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Decks offer a great way to enjoy your outdoor space but inevitably fall prey to the elements, especially decks made of wood instead of composite materials. Refinishing a deck may be necessary to give it a new life, make it more attractive and improve your home’s resale value.
As a homeowner, you want your wood deck to look great all the time. In this article, we will guide you on how to restain your deck on your own. Follow these 5 steps to have a great looking deck in no time.
Why Restain Your Deck?
A beautifully refinished wood deck not only looks great and extends the life of the wood, but it can also help improve the real estate value of your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
It’s also a rewarding way to achieve instant gratification when looking at your home. It also extends the life of the wood and adds to its esthetic appeal.
Restaining Your Deck in 5 Steps
A professional-looking deck refinishing job can be done in a weekend or two. It will instantly transform a drab, tired old wood deck into a vibrant, beautiful entertainment area ready for a celebration barbecue.
1. Inspect the Deck
The first step is to perform a thorough inspection of the deck to determine its state. Look for signs of rot. You are most likely to find hidden rot in places where concrete and wood meet. Look under the deck to see if the substructure is rotten or if there are cracked posts.
2. Repair and Clean the Deck
If you do need to replace a damaged or rotten deck board or other components, make the necessary repairs before beginning the overall refinishing project. Replace any rotten or damaged deck board you identify and make any necessary repairs. Then move on to cleaning the deck.
If no repairs are needed, you can begin by cleaning the deck. Your approach to cleaning will depend on your deck’s current finish.
If it is varnished or painted wood, you must first strip the varnish or paint off the surface with a paint stripper before you clean it. If your deck is currently finished with a clear sealer or transparent wood stain, you can clean the surface with a high-quality wood deck cleaner.
Be sure to start by sweeping the deck off to remove any dust before applying a layer of the deck cleaner.
3. Deep Clean the Wood
If your deck requires a deep clean, look into using a power washer. Power washing is an effective way of deep cleaning a wood deck, but it must be carried out carefully to prevent the wood from being damaged. Too much water pressure or holding the spray nozzle too close can etch the wood.
Start in a corner and walk your way across the deck. If you are not confident using a power washer, use a garden hose and a strong spray nozzle. Allow 72 hours for the deck to dry.
4. Sand the Deck
If the main deck surface is in relatively good condition, you may choose to sand only the handrails. But if the boards are rough or badly sun-damaged, you should sand the deck surface before staining.
It is important to choose the correct sandpaper grit. If the sandpaper is too coarse, it can damage the wood. If it is too fine, the wood pores will be packed with fine dust that will prevent the stain from soaking in. Sanding the deck with 60- to 80-grit sandpaper is recommended for ideal results.
5. Stain the Deck
When you browse through the stain supplier’s catalog, it is important to note the stain you select may finish slightly different from what you see in the pictures. It’s a good idea to buy a small sample and test it on your deck before committing to the whole area.
Applying the stain with a brush is the best method of staining the deck. A brush will ensure the stain is uniformly applied and the deck looks attractive in the stain you’ve chosen.
Wrapping Up
The result of your hard work will be a beautiful, refinished wood deck. Using the proper preparation and application techniques along with quality materials will give you a lasting and beautiful end result. Be sure to follow these steps and, you’ll be firing up the grill in no time!