How to Refresh a Wood Deck?
For most homeowners, decks are by far the most popular addition to a home. When having a nice day, a deck allows you to enjoy the outdoors better. So, what’s not to love about a great outdoor living space?
A deck is the perfect place for outdoor gatherings, dining al fresco, and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. A nice wooden deck also enhances the value of your home and makes it look better on the street. But, just like any other outdoor amenity, a deck needs proper maintenance to stay in tip-top shape. Sun, rain, and normal wear and tear can damage a deck, even the best-built ones.
For this reason, you should maintain your wood deck on a regular basis. You should also make repainting and refinishing your deck a top priority. We’ll show you step-by-step how to refinish your deck so you can enjoy it for a long time.
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Table of Contents
Thoroughly Clean Your Deck
The first thing you need to do before refinishing your wood deck is to clean it thoroughly. Now is the time to remove the dirt, mold, and other things that have accumulated on the surface of the deck over time. Getting rid of these things will not only make the deck look better but will also make the new finish stronger.
To perform deck cleaning, first, wet the entire surface of the deck. Then, use a brush or power washer and deck cleaner to clean the deck.
During the cleaning process, make sure that you clean all the cracks and crevices in the deck, as dirt and grime can collect there. And the buildup of dirt may interfere with air circulation and drainage below the deck. When the deck is all scrubbed, rinse it off using fresh water.
If you don’t want to do it yourself, you can hire a professional to clean and power wash it. Many deck refinishing companies offer pressure washing services, which are a faster and easier way to clean your deck than hand washing.
Use the Right Deck Cleaner
People often forget to do this step, but it is very important to maintain the integrity of your deck. To clean a wooden deck, choose the right deck cleaner. It is not that just any cleaner will do the job of deck cleaning.
While there are many deck cleaners on the market, not all of them are created equal. Some cleaners contain strong chemicals that can harm the deck’s finish and even the wood itself. Some cleaners won’t work at all and will waste your time and money.
Chlorine bleach should not be used to clean your deck unless you want to remove the wood’s natural color and destroy its cellular structure. If you want to clean the wood perfectly while maintaining its natural color, use oxygen bleach.
Oxygen bleach is available at almost every hardware store. Simply mix it as written on the package and apply it to the wet deck. Cover the entire surface of the deck and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
Rinse the Deck Thoroughly
Once the oxygen bleach has sat for at least 15 minutes, you can rinse it off. Again, it is very important that you rinse it off. If you don’t, the oxygen bleach may continue to work on the wood and damage its cellular structure.
You can use a garden hose or a pressure washer to rinse off all the solution left on the surface of the wood. If you decide to use a power washer, be careful. Use the lowest setting at first and keep the nozzle six inches away from the deck surface.
After rinsing the deck, let it dry completely before moving on to the next step. This can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day, depending on the weather. Don’t rush through these steps if you want to maintain the wood’s finish.
Finding Problems with Your Deck
After you have cleaned the deck, inspect it for any problems. This step allows you to address any issues before you begin refinishing the deck.
During the inspection, look for the following things:
- Cracks in the deck
- Rusty nuts or nails
- Weak handrails or boards
- Stripped nails
- Rotting wood
If you notice any of these issues, you should address them before you begin the refinishing process. In most cases, these problems will get worse over time and will eventually damage the structure of the wood deck. Taking care of your wood deck now will save you a lot of money and hassle.
With a few simple tools and some work, you can fix many of these problems. However, if the damage is too severe, you may have to replace broken boards or handrails.
Sand the Deck If Necessary
After you have repaired all the broken boards and checked the rest of the deck for other problems, it’s time to sand. Keep in mind that you don’t have to do this before staining or finishing. However, if your deck is very old or has been refinished more than once, you may want to sand it.
You can make the surface of your wood deck smoother and remove any old spots or finishes by sanding. Sanding also makes it easier for the surface to adhere to the new finish.
Don’t sand your deck with a power sander. Power sanders are sometimes too strong and can harm the surface of an outdoor deck. Hand sanding with a sanding block is much more effective because it allows you to vary the pressure better.
Keep in mind that you should sand your deck after it has been clean and dry for 48 hours. Seal the surface after sanding to prevent cracking or warping.
Apply Wood Whitener
After sanding the deck, it’s time to apply wood whitener. Some people choose not to do this step, but we usually recommend it. This is because it helps bring out the natural beauty of the wood after staining.
Wood whitener is a product that is applied to the surface of the wood to give it its natural color. This product is very useful if the sun or weather fades the color of the wood deck. It also helps the color adhere better to the wood, making the color last longer.
Mix the wood brightener according to the instructions on the bottle and pour it into a patio sprayer, paint roller, or brush. Then apply it evenly to the surface of the boards, covering the entire deck and even including steps and handrails. If you miss a spot, the results of the application will be greatly diminished.
Seal the Deck
Once your deck is cleaned and you’ve applied the wood brightener, it’s time to seal it. It is important to note that you need to wait for the deck to dry thoroughly before doing the sealing job. Also, sealers come in many colors to choose from, so it may take some time to find the right one for you.
There are different treatments that can protect the wood in different ways. However, they may also change the color or appearance of the wood, so it’s important to learn more about them.
If you want to keep the natural look of your deck, choose a less opaque oil-based color and sealer. If the deck is older or worn, you may want to use a solid color paint. This stain not only protects the wood but also hides any imperfections or problems.
Simply follow the instructions on the can to apply it. In most cases, you should pour it into a garden sprayer or apply some stain to a paint brush. Then, cover the entire surface of the deck evenly. Make sure the finish covers all cracks and crevices, such as around stairs or steps. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and let it dry after applying.
Many people will choose to hire a professional to refinish their deck. This is important if the deck is large or complex. Professionals will get the job done right because they have the right tools and knowledge. Even better, they can do the job faster than you in many cases.
Do It Again if Necessary
After refinishing your deck, it is important to keep it in good condition. Of course, this means you must keep it clean all year round. Always keep an eye out for damage and fix it as soon as possible.
When a deck is used for a period of time, the surface of the deck can become dull and need to be replaced. Refinishing or restoring your deck doesn’t have to be done every year. However, you should keep an eye on it so that you can do it again if needed. This will help keep the wood looking its best and protect it from the weather.
Summarizing
Keeping your deck in good shape will allow you and your family to better enjoy the outdoors. If you have more than enough time and also like to do some manual labor. Then you can do the deck refinishing and restoration work yourself.
If you don’t want to spend too much time on deck restoration and refinishing work, then you can also hire professionals. Hiring a professional will allow you to refurbish your deck faster and in a more comprehensive manner.
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