Beth n Rod

I often tell customers who are looking into these 'Permanent' products as 'zero maintenance' solutions this: If you can't coat all 6 sides of the board...it is going to fail at some point. The other is the products ability to either reflect or absorb heat. Wood by itself is an insulator and doesn't absorb heat. Adding these to the surface makes it retain heat and provides for an uncomfortable environment to be in till it cools down. Most people I talk to only want to make the deck look good and never really intend to use it so they could care less about the above. Rod

I would like to add that there are situations and conditions one needs to consider when recommending a either water or oil based. Taking into account these 'environmental' factors will help you to avoid some problems but not all. Hottubs on a deck for example. This could lead to high mildew growth on many oil based products and make it harder to clean and maintain, whereas an acrylic would fair better, be easier to clean and maintain and last longer. North facing decks are a great candidate for acrylics. South facing decks are going to require oils. Why? Well, northern facing decks tend to be more shaded and have a higher probability of mildew growth. Acrylics can perform better and last longer in these situations which equates to longer intervals between maintenance (except for light cleaning by the h.o.) Oil based products are a benefit for the sun baked decks and while they perform differently according to formulation, they are easier to maintain than acrylics which would peel and flake in these conditions, especially on the floors. Acrylics work great on the rails, but oil is better on the floors. This is another way to save the customer on maintenance. Limit their maintenance to the horizontals and make the verticals last longer. This of course equates to a 2-tone price application but in the long run, it is worth it for the customer and the deck. Rod

This forum was built by wood geeks and we can't help but appreciate fine craftsmanship and are very quick to compliment when we see it. With the age of automation and mass production, work like yours is becoming a rarity. Thanks for sharing. Rod

Sweet job. Keep it up! Beth

Oh come ON people, really? Let's all be nice and respectful please. We were all new once. Rita, try Keith. Tell him I sent you. We have used him for years. http://www.kbkdesign.com/ Beth

We easily do upwards of 75 pieces of teak per year for our clients. (not including our own) We also do PT, cedar, mahogany, and Brazilian cherry. I will agree, what you apply you need to make sure you remove the excess of, or you will have a nasty mess on your hands and an unhappy client. Beth

Action shots, high resolution, email them asap. Beth

Those chairs...I just keep looking at them. Beautiful. Beth

GLBrown, Welcome, and please add your signature. House rules. Actually, oils will penetrate deeper that a water based product will, but having said that, there remain when to use what and the question of durability. These are not cookie cutter answers. Beth

Welcome to TGS. Please fill in your signature. And now that we have that little housekeeping detail out of the way, huge props on the furniture. BEAUTIFUL. Any of the moisturizing oils will work. We have used alot of Armstrong Clark, but we also have clients who insist on Penofin's rosewood oil. Beth

Any kind of residential cleaning.

Woke up to over a foot of snow. Between 14-16 out there, and supposed to get another 6-10 before it changes to sleet and freezing rain. Beth

We are hoping we don't need our generator. Beth

I think it is time for the new 2014 poll! Beth

I'm curious too....who said it? Beth

Now that is a timely topic! Beth

There are pros and cons to both, and the scenarios for applying them will vary. Once you have been working with wood for a while you will begin to see the instances where one might be better than another on a job by job basis. Beth

This note is to home owners who think that the lowest price, the fastest availability and the prices for wood care given over the phone are the way to go. These photos represent a company operating in our area illegally, that matches the above criteria. Sadly the photos are typical of the work, and we repair this type of damage on a regular basis every year. This deck was washed and sealed the same day.....if you want to call it that. Ask to see a copy of the license. Ask to see a copy of the liability insurance. Check the Better Business Bureau rating. Don't get burned. Beth p.s. let us know if we can help....

What are some of the things you do to get your business ready for the new business season each year? Beth

We always start off spring by reviewing our marketing, and addressing our internal systems. Beth

Interesting. Can you elaborate Todd? Rod

Call Tom & Barbara Vogel at ACR. They have the defelting pads. 610-253-8005 Beth

Very nicely put! You should put that on the back of your business cards! Beth

So....I guess we are looking forward to the new one then..... Beth

If the coating is not permeable.....RUN. Beth