How to Make Your Deck Look Brand New Again

Backyard Deck

Is your deck showing its age? After several years of use, a deck will lose its shine and color. This requires a bit of work to refinish but the results will be so worth it! Your deck will look brand new when the job is finished.

Things You'll Need

• Pressure Washer
• Stain
• Rollers
• Wood cleaner
• Brushes
• Deck Pad with long handle
• Tray for holding stain
• Old towel or paper towels for cleaning hands.

Instructions

1. 

   Cleaning--

   You will want to start by sweeping the deck to remove all dirt and small particles.

2. Next you will get out the wood cleaner. Armstrong Clark makes a good product and it works very well. This will remove all of the old stain.

3. To completely remove all the old stain from the woodwork, you may need to also use a pressure washer.

4. Let the deck dry for at least 48 hours before starting to apply stain.

5. 

   Staining the Deck-

   You are now ready to start applying the wood stain. Use your brushes for any posts and a roller or pad with long handle for the floor of your deck. This will keep your application even and looking nice and professional. Using the roller and/or pad with long handle will make the job go faster and relieve an aching back.

6. When project is complete, you will need to let the stain dry again for at least 48 hours before using it or walking on it.

Tips & Warnings

• An oil based stain will also be more water resistant and has a longer life over other types of stains. It also only requires one coat on most woods instead of multiple coats.

• Be sure to let the deck dry completely after washing and again after you apply the stain. Jumping the gun and walking on the deck too soon could mean starting the whole project over again.