Proclean

Yes. Just built James. Screens will go in next week. I'm currently doing about 4 decks a week. Almost all are Ipe. If the phone would stop ringing, I could do more decks, but for this time of year I am very happy.

Thanks guys. That's my clean ladder :) 40 man hours. It was all brushed except me spraying the ceiling.

Man, you guys/gals. Just use Sealmaxx. You never have to stain again. Exclusively guranteed for 25 years:) On a side note, this thread does contain some great info.

I will have to put in my 2 cents. I would feel left out with such good company. I think what this thread shows is the passion and professionalism that all the posters have written. I mean if you stand back and read this thread, it really shows how profession these people are. It is a sham that we cannot get an organization together and further educate and certify our profession(s) – Wood work, KEC, flatwork etc. I thought and was on board with the PWNA. But someone nailed it earlier, they are gasping for air and wood is the latest gasp. I’m not going down this road – that is not what this thread is about, but that is all I have to say publicly on this matter. Teaching and certification almost do not mean anything to the consumer. Quality and price are the 2 most important considerations. How well you sell this depends on your success – IMHO. What works for me would probably not work for someone else. And if you live in AZ, I can guarantee it. For those of you who don’t know me, all I do is wood. Do I have 10 years experience? No. I do stain decks year round (I’ve got 6 booked for Jan which is normal). Do I do them right? I try my best to do the best job I can do. This is where subjectivity comes into play. I wish I knew more about other areas of PW’ing to comment. But, almost every deck I do or maintain is a little different. You can teach the basic’s, but after that you’re on your own. Where as if you do plumbing, it is very black & white. I learn everyday. In the field experience in wood care is the only real teacher. I also think someone else said it earlier in saying that the industry has to be specific. In that I mean, flatwork has its own org, Wood care has its own org and etc. Great thread, great people with great info on trying to get things together. True professionalism

Second Ipe job today. It should be an ad for DishTV. LOL.

Small deck from today. Cedar wraps and posts. Ipe fascia and floor.

Jon is right on. Double for Shane I have bitten my lip long enough on this Deckexpo/PWNA stuff long enough, since wood restoration and maintenance is my living. We are trying to knock out at least 5 decks this week. I will respond in the next day or so and explain how deck builders ARE NOT missing an OPPORTUNITY and the absurdity of what the PWNA is doing. My viewpoint will be from the side of the contractor. It will be my longest post to date.

Rod, I don't know if you were asking Russell or me. Black is around $35 & Red is around $50. plus shipping. This is the last price I paid, so I am giving you this from 1 year ago.

I've got to run out the door. Finishing the HOA of 35 decks today and get the last check :))))). I can get the black and red in gallon sizes from a Duron store here. I'll check back here later today or PM my and we'll hook up. In gallon sizes you should have enough to mix hundreds if not thousands of gallons.

Tom, by your post is doesn't sound like you have much experience with ipe, if you do I apoligize now. What everyone has said is 100% right one. Although Ken said he would do it, maybe at $5 a sq ft that would peek my interest to have a look see, but more than likely I would walk on this job. Here is why. If he gets a couple of quotes there will be one guy who will quote $399 (just a made up number). Let them get the job and loose their shirt and work for $10 an hour. You were wise enough to post and get feed back on this job. Move on to the next deck.

This is how we strip Behr. No big deal. Man, are the customers ever happy. Second deck this week with sanding off the stain. SOP for the future. A step above the rest. WTW going on this deck. This is the big boy. Second picture for the small guy.

Here is the after picture. This deck was only 3 months old. The homeowner really messed it up. They were thrilled when we left. The handrail "option" was talked about. We just applied stain to even out the look. This was the semi.

You guys are right on. We are suppose to get about 2" of rain today. That should open up them pores. BTW, WT is not going on this deck. Great comments.

Thanks all. Screws did not need to be set. They were deep enough. Only the top cap on the handrail was sanded to match the floor. Homeowner and myself went down what road we were going to take AND the spindles didn't look THAT bad because the home owner did such a bad job. Our stain will even out the final finish. These guys main job is indoor wood refinishing. Cost - I figure it into the final cost and just have to come back and stain. Sweeeet deal. No chemicals, PW'ing or coming back another day to stain.

Here is another deck completed today using WTW on the handrail. The floor and top cap was sanded using the crew from the above pics.

Ken, No problem. It's a busy world. Shane, I don't have the folder in front of me. This deck was around 600 sq. feet. Took the guys about 3 hours. The homeowners were so happy. I'll try and post after pics. Thanks

Man Ken, a couple of questions?? For someone who won't list me on your web site. Every deck period? No way. You want the best - here I am. I sub out the deck sanding. The guys do indoor hardwood floors most everyday. You are 100% right. If you could see these decks after sanding, your mouth would drop open. Rails are done as normal.

Thought I would share 1 more.

Pic 2 of the small guy.

Nice job Neil. Here is a pretty neat deck from yesterday. Sorry the picture isn't any better, but a pretty neat deck for PTP. Look at the posts up front. WTW applied and looked fantastic. I guess a broke "industry standard of $3 a square foot" on this job. The homeowner was soooooo happy he bumped the the price up from the orginal quote. Not by a little, but by a lot.

Man, I understand you guys up north. But I've got 30+ and counting decks to clean and seal before the end of the year. Glad I live down here. Weather is a slight issue, but we work around it. We stain year round. I'm not rubbing it in, but glad we can work more down here. It helps the bottom line for the year.

A small deck, but love the "floating benches" Cleaned with efc 38, stained with WTW. Another satisfied customer.

Another "little" Ipe job from today. Cleaned with 38, stained with WTW.

Here is a ceiling done with Woodrich. Staining took about 30 minutes with at least 2 coats. No ladders were used due to the 5 foot extension on the wand - custom made. The ceiling is T-111 & the rafters are PTP. This will not win an award, but can show others what is involved in prepping an area for the work. The home owner was very pleased with the outcome of this deck.

I will say WTW is what I use on all my hardwoods - for what that is worth :). Every stain has advantages & disadvantages. I believe WTW is the best stain on the market for hardwoods and maintenance. I will also say the ATO is second best, but not close. Call Russell @ ESI and order some WTW and ask for instructions on application and performance.