Sponsored content: Sikkens ProLuxe survey shows affection for decks

With warm weather here to stay, homeowners are enjoying time spent outside and also making sure outdoor areas such as decks, gazebos and patios are fully prepped to create the perfect outdoor party space, grilling station or relaxing retreat. To help consumers create these ideal outdoor spaces that not only align with the most recent trends, but also provide protection and durability, Sikkens ProLuxe wood finishes sought to uncover some of the recent trends in woodcare, including how homeowners are using these spaces, how they want them to look and how they plan to create that look.

 To do so, the brand surveyed homeowners who have completed a woodcare project in the past year, or intend to in the next six months, and whose homes have at least one outdoor wood feature. The findings revealed several key insights into consumer behaviors and attitudes about woodcare and their homes, including:

• Americans love spending time on their decks, so much so that decks are often considered an extension of the home. According to the survey, 96% of Americans use their decks during the day almost every other day, and 82% are using their decks every other night. Cooking and entertaining are the two most common activities for decks and patios, so it’s important that the wood finish protects against damage from high heat or wear and tear from guests.

• Natural wood with subtle color is preferred. In fact, more than two thirds of U.S. consumers find the appearance of the natural wood on their home to be either extremely important or very important. With this being the case, wood finishes that highlight the natural beauty of wood, such as the Sikkens ProLuxe premium line of wood finishes, should be kept in mind for customers working on upcoming exterior woodcare projects.

“We always aim to meet our customers’ needs,” said Jennifer Dodson, senior manager, Sikkens ProLuxe wood finishes, “and this is particularly true for consumers who trust our products to not only enhance the appearance of the wood on the exterior of their homes, but also to protect it. We’re thrilled that our line of premium wood finishes can offer the perfect, signature look of richness to help homeowners beautify their outdoor spaces.”

For more information about Sikkens ProLuxe wood finishes/, visit www.perfectwoodstains.com.