Exterior Help

14 years ago

Clear cedar contemporary home
We recently purchased an amazing Batter Kay home in Del Mar, CA. It is 30 years old...needs updating and a lot of tlc.
My dilemma is...we initially were going to stucco because the clear cedar is in such poor shape, etc. However, we have since fallen in love with the warmth and being true to the original concept and would like to keep the cedar. We have had many different suggestions on how to properly clean the cedar...etc Power washing seems too harsh and sanding by hand would take a lot of work.
Does anyone have any cost saving ideas and what color of stain would be best. I am drawn to a deeper richer tone but want to stay away from reds, dark brown, etc.
I appreciate any feedback.

*The whole house picture is 30 years old- Clear cedar

*The up close picture is current...and is surrounded by trees.

Featured Answer

PRO

Daniel M Martin, Architect LLC

14 years ago

Try "CWF by Flood Products". You can spray it on with a pump sprayer. It will bring back the natural color and puts oil back into the wood, which it needs. Water is wood's enemy and pressure washing is terrrible for natural wood because it forces in water and digs into the soft grain. I don't think you need to do anything else but retreat every year or so. If you have mildew, you may need to brush on some 50/50 bleach/water and hose it off. Good luck. It's beautiful!

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Comments (6)

Emily Hurley
14 years ago
Oh, what a gorgeous home! I love that you are staying true to the original design. Hoping someone has some good tips to help make it easier for you!
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PRO
User
14 years ago
You may want to contact Cedar Valley in Hollister California-www.cedar-valley.com for the maintenance suggestions. Be careful going dark with all the sun. I would suggest you find a local design company to illustrate with a rendering before you make final color decisions. I agree with Emily Hurley, your house is beautiful
ikwewe
14 years ago
ooh, it is wonderful! I am glad you are going to keep the cedar. I am sure there is a way to treat it right. When you say it is in poor condition, do you mean the finish, or is there some deterioration of the cedar in places?
baka2
14 years ago
Natural color is good with the green of the landscape.
Very nice design!
charliemycat
14 years ago
What is the problem you need to correct? Jomax, (mold and mildew remover) works great, spray on, hose off. Do not let anyone near it with a pressure washer, they can do a lot of damage because cedar is essentially a very soft wood. Then you will need to treat/oil it as Daniel said above. There are some new, natural, but high tech oils on the market to look for. You might wish to do a search under cedar deck finishes as well for more information.