Q&A: How can we get a new area of our wood deck to match the existing part?

We need to replace a section of our pressure-treated deck, and I'm concerned the old wood and new planks won't look good together. How can we get the two sections to match?

Once you lay down the new deck, a thorough cleaning of the old section should help to even out any shade differences between the lumber.

• With a stiff-bristle brush attached to a long handle, apply a cleaning solution across the entire deck. Use a store-bought product or make your own by carefully adding 1 quart of bleach to a large bucket filled with 3 quarts of water. The cleaning solution will remove built-up dirt while the bleach solution will help rid the deck of mold and mildew.

• Use a pressure washer as an alternative to or in addition to a cleaner for dirt removal. Check out our advice for choosing a pressure washer and watch our video on using this equipment safely (above right).

• Using the wide spray pattern on the pressure washer, begin with the nozzle 2 feet away from the surface and move closer as needed but no closer than 6 inches to avoid damaging the wood fibers. If you don't have a pressure washer, use a garden hose with a sprayer attachment.

You could leave your deck unfinished, as the passage of time will finish the job of evening out the appearance between the two sections. But in your particular case, staining the deck will improve its appearance and unify the two sections visually. Plus, since your deck likely contains wood infused with chromated copper arsenate, staining it will have another payout. CCA, intended to make lumber resistant to insects and rot, contains known carcinogens. The penetrating stain will prevent water from saturating the wood and help to prevent arsenic from leaching out of your older lumber.

Our recent report on deck stains found some excellent solid (opaque) and penetrating stains to consider. After you buy the best stain for your deck (Ratings are available to subscribers), here's how to apply it.

• Let the deck dry out for a few days after you wash it before staining it, then follow the instructions printed on the can of stain. Typically, instructions recommend brushing deck boards one at a time following the grain. Be careful to not allow any pools of stain to form.

• If you use a roller, follow up with a brush to work in the treatment between the planks.

• Apply as many coats as the manufacturer recommends and wait for the indicated time between coats. Some finishes, including Sikkens Cetol SRD 1708902 semitransparent stain, $27 per gallon, can provide one-coat protection.

A final point to consider. The wood preservative ACQ (alkaline copper quaternary) can corrode some low-quality fasteners. If the planks you'll install are treated with ACQ, you might need to upgrade the fasteners you'll use.

Essential information: You'll find more information on deck materials, deck stains, and other outdoor-living essentials on our decks and deck stains product page. And don't forget to clean under your deck.

Class action against ChoiceDek maker, distributor

Our latest report on decking materials found that several composite-decking products were especially prone to mildew growth.

One composite product, ChoiceDek, reportedly has faced such mold- and mildew-growth problems that a class-action claim targeted Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies (AERT) and Weyerhaeuser, respectively the manufacturer and distributor of ChoiceDek, which is sold only at Lowe's. (The firms representing the plaintiffs are also investigating Trex, the biggest player in composite decking, for acknowledged "surface defects" in some products manufactured from 2003 to mid-2006.)

Composite decking, developed in the early 1990s, is made of wood and either virgin or recycled plastic. An attraction for homeowners is a woodlike appearance without the periodic refinishing that wood decks require. Some composite decking is treated with UV and mildew inhibitors, although in our tests even unfinished wood as a category resisted mildew growth better than composite materials.

The plaintiffs in the class action include owners of ChoiceDek products originally purchased from 2004 through 2007, a group estimated in the tens of thousands. The suit charges that ChoiceDek decking develops "persistent fungal and mold growth" even when installed and maintained as directed. In addition, it claims the defendants knew of the problem, misrepresented the decking by using such terms as "virtually maintenance free" (found in the ChoiceDek FAQ), and worded its limited lifetime warranty to exclude the specific problems experienced by the plaintiffs.

(The Consumer Reports testing photo above shows ChoiceDek subjected to a number of different testing methods in three locations. The decking in the left column depicts unexposed material stored in our lab; the middle column, after one year in a humid environment (Florida); and the right, one year in an arid location (Arizona). The five rows from top to bottom represent the following conditions: unwashed; washed with water and a brush; washed with OxiClean and a brush; washed with Behr wood cleaner; and cleaned with a pressure washer. The spots and discoloration in the middle column are mildew.)

Plaintiffs' experiences noted in the complaint describe decking that within a year developed noticeably large gray and black spots and other discoloration. The growth in the four cases noted reappeared soon after cleaning—even in two instances when AERT sent professional cleaners to do the job.

While both AERT and Weyerhaeuser denied the allegations in the class action, they recently initiated a settlement. Call AERT at 800-951-5117 or 479-756-7400 if you have a concern about ChoiceDek products installed at your home. An AERT spokesperson for the company says the pending solution "will resolve all customer-care matters."

