Refinishing your deck helps it look better and protects it from moisture-related damage. This allows you to use your outdoor space more often and extends the life of the wood.
Start by washing the deck with a pressure washer and a wood brightener. After that, sand the surface to smooth out any rough spots and create a receptive surface for staining. Contact Deck Builders Baltimore County for professional help.
As with painting and staining, the first step of deck refinishing is to clean your wood surface. This helps to remove dirt, mildew and old finish and prepares the deck for new application of stain or paint.
You can use a pressure washer to thoroughly rinse the deck, and you may need to apply a chemical stripper for more stubborn coatings. Deck cleaners and wood brighteners, available at most home improvement stores, are often effective in loosening embedded grime. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using these products. Be sure to protect the surrounding vegetation with plastic sheeting to avoid damage from the chemicals in the cleaning solution.
After washing and applying a wood brightener, you will probably need to sand the deck. This will give the surface a smoother appearance and is important for proper adhesion of the new finish. Sanding will also reveal any popped nails or nail heads that need to be reset. A random-orbit sander equipped with 120-grit paper works well for this task.
The deck’s surface can become weathered and rough due to sun, rain and foot traffic. This can lead to problems with the new finish, including unevenness and failure to adhere properly. After sanding, you should use an inexpensive tank sprayer to wash the deck with a deck cleaner and wood brightener (follow manufacturer’s instructions). These cleaning solutions help to prepare the surface for the application of a fresh coat of finish.
Once the deck is dry, you will be ready to start the refinishing process. It is important to keep in mind that this project requires patience and diligence. Begin with a careful inspection of the entire deck, paying special attention to areas that are sagging or showing signs of rot. Check the ledger board (the material that attaches the deck to your house) for rust or rot as well.
Before you begin the actual refinishing, you will need to purchase or rent the necessary equipment. A sprayer with adjustable pressure control is a good choice for applying the stain, but it can be done by hand as well. Be sure to protect surrounding plants with plastic sheeting to prevent damage from the hose or sprayer. If you are refinishing the deck yourself, be sure to wear rubber gloves and safety goggles when handling chemical strippers or power tools.
Sanding
A dirty deck is unattractive and unsafe, presenting both slip-and-fall hazards and a haven for mold and mildew. Washing opens pores and fibers, allowing absorption of new protective finishes. A sanding process then removes dirt and debris particles, smooths rough areas and level surfaces, and provides a fresh application surface for stain or sealers.
While sanding is often the most labor intensive part of the refinishing process, it’s crucial to the final result. If you skip sanding, your new finish will be uneven and may flake or peel after a few months of exposure to sunlight, rain, and foot traffic. Before you begin sanding, however, make sure to address any repairs and loose boards. Also, be sure to wear appropriate safety gear and a dust mask when working with sanding equipment, as wood particles can be harmful to both your health and the environment.
Whether you’re using a hand sander or power sander, it’s important to start with a coarse grit to remove any old or chipped stain and paint. Then move to a medium grit, and then a finer grit to achieve a smooth, even deck surface. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain.
When you’re finished sanding, be sure to sweep and vacuum the deck to remove all remaining sawdust and debris. It’s best to do this right away, before the deck starts to deteriorate or if you plan on staining the deck immediately afterward.
If you decide to wait a few days before staining, be sure to wash the deck again with your pressure washer, as airborne contaminants can resettle in the open pores and fibers that washing opened. It’s also a good idea to follow any preparation steps suggested by the finishing product you plan to use.
You can choose from oil-based and water-based stains and sealers. Both provide protection from moisture and the sun’s UV rays, but each has different characteristics that determine which is more suitable for your deck. Oil-based stains and sealers penetrate the wood fibers, but they tend to be more difficult to apply. Water-based stains and sealers cover the surface, but they don’t penetrate as well as oil-based coatings.
Staining
Whether you prefer a more natural look or want to add a bit of color to your deck, staining is a vital step in the refinishing process. Stain protects against moisture damage that can lead to rot and mold, as well as UV rays that cause wood to fade and deteriorate. However, staining is only effective if the deck is clean and properly prepared for staining. A thorough cleaning with a deck cleaner or power washer, followed by proper sanding, will ensure that the new finish adheres and lasts.
Deck sanding also creates a smooth surface that helps the stain to penetrate the wood and absorb evenly. It is important to sand with the grain, and be careful not to over-sand, as this can dull or damage the wood. Once the wood is sanded and clean, it’s time to apply the stain.
As the stain dries, it will transform your deck into an appealing and durable outdoor living space. There are a number of different types of stain, each offering differing levels of protection and aesthetic appeal. Transparent stains provide the least amount of protection and show off the natural beauty of the wood, while semi-transparent stains offer moderate protection that lasts two to three years. Solid stains offer the highest level of protection, and can be used to cover imperfections in the wood.
Staining is easier and faster to apply than painting, and requires less prep work. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and use a high-quality product that is suitable for your climate. Stain is also more breathable than paint, which allows moisture to escape the wood, helping prevent issues like rot and mold.
As with the cleaning process, a poor choice of product or application technique can result in costly problems. Experienced deck refinishers know the importance of thorough preparation and adherence to guidelines, ensuring long-lasting and visually appealing results. In addition to maximizing the lifespan of your deck, these practices will help you minimize repair costs and maintain your investment.
Sealing
Whether your deck is constructed of natural wood or composite material, it needs to be stained and sealed for protection. Quality stains penetrate the surface of the wood fibers and protect it from the sun’s harmful UV rays, while sealants create a protective barrier against moisture penetration. Moisture penetration leads to mold, mildew, rot, and other forms of degradation that can shorten the life of your deck.
Deck sealants are available in oil-based and water-based formulas. Before you apply any, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying times. You’ll also want to consider if you will use a deck stain or deck paint, and choose between clear sealers and pigmented stains. If you opt for a stain, choose the color and texture that best matches your deck and lifestyle.
A deck refinishing professional can help you decide what kind of stain to use and provide recommendations on how often it should be resealed. A good rule of thumb is to reseal a wood deck every one to two years after it’s pressure washed and cleaned. If your deck is constructed of composite materials, it will need to be resealed much less frequently than wood, since the material holds up well against moisture.
After a deck is properly prepared for sealing, it’s important to wait a day or two until the weather is warm and dry again. Don’t work on a deck in direct sunlight, because the sealant will evaporate before it has a chance to absorb into the wood.
During this time, it’s also a good opportunity to repair any broken or loose boards and address any squeaks you may be hearing. Decks should be re-sealed in areas where water seeps through, like between deck boards or in the space under stairs.
Before applying the finish, stir the cans of stain or paint to ensure a consistent blend. Then, use a roller to spread it evenly over the deck, taking care to get into all the nooks and crannies. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding drying times, which will vary depending on the type of product and weather conditions.
