The best method to finish a wood deck and restore its original beauty

Refinishing your deck every couple of years will help reduce cracks and splinters as well as ensure that it will last longer. Wood can be sanded and refinished in order to restore it to its original characteristics. What other material could you accomplish this feat with? The process of refinishing the deck can be easy. You'll need to take it through a meticulous cleaning, then stain it and seal it in order to protect your deck from weather damage.

Budget

As you would think, the cost of restoring your deck is largely based on its size. However, it is possible to do it at under $100 if you are determined. Some of the factors to consider include the amount of soil and, more importantly, the kind of wood. There are a variety of natural woods such as Western Red Cedar and Mahogany or choose composite materials such as plywood or ipe decking. The pressure-treated lumber is perfect for outdoor use; however, you can also stick to natural woods if you want to use synthetic chemicals.

It could cost just a few hundred dollars but can save you some money in the long term. The process of restoring your deck is easy and straightforward, but it will put an emphasis on the sweat part. It's up to you to put on your sleeves and tackle this as a project for the weekend.

Timeline

You must keep your deck clean for three days. One day will be dedicated to cleaning your deck by staining and sealing. The remaining two days will allow your deck up to 48 days to dry fully. It's a good time to get your deck refinished because the sun is shining, but the temperature hasn't hit summer temperatures yet!

Steps to Refinishing a Wood Deck

1. Make sure the deck is thoroughly cleaned.

If you're applying any kind of coating or stain, you have to ensure that the work area is free of any debris. It will guarantee that your finish stays on and doesn't chip off. This is how the quality of your finish will be decided. If you do not do 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.

2. Make things a bit tidier.

This is the perfect time to fix any damaged planks and drill holes in the boards and then replace damaged boards. This also gives your deck the chance to dry. You must be certain that your deck is dry and devoid of moisture before when you start staining. The stain can be diluted by water as well as cause coloration.

3. Staining wood decks

For staining your deck, you can use a paint roller to accelerate the process and then apply the stain using a brush to get into difficult-to-reach places. Additionally, sprayers (or spray guns) are even more effective but aren't a necessity in order to keep your costs down. If you're planning on carrying out other home improvements, this could be worth a look.

4. Sealing the deck

The last stage is sealing the deck to ensure all-weather use. Based on the location you live in, your deck is likely to be subjected to high temperatures, heavy rain, or even snow. The sealing process can help to protect your wood from damage that is caused by weather conditions. You can also apply sealant between coats of stain to provide a layer of protection.

Final the final touches

After everything is done and you're happy with the look, give your deck a minimum of two hours for drying. Do not allow your children or pets to play over it accidentally, or you'll have to work on the areas. After the stain has gone away, you may observe that it is a little lighter, but this is normal.