Deck Refinishing Steps Towards a Wood Deck Refinishing

If you have an outdoor deck that has seen better days, you may want to put the time and effort into refinishing it on your own, rather than replacing it. Deck refinishing can be a fairly straightforward process, and the end result can be a beautiful addition to any home. There are several steps to take when going about a wood deck refinishing, from inspection of the deck to the final staining and sealing. To get started, you must inspect your deck, looking for structural problems that need to be repaired. These could include rotting or split wood, as well as loose boards.

Those who have a painted wood deck that is in need of deck refinishing will also need to strip or varnish off the deck paint to leave a smooth, clean surface. Wood deck refinishing is best performed on wood that is free from paint or other coatings. However, if you are planning on repainting the wood, you can simply sand it down rather than strip it first. If your deck currently has a clear or transparent wood stain applied to it, you can simply clean it with a deck cleaner, rather than stripping it. Oxygen wood cleaners can be particularly effective, because they will remove mildew, dirt, and other stains that may have attacked the existing wood over time.

Once this step is complete, the whole deck can be power washed. Finally, you will have a clean surface to continue your wood deck refinishing process. Due to the power-washing portion of deck refinishing, it's possible that the wood fibers will have expanded with water. These can stick out, causing splinters. A thorough sanding after washing is the next step in preparing your wooden deck. It's a good idea to use an orbital sander and the right grit of sandpaper to get a smooth finish. You will now be ready to choose a stain or sealer. There is a wide array of different stains, paints, and varnishes to choose from. It's best to choose one that is waterproof to protect your deck.

At last, you can stain the newly cleaned and sanded wooden deck. For this step of deck refinishing, it's best to start at the handrails and work your way downwards to the actual wooden boards of the deck. There are special brushes that can make this part of wood deck refinishing a cinch. With a bit of time and effort, you can turn your old deck into a gleaming work of art.