08-14-2006, 08:33 PM
I have a redwood deck that is 7 years old and looks great (framing is pressure-treated lumber). I originally finished it with Penofin penetrating oil finish then pressure-washed and recoated this year. It still looks like new.
The critical thing with decks is that everything is constructed properly so as to minimize the places where moisture and debris can accumulate and dryrot can get a foothold. I've rebuilt several decks where the original builder did not understand this. For this reason, make sure you hire someone who specializes in decks...not just a regular homebuilder. If using wood, one of the key features that will ensure longevity is using fasteners that attach from underneath ( I like these: http://www.grabberman.com/Deckmaster/ ) ...do not use "deck screws" or nails that go through the tops of the boards if you want the deck to last a long time. They add to the cost, but then you recover the cost in longer lifetime, and the deck looks MUCH better without all those screw or nail holes.
The critical thing with decks is that everything is constructed properly so as to minimize the places where moisture and debris can accumulate and dryrot can get a foothold. I've rebuilt several decks where the original builder did not understand this. For this reason, make sure you hire someone who specializes in decks...not just a regular homebuilder. If using wood, one of the key features that will ensure longevity is using fasteners that attach from underneath ( I like these: http://www.grabberman.com/Deckmaster/ ) ...do not use "deck screws" or nails that go through the tops of the boards if you want the deck to last a long time. They add to the cost, but then you recover the cost in longer lifetime, and the deck looks MUCH better without all those screw or nail holes.