Regular inspection, maintenance, and cleaning are some of the pivotal steps to follow before you dive into how to refinish a deck.
Decks are structures typically made of wood, steel beams, and plastic. Regardless of how well-made decks are, they aren’t immune to outdoor wear and tear. Sun, wind, rain, and the inevitable wearing down over time will leave decks needing some much-needed refinishing.
This article will cover how you can care for your deck, to prolong any call for more laborious refinishing. This article will also take you through how to refinish a deck when the time eventually comes.
How to Refinish A Deck
Step 1: Inspect and Repair
Task: Check the deck for damaged or loose boards and railings.
Replace any rotten wood and tighten loose screws or nails. Ensure that the deck structure is sound before proceeding.
Step 2: Clean the Deck
Task: Thoroughly clean the deck to remove dirt, grime, and old finish.
Use a deck cleaner and a stiff brush or power washer (set on a low setting) to clean the surface. Allow the deck to dry completely.
Step 3: Sand the Surface
Task: Sand the deck to smooth out rough areas and remove the old finish.
Use an orbital sander with 60-80 grit sandpaper. Be sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratches.
Step 4: Sweep and Wash
Task: Remove all sanding dust from the deck.
Sweep the deck thoroughly, then wash it with a damp mop or cloth. Let it dry fully.
Step 5: Apply Stain or Sealant
Task: Choose and apply a stain or sealant to protect the deck.
Use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply the stain or sealant evenly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
Step 6: Allow to Dry
Task: Let the stain or sealant dry completely.
Avoid using the deck until the stain or sealant is fully dry, which can take 24-48 hours depending on weather conditions.
Step 7: Add a Second Coat (Optional)
Task: Apply a second coat if needed.
A second coat might be necessary for better color and protection, especially on older wood. Let it dry as per Step 6.
Step 8: Maintain Regularly
Task: Perform regular maintenance to keep the deck in good condition.
Sweep regularly and reapply sealant or stain every few years or as needed.
How To Clean A Wooden Deck
Regular deck maintenance and cleaning help to keep the build-up of dirt and grime at a minimum. This especially goes for the dirt that can get trapped in wooden grooves. Mold and mildew due to rainfall also need to be addressed to keep overgrowth at bay.
To clean your wooden deck, wet it thoroughly before scrubbing it down with a cleaning solution. Allow the cleaning solution to sit for up to 15 minutes before rinsing the deck thoroughly with a hose.
Wooden decks can be scrubbed down with either a deck mop and/or a deck brush. A deck mop is great to use for regular cleaning and a deck brush can be used occasionally or when you start to notice dirt build up on your deck.
For decks that are made of wood or composite wood (a mix of wood fibers and plastic), a solution of water and ammonia-free dish soap works great. You can add oxygen bleach to your cleaning solution to kill off any mold and mildew present. Make sure to use oxygen bleach and not chlorine bleach. Oxygen bleach will maintain the integrity of the deck material. Using chlorine bleach can damage the finish and discolor wood.
Good old white vinegar and baking soda are safe to use as well on wooden or composite decks.
If you have one, a pressure washer can be used as well to clean a deck. Use it on the lowest setting and keep the nozzle at least half a foot away from the deck. This should ensure that your deck gets cleaned without getting damaged.
Maintenance Checks
After you’ve cleaned your deck, allow it to dry thoroughly. This can take days depending on the weather in your area. When your deck has been dried and cleaned, it’s the perfect time to spot any issues. Checking regularly for problems as they begin saves you from dealing with bigger issues.
Look out for rusty nails, cracks in the wood, rotting material, unlodged nails, loose boards, loose rails etc. Essentially, anything that shows the beginning of your deck wearing down is best addressed as soon as it starts. Remove and replace what needs to be fixed. These small maintenance checks are well worth the effort as it will save you money and stress.
Refinishing a wooden deck is a tedious job yet essential for home improvement. Keep the labor at a minimum with regular cleaning and maintenance checks. Smaller problems are easier, faster, and cheaper to fix. Avoid waiting for any serious issues to come up as a poorly maintained deck doesn’t just compromise the structure, but also increases the chance of accidents. Keep your deck clean and intact so you can enjoy it for many years to come.
