Protecting Wood Will Help Keep Your Yard Decked Out

Whispering breezes and the tangy scent of barbecue can make life on your deck seem heaven-sent. A few splotches of rotten wood or a few niches carved by hungry termites, however, can cloud your sunny perceptions in a hurry.

Here’s how to plan to save your deck:

* Sketch your plan of attack by first determining what wood species was used in your deck. Most common are redwood, Western red cedar, and cypress heartwood--all possess tremendous natural resistance to rot. Other untreated woods are easy prey for decay. Softer pines--firs, spruces, and hemlock--are usually pressure-treated with preservatives for an added injection of strength.

* All decking, however, needs backup protection. Heartwoods and other finished woods require immediate treatment. Pressure-treated lumber can also be treated immediately.

* Liquid protection is easy to use but tough to select. There are many water coats, sealers, repellents, and preservatives to choose from.

* Water repellents prevent moisture from penetrating and causing mildew, warping, and decay. Experts suggest oil-base products, and some companies also offer alkyd stains.

* Mildewcides, or wood preservers, guard against mildew fungi. The mildew, usually gray or black, thrives in moist, shaded areas.

* Pigmented sealants reflect sizzling ultraviolet rays, which can crack your deck and sap the color. Protectants include colored or semitransparent stains, bleaching stains for a weathered look, or clear natural-wood products that show off the grain.

* Insecticidal additives can quash bug woes. Specific termite-control products may be needed in severe cases. Most homeowners, however, can defeat pests by maintaining good airflow around the lumber, keeping the deck clear of standing water and debris and not letting vegetation or the ground stay in contact with the wood.

If you need only water protection, an all-purpose product may not work as efficiently as one specifically designed for that problem. Otherwise, choose a product that covers all of your needs.