Looking for the carpenter bees
After the cleaning job was complete, my next task was to figure out where the carpenter bees were likely to make a home. I knew from prior observation that they appeared to prefer the undersides of beams and drink caps (though, curiously, not the bottoms of the deck boards) and stuck pretty much to spots that were in afternoon shade.
So I made it my mission to get as much of the stain as I possibly could into the confined space under the caps. The initial stain job on the roof support structure, from three years ago, was still in excellent condition, given that it was well-protected from the sun. I will stain that part next time around.
Finally, the staining begins
I began the actual stain work by filling my spray bottle and shooting the liquid vertically upward, between the balusters, onto the bottoms of the drink caps. I shot enough stain such that it would drip down onto the plastic drop cloth; that was the only way I could be sure that there was complete coverage. I then wiggled the brush into the area to spread the stain around as best I could.
After that exercise, I applied the stain to the tops of the caps, the balusters, and finally the kick plates at the bottom of the balusters. I made certain, particularly on the horizontal surfaces, to apply plenty of stain; that was doubly true for any that had cracks -- there I really slopped it, then brushed it in thoroughly.
I waited until late afternoon to begin the deck staining. Because the temp was in the low 90's and the deck surface still hot to the touch, I was concerned that the stain would "flash dry" before I could brush it out. Not a problem. While the dry time was certainly less than that of the stain applied in the shady areas, I had ample time to apply it, get it into the cracks, and brush it out.
I always tried to keep a "wet edge" (i.e. I didn't stop in the middle of a board), so I worked my way up and down the long axis of a section of boards three wide, as opposed to applying the stain perpendicular to the boards. And did I mention that I applied liberal amounts of stain to the cracks in the decking? OK, I thought so.
The little stuff
After the upper structure of the deck was complete, I headed for the support posts, and the outside ledgers, giving them a thorough coating. This was not so much for bees as termites, although I have never had a problem with those guys on my deck, probably because of the massive footings and pressure-treated lumber.
I also stained the bottoms of the new copper post caps, mostly for UV protection. When they were dry, I attached them them to the tops of the posts with silicone.
As for the need for post caps, you may have noted, particularly in your drives in the country, that fence posts typically have some form of protection for the top; it's not decoration. The top of the post suffers from rain getting into the cracks in the top of the wood, from UV radiation degrading the surface lignin of the wood, and even the acid contained in bird droppings. It's very important the you not leave your post tops exposed to the elements as they will be one of the first things to rot.
The wrap up
Refinishing a deck is not difficult; in order to ensure a good outcome, it does require some preparation, but it's hardly a back-breaking problem. If you initially employed good construction techniques (e.g. used good quality materials, sunk your screw heads below surface level, and applied a suitable protectant) then the rehab will be substantially easier than if you got stuck with a sub-standard build. In either case, failing to take care of your deck will, at the minimum, leave you with an unsightly appendage (yet another word of the day) to your home, or perhaps a safety issue. With the proper care, it shouldn't be either.
Survey your deck and do the rehab. You'll find that the end result will be cause for immediate gratification.
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