Stay tuned for the settlement terms, which we'll post once any deals are struck.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: To find the best decking, see how a particular material we tested performed in our Ratings of decking (available to subscribers). Also learn how to choose a decking material, read about the different decking types, and keep your deck safe and in tiptop condition. Check out our brand-new Home Improvement Guide interactive, which offers buying advice on appliances, tools, and building materials for every area of your home.

Brand new on ConsumerReports.org

Check out the latest Appliances and Home & Garden product reports and reviews on ConsumerReports.org:

Room air conditioners, which features Ratings of more than three dozen models and expert advice to lower your utility bills this season.

Ceiling fans, which includes expert buying advice.

Deck stains, which provides Ratings of fully tested 16 opaque, semitransparent, and clear stains.

Deck materials, which includes Ratings of wood, composite, plastic, and aluminum decking products as well as tips for keeping your deck safe.

Protect Your Investment: Decks

If you own a deck, the arrival of summer means your deck will start seeing a lot more traffic and activity, especially since 2008 appears to be the year of the staycation. A few simple moves will protect your deck from the crush of footfalls and prevent any deck-related accidents from dampening the festivities. (The North American Deck and Railing Association has designated May as Deck Safety Month.)

Check the Structure
Look for water stains inside your home where the deck ties to the house. Ongoing water leakage can lead to wood decay, weakening the deck structure and the house. For decks that are supported by the home’s structure on one side, be sure that the ledger board is properly attached with bolts (not nails) sufficient to support the load.

If you have any doubt about the structural integrity of the deck, especially if it’s a second-story or higher structure, call in a pro to investigate. The NADRA Web site includes a national directory of certified deck builders. Better yet, most municipalities have stepped up their enforcement of proper deck-construction techniques, so check with your local building department. As my colleague, Ed Perratore, reminds in this recent post, it’s important to clean debris from under the deck as well.

Clean the Surface
Rid your deck of moss and mold. If it’s a light build-up, a hose, a stiff-bristled brush, and a household cleaner and/or mild bleach solution may do the trick. But pressure washers are more effective against heavy gunk, provided you use them safely. If you see wood damage, like raised fibers, increase the distance between the spray nozzle and the decking.

If you’re in the market for a new pressure washer and have easy access to electricity near your intended uses, get an electric model instead of a gas-fueled one. Electric models are quieter and easier to transport and store than a gas-powered model (Ratings of pressure washers are available to subscribers.)

Treat the Decking
Check the decking for popped nails and cracked or checked wood. You can bang nails back in but you’ll need to replace boards that are badly splintered or severely rotted. If the finish is worn away or peeling, these are two good signs that the surface is ready for a new protective topcoat. We test opaque, semitransparent, and clear deck treatments. Opaque treatments hold up the longest but the paintlike film of this finish can crack and peel making refinishing more of a chore. This film also hides the natural wood grain. Clear treatments reveal the grain but typically need to be reapplied annually. Semitransparent treatments are a middle-of-the-road solution. For more information on deck treatments, visit our Decks & Deck Stains page.

Secure the Railings
Start by giving banisters a good strong bump to make sure they’re securely fastened to the structure. Then check that all the dimensions are up to code. Railings must be 36 inches high and rails must be no more than 4 inches apart to keep small children and pets from slipping through.

Photo courtesy of the North American Deck and Railing Association

Tip of the Day: Shopping advice for gas grills

While many Americans with grills use their outdoor cooker year-round, with Memorial Day about a week away, high grilling season is about to start. If you're ready to buy a new gas grill, use our shopping tips below and buying advice and watch our video (right) before you head to the store. (Find out what grills other people are buying and what grilling topics are hot in our grills forum.)

Size it up. Match the grill's cooking area to the number of people generally around your table. Remember, manufacturers might include warming racks in their measurements of cooking area. Our measurements are based on the main cooking area and how much food it will hold. Next factor in how much space the grill will take up on your patio or deck. Some of the large grills we've tested are 6 feet wide.

Look over the menu. A basic grill is fine for cooking hamburgers, hot dogs, steaks, kabobs, chicken pieces, and vegetables, but if you regularly cook whole chickens, turkeys, or large roasts, look for a model with a rotisserie burner.

Bring a magnet. Many grills are made of a mix of grades of stainless steel. Our tests have found that 300-series stainless is less likely to rust than cheaper, 400-series stainless. Magnets will usually stick to cheaper grades, so bring a magnet with you to test the metal.

Think safety. The more stable the grill, the better. When shopping, gently push the grill from several angles to see if it tips. Check the cart, firebox, lid, and shelves for sharp corners and edges. Grip the handle. Your knuckles or fingers shouldn't be too close to the lid or your hand could get burned during use.

Essential information: Also read our June 2008 gas-grills report and visit our gas-grills product page. Then follow our expert advice to ensure you avoid common grilling mistakes and to keep your grill cooking better, longer as you make our delicious, easy-to-prepare dishes and use chef-restaurateur Bobby Flay’s recipes.

