How to cover the terrace board?

Modern varieties of terrace boards are made from natural wood or wood-polymer composite. WPC samples do not require additional coating, but natural wood must be coated with compounds that protect it from the negative effects of many factors. It is proposed to use oil, varnishes and paints as a protective layer. Any of the proposed options has many positive sides and some negative points, which should be considered when choosing a suitable topcoat.

Today, the owners of cottages and private houses, when decorating terraces or other open structures on the street, are increasingly faced with a choice between WPC or natural wood. However, most prefer natural products. They can be independently processed and impregnated with protective compounds.

Ideally, decking will be processed in 3 steps.

1. During installation, the end parts of the boards need to be treated with a wax emulsion, since it is these places that are more vulnerable in a humid environment.
2. An antiseptic impregnation should be applied to the back side of the boards, since it is this part that is attacked by insects and various microorganisms that cause decay and destruction of the tree.
3. The front side of the boards is coated with cold or hot lacquered oil.

Many owners of open terraces are tormented by the question of the use of oil impregnations for the treatment of boards. In their opinion, it is much easier to cover a wooden base with paint and open it with varnish on top. However, this method cannot be called reliable. The varnish layer is very quickly erased and cracked when exposed to external factors. In places where the varnish has completely worn off, the tree becomes vulnerable, as it absorbs moisture from the street.

The following is a small list of the benefits of an oil-based decking:

• high protection against moisture and moisture;
• low degree of pollution;
• lack of peeling on the surface;
• protection of wood from destruction;
• oil coating emphasizes the beauty of the texture of the material;
• the oil protects against the negative effects of sunlight.

To date, a wide variety of oil compositions are on sale for covering terrace boards.

1. Composition with colorant. With its help, the surface gets a darker shade.
2. Composition with natural wax. It is applied hot. Oil with wax is best absorbed into the wood and protects it from external factors.
3. Composition with antibacterial filling. Their main task is to protect decking boards from the appearance of harmful microorganisms.
4. Composition with anti-slip effect. This coating is a high-quality protection against ice during cold weather.

In order for the decking board to receive additional strength, an oily wax composition should be used. However, it is best to use an anti-slip oil (eg OSMO 3089).It will not only emphasize the natural beauty of the tree, but also complement it with a water-repellent property.

Consumption of oil impregnation depends on the texture of the base and the density of the coating composition. On average, one can of 2.5 liters. enough for 18-20 m2.

The lacquer coating gives the wood strength, wear resistance, durability, and most importantly - the transparent layer emphasizes the natural beauty of the natural material, respectively, the terrace looks rich and impressive. Varnish, as a type of building coating, has a small list of advantages:

• aesthetics and sophistication of the finished surface;
• ease of care for finished boards;
• increased level of protection against moisture;
• increased wear resistance.

Unfortunately, the varnish, along with the advantages, has some disadvantages:

• due to strong blockage of wood pores, the material cannot breathe;
• a dense layer of varnish hides the natural beauty of the tree;
• the need for regular updates;
• with regular use of the terrace, the lacquer coating wears out and cracks;
• inability to cover certain areas of the terrace.

To date, several varieties of varnishes have been developed for covering a wooden base.

1. Yacht varnish. This is an alkyd-based composition, the main advantage of which is an increase in the hardness and wear resistance of surfaces. It does not differ in elasticity, which is why, with regular use, it quickly peels off.
2. Facade varnish. Elastic mass that can stretch when wood planks deform. And yet it is impossible to call it soft. Accordingly, the facade variety does not have a high level of wear resistance. Another unpleasant moment is that it is very difficult to remove, since the soft texture clogs the abrasive wheel of the grinding machine.

Paint for covering decking is in great demand, and some owners of cottages and private houses do not even perceive other options for processing a wooden base.

Just like oil and varnishes, paints have a number of advantages that make it possible to make a choice in favor of one or another coating material:

• ease of use and ease of application;
• a layer of paint forms a durable coating;
• reliable protection of wood from moisture and ultraviolet radiation;
• high level of wear resistance of surfaces;
• aesthetic beauty after painting.

The disadvantages include the loss of natural beauty and the relative speed of wear.

Today in stores you can find a wide variety of coloring compositions intended for covering terrace boards. Some have a water-based emulsion, others are polyurethane, others are alkyd, and some are latex.

This type of paint is based on acrylic components, due to which a high level of adhesion of the dye composition to the wood is ensured. The finished surface is resistant to external factors and weather conditions.

The water-based paint is ready to use.

This type of paint is resistant to abrasion. The finished coating is durable, and its service life can reach 10 years. The main thing is that there is no need to carry out restoration work for the entire specified period of time.

This type of paint can be used on terraces that have previously been coated with oil or a similar coloring agent. The finished surface is reliable, but not durable.

This type of paint formulation is odorless, durable and has a high level of adhesion to the substrate to be painted.Although the finish surface appears firm, this mixture does not clog the air passages, allowing the wood to breathe.

The modern construction market is distinguished by a wide variety of companies engaged in the manufacture of coatings for terrace surfaces. A in order not to be mistaken in the choice, it is proposed to get acquainted with brands that have proven themselves only from the best side.

A German company that manufactures oil formulations. In the manufacture of its products, the brand uses only herbal ingredients with the addition of water-repellent elements, due to which the finished composition acquires an anti-slip effect.

Russian brand that produces impregnations from natural oils. They contain fungicides and an ultraviolet filter. The company's products are designed to cover outdoor terraces and indoor flooring.

A Finnish brand that manufactures varnishes, paints and oils for wood boarding. A distinctive feature of the brand lies in the use of new technologies and computerized equipment, due to which the finished products are of high quality and reliable.

The largest manufacturer with a worldwide reputation, engaged in the manufacture of paints and other products that protect wooden surfaces. but the best among them is the Pinotex impregnation.

International company producing paints and varnishes and other coatings for wood. In the manufacture of products, the company uses high technologies and environmentally friendly components.

Despite the fact that terrace boards are resistant to various types of impact, they still need to be treated with substances that increase the protective properties. The list of sources of damage includes biological, natural and mechanical influences:

• biological - rodents, fungi, mold;
• natural temperature fluctuations;
• mechanical stress (shock, scratches and abrasion).

You can cover the boards yourself, the main thing is to choose the right impregnation. An antiseptic should be used as protection against biological effects. It can be washable or non-washable.

In principle, the processing of terrace boards is carried out during the period of their manufacture. But this does not mean that additional processing is not worth doing.

It is important to remember that different parts of the boards are covered with different types of impregnation. A sealant will help to safely seal the gaps between the boards. After drying, it will not affect the beauty of the terrace in any way, since its traces are stainable.

Highly qualified specialists recommend the use of oil-based coatings. They are versatile and give the tree a high level of protection. It is important to note that oil impregnations are environmentally friendly, do not harm human health, and also guarantee protection from ultraviolet radiation. Washing oiled decks is easy. It is enough to use a strong pressure of water from the hose.

As for the lacquer coating, experts do not recommend using it for processing terrace boards. Due to sudden changes in temperature, the coating begins to burst and flake off. This means that after a while you will have to completely renew the surface.

The ideal alternative in this case are paints with antiseptic and water-repellent properties. But they hide the natural pattern of the tree.