How to Strip a Deck

Once spring and summer arrive you want to start getting outside and enjoying the good weather and entertaining family and friends on your deck. However, if your deck is starting to show its age and you’re a little embarrassed by its appearance--as long as it’s in good structural condition you can probably bring it back to close to its original beauty--and it’s not as big a job as you might think. Just break the project into two steps: First strip off the old deck finish and then refinish it with fresh new stain. Here’s how to go about stripping your deck to get it ready for refinishing.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Deck stripper (available at paint or home stores)
• Paint rollers and brushes
• Extension poles for the rollers
• Drop cloths
• Hose and stable broom
• Power washer
• Splash goggles
• Rubber gloves

1. Measure your deck and calculate its size in square feet. You’ll need this number to determine how much deck stripper you’re going to need. When you go to buy the stripper, read the bottle's label to determine the amount you need (each product is different).

2. Clear away all furniture, planters, umbrellas and anything else that’s normally on your deck. You want to give yourself a clear, unobstructed space to work.

3. Using your hose and stable broom, wash down and clean the deck surface with clean water.

4. Spread drop cloths around the edges to protect any plants or grass growing close by. Use cloth (not clear plastic) for this job because plastic would act like a greenhouse and the heat trapped underneath could burn or even kill your plants and grass.

5. Using a paint roller apply deck stripper to your entire deck. Follow the directions on the bottle and let it remain on the deck surface only as long as they recommend.

6. When it’s time to remove the deck stripper, use your power washer to clean off the old finish. Be sure to hold the nozzle at least 15 inches away from the deck surface and work along or with the grain, not across the grain or you’ll damage surface wood fibers. Some sections may need a second application of deck stripper, if so, repeat the entire process on those areas.

7. Once the old finish has been stripped, leave the deck to dry for at least a couple of days before moving on to applying your new deck finish (see my related eHow article on how to refinish a deck).

Tips & Warnings

• When you’re stripping your deck, try to work when the deck isn’t in direct sun. The heat from the sun can dry the stripper before it has enough time to do its work.
• If you don’t have a power washer, you can rent one at tool rental outlets or most home stores.
• Look for water-based deck stripper that isn’t harmful to plants or the environment.
• Protect yourself from the deck stripper by wearing splash goggles, rubber gloves and rubber boots.
• Even if the bottle says the stripper won’t harm plants, it’s still a good idea to cover them with drop cloths when stripping the deck finish.
• Don’t leave the drop cloths covering your plants any longer than it takes to actually strip your deck.