CPSC recall of Cabot deck cleaner

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently issued a recall of about 24,000 containers of Cabot Composite Deck Cleaner #3502 because of an inhalation and fire hazard.

The cleaner, made by Cabot Stains of Newburyport, Massachusetts, contains an ingredient that can react with metal foil residue on the packaging, releasing heat and chlorine gas, according to the CPSC.

If you bought any of the cleaner, which comes in a 2-pound plastic container (shown), do not use it and return the product to the store where you bought it for a refund. If the container appears misshapen or feels hot, call Cabot (877-755-3336, 24 hours a day) to arrange for the safe handling of the cleaner.

For more details on the recall, read the CPSC’s notice or download a PDF from the Cabot Web site.

Essential information: Look for our report on deck materials and deck stains in the July 2008 issue of Consumer Reports. And follow these tips to get a great-looking deck.

Tip of the Day: Clean under your deck

Everyone marks the first warm days of spring differently. Some folks go for a long walk, many fire up the grill for the first of many meals they’ll prepare outdoors in the coming months, and some toss the ball around with their kids.

Many of you have also recently undertaken some spring cleaning, but I imagine that I’m in the minority of homeowners who spent the first mild spring evening this year crawling and toiling under a deck to clean out the mess there.

In years past, raking out leaves from beneath my 400-square-foot wood deck was invariably an hours-long ordeal. This time, however, it took only about 20 minutes, in part because the leaves were dry and easier to gather and also because I needed to complete the work before it got too dark.

When I was finished, my booty comprised a full bag of leaves, two stinging eyes, nine tennis balls and two Wiffle Balls—kids!—plus a balled-up woolly bear caterpillar. Oh, and enough dirt on my clothes and myself to merit instant banishment to the shower. (That’s me in the photo above.)

Why bother cleaning out under the deck? Leaves that collect there can harbor moisture and serve an inviting habitat for insects and fungi. They’re also a fire hazard. The chief reason I tackle this chore in spring is that the patio tiles and soil under the deck have lost most of winter’s chill. Even better, the ants, spiders, and assorted other cooties that might want at me have yet to emerge at my house.

At any time of the year, though, this underdeck cleanup would merit a spot on Dirty Jobs—presuming you could find someone to pay to do this work. And once I’ve tidied up, other deck-upkeep chores seem easy by comparison. These include an annual safety inspection; the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) offers a handy checklist (PDF download) for the part of the deck you walk on. The NADRA also promotes Deck Safety Month in May.

While you’re working on your deck, check your deck stain or treatment for wear. Look for our upcoming report on deck stains and treatments in the June 2008 issue of Consumer Reports (on sale and online in early May). We’re covering volatile organic compounds among a number of other topics and will have testing information on a range of decking materials, including some of the newest composites.

Once someone manufactures a 20-foot telescopic rake, I suppose we’ll have to test that out, too. I have just the place to put it through its paces.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: Here’s how to prepare your deck for a new stain and tips on finding the best deck stain or treatment.

Does the Fuego 02 gas grill combine style and performance?

We recently tested the Fuego 02 gas grill, $1,700, for our upcoming grills report, which will appear in the June 2008 issue of Consumer Reports (on sale and online the first week of May).

The Fuego 02 is a single-burner gas grill that seems to be designed for people who might favor form over function. Indeed, here's how the manufacturer describes this outdoor cooker in a brochure: "Part furniture and part grill, it functions as much as an entertainment hub as a place to prepare a memorable meal."

Find out whether this attractive grill left us burning with enthusiasm by reading our product review.

Essential information: See our gas grills product page for expert tips on buying and using a gas grill, including easy-to-make delicious recipes, advice on avoiding common mistakes when cooking, and ways to keep your grilling working well and looking good.

International Builders’ Show Product Preview: Trex Escapes Decking

In these days of green marketing—and, yes, greenwashing—here’s something you don’t hear from a lot of companies: “This product is made of 100 percent inorganic products.”

That’s how Scott Fedor, senior product manager for Trex, described the company’s latest line of decking, called Trex Escapes. This new decking is made entirely of virgin PVC—it contains no recycled material of any kind, unlike other Trex products. (Plastic and vinyl decking is made of PVC and polyethylene made from recycled milk jugs and detergent bottles. Composite decking is made of plastic resin and wood fiber.)

Escapes comes in 1x5½-inch boards and 1x12-inch sizes for fascia, riser, and trim uses and is available in  Acorn, Glacier (white), Pewter, and Sahara (sand) colors. It is designed to holds its color for an extended time.

Escapes is stain, scratch, and mold resistant and won’t rot, splinter, or warp, according to Trex. The photo here shows how Escapes compares against untreated natural wood when wine and barbecue sauce are poured on the surfaces. The wood absorbed the stains while the Trex decking wiped clean.

We haven’t tested Escapes yet so we can’t verify these results. But we have looked at other decking materials and deck stains.—Daniel DiClerico