Photo with permission by Patty O’Hearn Kickham
Every spring do you curse Mother Nature for her horrid treatment of your wood deck? Doesn’t it seem like the weather has taken on the persona of a teenager? You don’t know what you are getting every day and it can never make up its mind? And oh, the mood swing– droughts, harsh winter, cool summer, and rain that never stops? How do you think your deck feels? Tired, Dried out, and needing a make-over? Is there a Doctor 90210 just for decks?
Everyone wants their Mama’s love and decks are no different. So, how do we work with Mother Nature to keep our decks looking beautiful with products that are kind to the Earth as well? Weather-Bos™ has the antidote to make your decks radiate with Mother Nature’s love, and help cure the deck blahs.
Who is Weather-Bos? The Company is the manufacturer of Deck Boss™, an environmentally friendly sealant. Many people will not use a product unless it has been around for five years to prove that it can last. No need to worry about the longevity of this product. Deck Boss™ is the granddaddy of deck sealants since it has been around since the late 1980’s. The formulation of this product is basically the same since its inception with just a few minor changes to make it better.
What makes Deck Boss™ environmentally friendly? It is an all natural product that is comprised of oils and resins derived from plants and trees. Due to its composition, the sealant allows the wood to breathe. According to the Company, “DECK BOSS™ does not just adhere to the wood, but actually penetrates and creates a monolithic bond, in a process called ‘molecular compatibility’.” The present material safety data sheet does not contain any hazardous ingredients required to be reported according to Elliott Kmodel, CEO of Weather-Bos™. So, ignore the MSDS on the website, since it is outdated.
In the last six years, we applied Deck Boss™ on two different decks at our previous and current homes. In our previous home, we had to power wash the deck and then lightly sand it to remove the original conventional sealer. We then applied it with a roller. It was very sticky, but dried well. I would equate applying Deck Boss™ to applying stain. It sinks into the wood. However, if you apply too much, and it does not disappear in about 30 minutes, you will need to wipe it off.
We used this product again in the new house on our deck, and it really brought out the color of the wood. With any product, correct application of the product and maintenance of the deck is crucial. Weather-Bos™ recommends at least three applications the first time. Thereafter, you may be able to use less for each time you reseal.
We are in the process of resealing the deck and I called Weather-Bos™ to ask if I needed to re-sand the deck like I did in the previous house. Elliot Kmodel, CEO of the Company, actually called me back, which is a testament to the hands on approach of the Company. They encourage people to email them or call them to discuss how to use their products. As Elliot explained to me, the Company cares deeply about the environment and the satisfaction of their customers.
The best time to apply Deck Boss™ is in the fall or spring, and make sure you protect the surfaces around the deck such as a concrete patio or siding when applying Deck Boss™. It can stain those surfaces. Elliot advised me to keep a bucket of soap and water around so I can quickly remove the product from other areas of the house. However, it is harmless to grass or plants.
In addition, Deck Boss along with their other products is available to the international community. Email or call them to order. You can also order online too. It appears that the online ordering form is for US residents.
Does it go bad if you store it? I have a couple of gallons of Deck Boss left since I stained both decks. I bought the product in approximately 2002. I was afraid it was like paint and perhaps had gone bad. Elliot explained to me that this product does not deteriorate.
Deck Boss comes in 4 different formulas.
“Our formulas are not STAINS.. they are specifically designed to bring out the beauty of the wood you are working with. Our formulas will simply enhance the natural tones found in any type of wood. The small amount of pigment in our formulas provides UV protection for your project,” according to the Company.
Not sure which Deck Boss formula to use? For a limited time, you can order samples of the product on their website. Weather-Bos™ also manufactures Log-Boss™, Roof-Boss™, and Masonry-Boss™, Marine-Boss™, and The Boss™ (for variety of applications).
In addition, Deck Boss along with their other products is available to the international community. Email or call them to order. You can also order online too. It appears that the online ordering form is for US residents.
Remember, your decks were once part of the Earth. So, treat your deck to a little TLC to bring back its youthful appearance just like Nature intended.
Eamon Hurley says
Hey, great share….
I completely agree that spring is not really a good time for your wooden deck. When spring is in the air and everything looks nice and fresh outside except for your deck you get really irritated.
Thanks for sharing these ideas. This will help me to keep my deck look elegant even in spring.
Cheers!!
Jim says
How is the deck looking with Deck Boss? Do you have to clean and re-coat ever so often? Does it protect it from rot? Does it fad? Thanks! It seems like an interesting product.
Anna says
Jim, you have to re-coat lightly every 2 years. We power wash the deck and re-coat it. It doesn’t stop dirt and mildew from accumulating. The manufacturer suggests every year to keep it looking good. If you don’t have grass under your deck, make sure you drop cloth the area. It drips when you coat the area. Anna