Deck refinishing can enhance your home’s exterior and protect wood from moisture-related damage. The process includes a thorough cleaning, sanding, staining and sealing.
Decide on the shade and type of stain you want. Solid stains hide the wood grain while semi-transparent stains let the texture show through. Paint pads and rollers are suitable for large areas, but brushes should be used for corners, railings and gaps between boards. Contact Baltimore County Deck Builders for professional help.
Over time a deck suffers wear and tear from direct sunlight, foot traffic and debris. Its color fades, it can crack and chip and its boards may rot. Rather than replacing the entire deck, you can restore it with a fresh coat of stain. But before you begin, the surface must be sanded, the old stain stripped and the wood cleaned.
Start by removing any furniture, planters and rugs from the decking. Next, sweep and vacuum the deck thoroughly. You want to make sure that there is no mildew on the deck boards, which can be caused by moisture and will prevent the new stain from bonding to the wood.
A broom should be used to sweep the deck and remove any leaves or dirt from the surface. If there is a lot of loose debris, you can use a leaf blower to clear it away. A power washer is a good tool to clean the deck, but you should be careful not to wash it too thoroughly, as this can cause the wood to splinter and warp.
Once the deck is clean, you can examine it for damage and rot. You can test for rot by poking the board with a screw driver. If the screwdriver sinks in, it’s rotten and should be removed and replaced with quality lumber. Also check for rot on the railings and in any areas where the deck meets the house. This rot can be caused by wood-eating fungi and should be treated immediately before it gets worse.
Sanding the deck surface will smooth out rough areas and help the new stain to adhere. A professional will usually use an orbital floor sander with a lower grit for the deck and a higher grit for the railings. When you sand, it is important that you take special care to cover adjacent surfaces like the house siding and plants with plastic sheets or drop cloths to protect them from paint splatters.
Next, you will need to decide on a stain color and material. Solid/opaque stains will show the most wear and need to be reapplied more frequently, but they do provide more UV protection than transparent stains. You can also choose to go with an oil-based water repellant, which lasts longer and soaks into the wood more thoroughly than water-based products.
Sanding
When a deck is being refinished, it is important to sand the surface of the wood. This is done in order to remove any dirt, moss or mildew that may be growing on the wood. It also helps to make the surface of the wood smoother so that it will accept stains and sealers better. The sanding process can be difficult and time consuming, but it is necessary to get the best results. It is also recommended that you follow any preparation steps suggested by the stain or finish that you are using. This may involve treating the wood with a chemical brightener or cleaner, followed by sanding.
Start with coarse grit (40-60) sandpaper to remove any rough patches or stubborn coatings. Then move on to a medium grit (80-100) to smooth the deck surface. If you are using a power sander, be sure to wear appropriate safety equipment, such as a dust mask or respirator. It is also a good idea to wear a pair of safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris. Also, be sure to wear long sleeves, pants and closed-toe shoes to avoid splinters and other injuries.
The final sanding should be with fine grit sandpaper (120-220). This will give the deck a very smooth surface, perfect for accepting a finish and providing a professional look.
Be careful when sanding, as you don’t want to go too far and create an uneven surface that will prevent the new stain from penetrating. You may need to use a detail sander or even sand by hand in order to reach crevices and corners.
After sanding, be sure to sweep up all of the dust and debris. Then, inspect the deck for any damage or areas of rot. Repair any loose boards and splinters, and replace missing screws or nails. This is also a good time to make any other repairs or replacements that are needed, such as replacing any damaged deck railings or stairs. If your deck was built with CCA treated lumber, it is a good idea to treat the entire deck again with a preservative before refinishing it. This will help to extend the life of your deck and minimize future rot and decay.
Staining
Staining is a great option to protect your deck from moisture damage and to keep it looking fresh. Staining takes less time than painting, and it can be done even when the weather is bad.
Unlike paint, staining doesn’t need to be primed before you apply the color of your choice. Before you start applying your chosen stain, however, make sure that the deck is clean and dry. Sweep it to remove any dirt or dust, and power wash if there are any patches of mildew or mold growth.
Once your deck is ready for staining, choose whether you’ll use a brush, a sponge, or a synthetic bristle applicator. If you opt for a brush, a natural bristle is best to work the stain into the wood fibers and cells. Start by heavily coating the open end-grain, then brush 2–3 boards at a time from one end of the deck to the other with long, smooth strokes. This will help you avoid “lap marks” that can show if the stain isn’t applied evenly.
If you’re using a water-based stain, you can move the furniture back onto the deck in just a few hours. If you’re working with an oil-based stain, it will take a few more days for the deck to fully dry.
Before you apply your stain, consider the climate where you live and the look you’re going for on your deck. If you want to maintain the warm, natural look of your deck, go with a transparent or semi-transparent stain. These stains will allow the wood grain to show through, while still providing some protection. If you want a more dramatic look, choose a solid or opaque stain. This will provide more coverage and hide the flaws in your wood, but it will also show the wear of the deck faster.
If you’re using a semi-transparent or transparent stain, try to choose a lighter color to minimize heat absorption. A dark stain will retain heat and could make it uncomfortable to walk on your deck when it’s hot outside. If you’re using a solid or opaque stain, be sure to consider the colors of your home and landscape to ensure that your deck blends in nicely.
Sealing
Wooden decks are a beautiful addition to any home but require vigilant maintenance. They are exposed to harsh elements such as sun, wind and water that damage the wood and create an ideal environment for mildew growth and rot. This is why it is essential to protect them with a quality deck stain or sealer.
The first step to protecting your deck is to wash it thoroughly using a power washer with a wide-angle nozzle. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the distance the nozzle should be from the surface.
After rinsing the deck, it is important to allow it to dry completely. Then, sand any raised areas to smooth them out. If you see any obvious damage such as rotting boards, it is time to replace them.
Once the deck is clean and dry, it is ready to be sealed. Before you begin, you should test the deck for readiness by pouring a cup of water over the surface. If the water is absorbed within 10 minutes, the deck is ready to be refinished. If the water beads on the surface, it is not ready for refinishing.
There are a number of ways to apply deck stains and sealers including spraying, brushing and rolling. You can find these products at your local hardware store and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on application. For best results, it is usually best to work in small sections and apply multiple coats allowing the wood to dry between each coat.
Before staining, you should also consider the type of stain or sealer you want to use. There are two basic types — clear and pigmented. Both offer some UV (sunlight) protection but clear sealers tend to be less durable than pigmented stains and can peel or flake more easily. While water-based stains and sealers are easier to use, oil-based coatings will last longer but are more difficult to apply. Either way, it is important to reseal on a regular basis to ensure that your deck remains safe and attractive for years to come. A reseal is an inexpensive way to prolong the life of your deck and prevent expensive replacement costs.
