How to Refinish a Wood Deck & Restore Its Original Beauty

1. Prep the Deck by Cleaning

When you apply any type of coating or stain, you have to ensure that the work area is free of any debris. That will make sure that your finish stays on and doesn't chip off. This is how the quality of your finish will be established. If you don't perform an excellent job of preparing the deck's surface to be finished, the deck will not turn out exactly how you want it to appear.

Many people simply pour water down their decks using a nozzle and an outdoor hose. We suggest against doing this since it won't yield the desired results. The best method of preparing the deck is to use scrubbing and stripping the deck and then pressure cleaning every surface.

A. Scrubbing - Use a broom with a hard bristle and detergent to clean away any dirt that might be scuffed on the deck. It doesn't need to look perfect. But it should be sufficiently clean to allow cleaning and stripping.

B. Stripping - To get rid of the stain on your deck, you'll have to make use of a stripper that is paint or sealant. Wood strippers can be found in your local home improvement store. Follow the directions on the container to achieve the most efficient results. When you remove the finish, you can make sure you get a stain that will be onto a new wood surface, resulting in more adhesion and a longer-lasting finish. If you're considering whether this is a worthwhile step, it's not an alternative!

C. Pressure Wash - Now, what's fun. If you have an electric pressure washer, you're in the right place! A quick wash will remove any dirt or debris buried inside the grooves that make up the deck's surface. It is possible to add Oxy Clean to your deck to eliminate difficult spots, but ensure that you have removed all cleaning products prior to moving on.

2. Tidy Things Up a Bit

This is the perfect time to fix any damaged planks and drill holes in the boards and then replace the boards that are warped. This also gives your deck the chance to dry. It is essential to make certain that your deck is dry and free of moisture before you start staining. Water could dilute the stain as well as cause coloration.

3. Staining Wood Decks

To stain your deck, you can use a paint roller to accelerate the process and then cover the deck using a brush to reach those hard to reach places. Paint sprayers (or spray guns) are even more effective; however, they're not a must in order to keep your costs down. If you're planning on carrying out other home improvements, this could be a good idea to consider investing!

Wood finishes are available in a variety of various shades and colors. Wood stain is available in transparent, tinted, semi-transparent, and solid shades. In addition, applying additional coats can make the finish darker as the stain is absorbed by the wood, unlike paint, which is only applied on the exterior surface of the wood. Remember that colored or clear stains do not last long. While they can add a distinct look, these staining only last about one year before you begin to start to see signs of wear.

Start with an inner corner, and work outwards. Use even strokes to prevent the appearance of dark areas on decks. If you are using a sprayer, ensure that you maintain the nozzle in line with the deck for an even, uniform appearance.

4. Sealing the Deck

The last step is to protect the deck from all weather use. Based on the location you live in, the deck may be subject to high temperatures, heavy snow, and even rain. Sealing your deck will protect your wood from damages caused by the changing conditions in the weather. It is possible to apply the sealant between coats of stain to provide a layer of protection.