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Home Maintenance Series: Deck Refinishing

A new wood deck is a useful addition to your home, which gives a warm, beautiful connection with the outdoors, adding to a home’s asset and setting the stage for a world of outdoor activities. Unfortunately decks take a lot of abuse from continued exposure from frequent drastic changes of our weather, making its beauty to be some-what short lived.

Refinishing a deck is needed to restore its beauty and function. It will also protect your investment. If you see development of cracks and checks, raised grains, and growth of mildew on your deck, refinishing is recommended.

The path to restoring a deck’s great looks is usually simple, regardless of the kind of wood used for its construction. Start with a structural examination. Check for exposed nail- and screw heads and loose deck boards, steps, railings and benches.

Next is cleaning your deck. Decks require to be cleaned before they are resealed. A utility hand brush will help you reach the tight spots. Surface debris that clogs the spaces between deck boards must be removed. Blast out the debris, using a high pressure sprayer. If a deck is very rough and requires a lot of work, sanding is suggested prior to washing. One can also use a chemical stripper to remove old stain. It is recommended for those areas where old stain adheres tightly.

Allow ample time for the deck to dry before applying the finish. Finishes come in clear, tinted, semitransparent, and solid colors. Your choice depends on the most wanted longevity and overall look desired.

The most popular techniques for applying a deck stain are with a brush, paint roller, a paint pad and spraying. A paint roller can make your work staining a deck, especially if an extension handle is attached. While paint brushes can also be used, they are not efficient for large surfaces. Sprayers are excellent for applying stain too. This tool will let you to coat large areas quickly and uniformly.

It is important to read product label for directions. Don’t overlook to treat in between the boards as well. Allow the sealant to dry up completely and then apply a second coat. Refinishing your deck every year or two lessen cracks and splinters, keeping the surface of the wood gorgeous.