Here’s what we have discovered to be the most common causes.

Iron Oxide Stains from a variety of sources.  These stains show up after the first rain wets the deck after the contaminant comes in contact with the surface.

1) The new grill and deck furniture that was assembled on the deck surface, metal filing from assembly process or manufacture.
2) Shavings from steel rails that were cut on the deck surface.
3) Steel wool that was used to clean or prepare the wood for finishing.
4) Some roof shingles contain iron oxide granules as do steel siding and some gutters.
5) Any grindings, that find there way to the deck surface.

Steel Wool Damage to a new Cedar Deck

However,  All is not lost!    These iron spots can be eliminated or visually reduced by using deck cleaners or brighteners that contain Oxalic Acids, we suggest using Super Deck Brand finishes and cleaning products for the best results  Learn more by clicking on this link to our Online Store

You can recreate these spots on a scrap piece of cedar by shaking or rolling a piece of steel wool over the sample piece and misting with water, to speed up the process add a small amount of vinegar to the water.  This same concoction can be used to intentionally grey or cause a new cedar board to appear weathered, we refer to this as “Ebonizing”

Here is a recipe to create a liquid that will darken wood intentionally.

This solution works on Western, White,  and Pacific Cedar, all types of pine Butternut, Cherry, Mahogany, Oak, Walnut and Maple…(but does not work on Poplar)…
Put a course steel-wool pad in a plastic jar with a plastic lid, this is best to use because the lid won’t rust.  Add enough ordinary white vinegar to cover the steel-wool and loosely screw on the cap.  Set aside for a day or two. Strain the vinegar through a cloth, don’t squeeze the vinegar out of the pad or you will get bits of metal in the liquid, which will rust and make finish less even.  Consider using a magnet to sort the solution.

Brush on the vinegar solution, the wood will turn black resembling Ebony.  Diluting the solution with water creates a lighter shade…

Note: The wood must be sanded as the solution doesn’t work well on planed wood..

Cedar with Oxide Stains

The Deck & Door Company participates in many local trade shows and many national events around the country.  We enjoy having the opportunity to display the products we use and how we use them, . home owners and contractors alike will gain a plethora of  knowledge at this events.  Bring your ideas, plans and pictures with you, we’ll begin working on your design on the spot.  Discover the newest in decking  materials, and concepts in deck design.  New for 2012, we will feature the new Fortress Accent LED Lighting and Techmar LED deck and Garden lights available at all shows,

We built this for the 2011 IBS Orlandodesign on the spot.  See the newest materials, and ideas in deck design.  New for 2012, we will have  the new Fortress Lighting and Techmar LED lights available at all s

This is our 4th consecutive year creating National Displays at the IBS show, the quality of our display work has gained much national attention, we are very proud of our accomplishments in these huge venues, our work has also been featured on televisions shows such as Extreme Makeover, Designing Spaces, and also replicated in the 2011 Deck Ideas and 2009 Sunset Deck Design books.  Ask to see all of our credentials, were proud to share!  Were Minnesota’s most senior licensed deck builder, the only one to also hold the required low voltage license to legally install the much desired stair and LED lighting on your new deck.

Look for us at these events…

Minneapolis Home and Landscape Expo January 4th-6th, 12013  & January 11th-13th 2013-Metrodome, MOA Field-Attending 2013

International Builder Show January 22d -24th 2013 Las Vegas-Building & Attending

Minneapolis Home and Garden Show February 27th-March 3th -Minneapolis Convention Center-Exhibiting

Saint Paul Home and Patio Show February 14th – 17th 2013 Saint Paul RiverCentre-Exhibiting

BAM Builder Show of Minnesota February 21st-Minneapolis Convention Center-Exhibiting -Not a Public Event

Eagan Home & Leisure Show March 15th – 16th-Eagan Civic Center-Exhibiting

Lakeville Landscape & Home Expo March 23rd 2013 -  Lakeville North High School-Exhibiting

Apple Valley Home and Garden Show TBD 2013 Dakota County Government Center-Exhibiting no link as of 11-25-12

Burnsville  Home and Garden Show – April 13th 2013-Exhibiting

Highland-Macalester-Groveland Home Improvement Fair -  April 27th, 2013 at Cretin Derham Hall-Exhibiting

We want to make your new deck the way you want it,  personalize your deck, customize your lighting, The Deck & Door Company is the only Minnesota deck builder**  licensed to install low voltage lighting systems. 

Protect your Investment,  “Just Do It!”  Right the First Time

*Conditions

1. The product must be purchased before we begin construction, if it’s close be sure to ask, we want to work with you
2. Please discuss the upgrade with us before purchase, not all products may be compatible
3. The Deck must be purchased from The Deck & Door Company
4. This offer does not apply to decks built by other contractor
5. Transformer upgrades and wire may be  an additional charge

** as of 12-30-2011 No other licensed deck builder in MN has qualified under MN rules as a Technology System Contractor.  The State of MN requires contractors that install and service low voltage circuits to be qualified, licensed, bonded,  Protect your investment, hire only qualified installers.

The Deck & Door Company is proud to be working with HGTV’s Extreme Home Makeover in Atlanta, Georgia.

Click here to see our finished work and air times of the show.

We have an expert and experienced staff waiting to help you build your deck. Stop in today or give us a call to learn more about us and what we can do for you.

We are located in the heart of Apple Valley MN,  Our Showroom features full size displays, countless railing option, lots of low voltage lights systems, See Products from Trex, Timbertech, Fortress, Deckorators, all your favorites under one roof.  We have licensed contractors and electricians on site to help with all your deck installation related questions