Time to hit the deck

As summer sets in, decking floats up the home wish list. Whether it involves building a new deck, replacing an old one or reviving a worn surface, decks lie within the skill level of many do-it-yourselfers or the budget of homeowners looking for professional installation.

Decks bring a good return on investment, with about 90 percent of cost recouped at the time of sale, say home remodeling experts. They can last from 10 to 25 years, depending on weather, location and maintenance.

"My advice: Dream really big first," said deck pro Jeff Wilson, host of DIY-TV's "Build a Deck." Ask yourself: What are you going to do with that space? Is it for entertaining, dining or sitting in your Adirondack chair?

"Write down everything you want," he added. "Then, think about the budget and get back to reality."

Swab the decks

Once you have the deck of your dreams -- or whatever fits the budget -- maintenance is key to a deck's long life. Wilson recommends yearly cleaning. Always remove dirt, mold and mildew spores before applying a water sealer or stain. Follow these steps:

1. Saturate ground and plants around your deck to protect plants from runoff. Cover neighboring painted areas and sensitive plants with plastic sheeting.

3. Put a cleaning solution designed for your deck's material in a plastic pump-style garden sprayer. Spray an area of about 10 by 10 feet. The solution will bubble as it lifts out dirt.

4. Attach a broom pole to a plastic stiff bristle brush and scrub lightly with the wood grain.

5. Rinse with a garden hose with a pressure nozzle.

Wilson opposes using a pressure washer, which can tear up soft wood fibers.

Shipshape

In a heavily traveled area, splash the deck with a cup of water. If it beads up, the deck is still sealed. If the water soaks into the board and darkens the wood after two minutes, it's time to refinish and reseal.

Cracked boards need to be replaced. Wilson also recommends poking under the deck once a year with a flat-head screwdriver. "If the screwdriver goes into a board more than a quarter inch, you've got rot," he said. If there are too many bad boards, consider replacing the whole deck.

Pay particular attention to the ledger boards where the deck attaches to the house. "That's often where a deck fails," Wilson said. Check railings and stairs; wood and connections should feel solid.

Redwood: Naturally weather- and insect-resistant, this soft wood -- now grown by sustainable farms -- can be sanded and stained to prolong life and good looks. Prices vary greatly, from $17 per square foot for common (with knots), to $30-$35 for clean heartwood (no knots).

Cedar: Another favorite for its good looks and long life. Naturally weather- and insect-resistant, it can be sanded and stained. Better-grade cedar costs about $30 per square foot installed.

Composite: A blend of plastic and a sawdust-like wood byproduct, its prices have fallen to $18 to $25 per square foot installed. Composites need regular cleaning, and can get stained and scratched.

Cellular PVC: This plastic decking looks just like wood, priced at $22 to $27 per square foot installed. It needs cleaning, not sealing; it resists fire and is impervious to water or stains. It won't scratch. It won't fade, but darker colors can feel hot to the touch.

www.decks.com: This site offers plans, resources and basic information.

www.calredwood.org: The California Redwood Association offers building plans and maintenance tips.