Decks provide an excellent opportunity to incorporate custom features and personal touches into the design. Deck restoration is a project that can be a lot of fun! This detailed guide will walk you through the steps of deck restoration, from prep work to finish!
Step 1: Prep work
Before you can set about the job of restoring your deck, you’re going to need to get it ready for some serious work. There are a few things you’ll need to do in order to prepare your deck for restoration. First, remove everything from the surface of your deck—and we mean everything. Any furniture and planters, lighting fixtures, or outdoor electronics should all be taken away to avoid getting damaged during the work. Also, check beneath the surface of the deck and remove any furniture that might be stored underneath as well.
Step 2: Remove splinters, cracks and rotted wood
Next, make certain there is no existing damage to your deck. Take a look at each board and make repairs as needed. If a board is rotten or warped, pull out the old screws and replace them with new ones. Make sure the posts and rails are secure as well. If you’re unsure if something needs replacing, err on the side of caution—it’s easier to replace now than discover it when you’re halfway through your restoration project! When you finish with this step, clean up any debris left behind from repairs before moving on to sanding.
Step 3: Clean your deck
Use a power washer to clean your deck. This will not only remove dirt and grime, but it will also remove any loose paint or stain. If you don’t have a power washer, use the hose with water pressure.
If you have an old deck that has never been cleaned, it’s best to start with a thorough scrubbing with soapy water to remove as much dirt and grime as possible before using the power washer.
If you do not have access to a power washer, try renting one from your local hardware store or home improvement centre. These machines are easy to operate and usually come with instructions that tell you how much pressure is needed to clean different surfaces such as vinyl siding and wood decks.
Step 4: Prime and paint
Deck restoration is a key factor in increasing the value of your home. If you have an older deck that needs some love, there are several things you can do to restore it to its original glory. At the very least, consider power washing it and giving it a fresh coat of paint.
You should apply a primer (to help the paint stick) for maximum durability, followed by the colour “coat.” The paint can be matched to your home’s exterior colour scheme, or you can go with a bolder colour that contrasts with your home’s siding. You may also choose to go with one of the many new stain options on the market today.
Staining is a good option if you want to keep as much of the natural look of your deck as possible. Be sure to choose a stain labelled for outdoor use (and check for any recommended prep strategies before applying).
Step 5: Stain your deck
There are two types of deck stains. The first is a semi-transparent stain that adds colour and allows you to see the wood’s grain pattern, and the second is a solid stain that is designed to cover completely, much like paint. A solid stain is often used for areas like stairs and railings where more protection is needed. For most decks, we recommend using a semi-transparent stain because it will not change the look of your deck too much.
