Below are frequently asked questions from homeowners who want to know more about the process of having a deck replaced or about building a new one.

1. What is your opinion on staining versus allowing the deck to weather naturally?

Letting the deck weather naturally is good advice only for the first six months to a year. The natural oils in the wood begin to break down from the sun's UV rays. A good oil -based sealant like Sun Frog Deck Sealer, or a resin-base sealer like Weather-Tek (1-888-300-9767) is recommended annually.

Before you seal the deck, clean the surface with water, a stiff bristle push broom and some elbow grease. Or you may use a low-pressure washer. Let the deck dry thoroughly for several days before sealing and follow the directions carefully. Do not use too much sealer. This is the number one mistake most people make when sealing their deck.

2. We are building our first home and we want to build a deck with a spa. What is the most popular deck these days?

The most common deck is a 12' x 20' with a couple of 45 degree corners cut off. To get the feel of a larger deck, add a handrail. The rail gives you more useable area. When you put a hot tub on the deck or through the deck, it's good to have at least 48 inches around the tub for walking clearance. The usual hot tub deck is 14' x 16'. The most common decking material in the Pacific Northwest is Western Red Cedar and a pressure-treated lumber frame.

3. What is pressure treated lumber?

Pressure treated lumber is hem-fir lumber that has been treated with chemicals to prevent decay and insect infestation.

A tree begins to decay the moment it is cut down. To make lumber last longer, the treating company loads each piece of lumber on to a large flat car and wheels it into a large pressure chamber where it is treated with certain chemicals that help preserve the wood. Untreated hem-fir will decay out in the elements in 10 to 15 years. Treated lumber in the same environment could last 30 to 40 years.

Pressure treating comes in different grades. Make sure you are receiving a grade that is rated for "Ground Contact." Each piece of lumber will have a stamp on it with the notation "LP-22 for Ground Contact." Check for this stamp and/or ask your contractor if they use it.

4. Is there a building code for handrails on decks, and if so, what is it?

Yes, for safety purposes, handrail is required whenever your deck is 30" or more off the ground. The minimum height for handrails for residential decks is 36" and a 4" sphere must not be able to pass through the railing system. Additionally, the handrail must be able to support 25 lbs per foot of side thrust.