sizes, and it remains the cheapest natural wood option.
However, it requires maintenance and is particularly sensitive to dents.
Its lifespan is between 10 and 15 years, depending on the finishing product used.

Western red cedar

Cedar wood has a distinct scent and natural oil that acts as a barrier against mold and insects.
It’s appreciated for its general beauty, rich color, and durability, and is extremely resistant to wide variations in climate.
This species has a lifespan of more than 25 years. Western red cedar is a renewable material with a very low environmental impact.

IPE wood

Ipe wood is very resistant to termites, insects, fungi, mold, and it is extremely dense.
Its natural color is a beauty, and the wood is quite stable.
It’s perfect as a patio covering and has a lifespan of at least 50 years and even more. However, its extreme hardness requires the use of high-performance tools.

Teak

This semi-precious and rot-proof wood is recognized by wood connoisseurs.
TEAK is used for terraces and garden furniture. Its particular color, a golden ocher yellow, and its properties make this species an exceptional wood.

Treated wood

Treated wood is mainly used for the structure of patios (joists and beams) and the manufacture of low-cost fences.
Treated wood is commonly found as a framing for the balcony.
The wood is pressure-treated with a chemical preservative; this treatment lengthens its life outdoors.
A stain can be applied every 3 to 5 years. No sandblasting is necessary.
All the same, it remains fragile to cracking and remains brittle during handling.

Maintenance of the Wooden Patio

Wood requires regular maintenance. Excluding chemically treated wood, the wood used outdoors is subject to various sources of deterioration if it is not well protected.
Rot, sun exposure, and dirt are all sources of degradation that affect its appearance and resistance.
Unfortunately, there is no permanent, maintenance-free protection solution yet. Combinations of antifungal sealer and opaque paint, clear exterior stains, and water repellents made from linseed oil are all options to consider.
The main thing is to apply a product that will prevent water from entering the wood. Depending on the product used, minimum annual maintenance is suggested; otherwise, the application of a protective product every 2 to 5, depending on the wood species, is a healthy regime.
We also suggest cleaning the wood. However, beware of high-pressure cleaning. Brushing and rinsing well is sufficient.

The Advantages of a Wooden Patio

The wood is very light and resistant. With a lifespan of between 10 and 50 depending on the species, wood remains a familiar choice that’s friendly to the environment and regularly meets municipal architectural requirements.
Being soft to the touch, visually pleasant, rich and timeless, wood ages gracefully.

Also, although this is not the ultimate goal, a wooden deck is easily removable if needed—a considerably environmentally-friendly advantage for the recycling of the material.

The Disadvantages of a Wooden Balcony’

This very living material tends to transform according to its humidity level.
As it dries, it may remain sensitive to warping and cracking.
The choice of wood to make a balcony, terrace, or path will require a considerable investment in maintenance time.
It will be imperative to regularly review the fixings of the boards, bars, steps, and handrails.

Consult an Expert

If you’re planning for deck repainting or staining in Beaverton, Oregon, our team at Maller Painting Company can help.
We have years of residential painting experience serving the areas of Beaverton, Sherwood, and Tigard, Oregon.

Our team can help you choose the best type of paint/stain as well and colors at no extra cost.

To give us a try, book a FREE estimate below or call us on (503) 410-6366 if you have any questions.

Kevin Maller

Kevin began painting houses with his father’s company, C&K Painting, in 1996. His father taught him how to use a brush, roller, and caulk and clean a brush properly. He then worked for several other paint companies, where he learned how to spray oils, lacquers, and all water-based finishes. In 2012, after 15 years of experience, he decided to get licensed and start the Maller Painting Company. His team has focused on providing the best re-painting services to our residential clients in the Beaverton area.