We have a gazebo in our backyard that hasn't been stained in years. The wood is all grey and mossy. What should we do?

Neglected gazebos are very common in Metro Vancouver, partly because they are often tucked under trees or in shaded corners where moss and algae thrive in our damp climate. The restoration approach is similar to deck work but with some important differences due to the overhead roof structure and vertical surfaces. Start by clearing any debris from the roof and cleaning out gutters or drainage channels if your gazebo has them. Blocked drainage causes water to cascade down posts and beams, accelerating deterioration. For the wood itself, use a pump sprayer to apply a deck and fence cleaner, working from the bottom up to avoid streaking. Let it dwell for ten to fifteen minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and rinse thoroughly. Pressure washing is effective but keep the pressure under 1,500 PSI and maintain a consistent distance from the wood to avoid leaving marks. For heavy moss growth, which is extremely common on gazebo roofs and north-facing posts in Vancouver, a moss-specific treatment applied a week before cleaning will make removal much easier. After cleaning, apply a wood brightener to restore the natural colour, then allow the wood to dry completely over several dry days. When staining, work from the top down. The overhead surfaces and rafters are the trickiest part and often require staining on your back or from a ladder, which is where professional help really pays off. Use a semi-transparent stain with UV and mildew inhibitors. Pay extra attention to joints where beams meet posts, as these trap moisture and are the first areas to show rot in our climate. Going forward, plan to clean and inspect your gazebo annually each spring and re-stain every three years to prevent it from reaching this state again.

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