Protecting Your Platform Trailer's Deck

Why does outdoor wood turn grey? As cherished as this natural look is, protecting the wood is necessary to maintain its natural physical properties like durability and strength.

The natural greying observed when wood weathers is a complex combination of chemical, mechanical, biological and light-induced changes that occur over time. It works much like sun damage to skin: spend time outdoors without protection and you get sunburnt and start to wrinkle.

Similarly, harmful UV rays from the sun turn unprotected deck boards grey as time passes, and the boards start to degrade. That is why it is important to protect your deck from the start and then keep up regular maintenance to get the best performance out of it.

Regular Cleaning of Your Deck

Decking can be pressure washed, but be careful not to damage the surface wood fibers by setting the pressure too high. Pressure washing may be necessary between oil treatments to remove surface discoloration.

Maximize Protection with Oil-Based Deck Stains

Oil-based deck stains help preserve the natural color of your deck while also offering superb UV protection. Blocking harmful UV rays keeps the deck looking fresh and new longer. These stains are easy to apply, and best of all they can be cleaned and recoated as maintenance is needed. Not having to strip the stain off every time it needs attention is a huge advantage, and it lowers the cost and hassle of deck maintenance.

Many oil-based deck stains also contain mildewcides that inhibit mold, mildew, and fungal growth. Keeping these contaminants out of the wood helps prevent wood rot and costly structural repairs. Unwanted moisture and fungal growth can crack, warp, split, and decay wood in a few short years.

Conclusion

Following a regular maintenance schedule gives the wood maximum protection and gets you the most years out of your investment in your deck.

Applying an oil-based weatherizing treatment at the time of installation, along with regular cleaning and stain re-applications, will enhance the performance of your deck boards and prolong the life of your hardwood deck.

For best results, apply the weatherizing treatment according to the manufacturer's directions. To maintain the natural color, use a high-quality penetrating oil finish with UV inhibitors, such as Apitong Oil. For a full maintenance routine, see our guide on how to make trailer deck boards last.