Reprieve for Dying Decks

Instead of replacing a badly neglected deck, consider repairing it with UDF-21 Deck Resurfacer. This polymer coating fills cracks, locks down splinters, and cures to form a textured, slip-resistant surface that's nearly maintenance-free, says the maker. The water-based product can be applied using standard painting tools and dries in hours. It can be tinted with latex paint to match any color. The cost to contractors is about $1 per square foot. Gulf Synthetics, 770/382-7399, www.gulfsynthetics.com