How to Refinish an Old Deck

The hedge looks great and the flower beds have never looked so manicured, but something is still bringing your home's curb appeal down. You can't quite put your finger on it until you pass a home with a newly installed deck and then you realize what's wrong.

That deck you built is looking run down and dirty. Fortunately, if you used the right wood you won't need to rebuild it. Just follow a few tips for refinishing and everyone will be asking when you got your new deck.

Things You'll Need

• Pressure washer
• Stain
• Deck cleanser or oxalic acid
• Paint brushes--roller and hand
• Rags--cotton

Instructions

1. Clean the deck. Begin by giving the deck a thorough cleaning. You can use your garden hose, but I suggest renting or borrowing a pressure washer. Wash the deck with an over-the-counter deck cleanser or oxalic acid purchasable at most home improvement stores. Use the pressure washer on a low setting to avoid splintering the wood.

2. Let the wood dry. After washing all grime and dirt from the deck, let it dry completely. Check to see if the deck is weathered or damaged. If necessary, repeat Step 1 until the dirt is completely gone.

3. Replace any broken or damaged boards. Try to match the color and wood grain as closely as possible. Keep in mind you will be adding stain, so it doesn't have to be a perfect match.

4. Select a stain color. You will want to choose a color that goes well with the wood grain and matches the house or surroundings. Home improvement stores can provide samples to take home and compare, but a good rule of thumb is that tinted stains will enhance the wood's natural color and semitransparent stains will create a darker more dramatic appearance. Select a stain that contains a sealer to eliminate the need for adding sealant later.

5. Apply the stain. After the wood is clean and stripped it's ready to take the stain. You should use a roller for floor surfaces to ensure an even covering. Use paint brushes or cotton rags for railings and accents.

6. Allow the stain to dry completely and take note of any light areas or mistakes. If necessary, apply a second coat of stain.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use a sprayer to apply stain, it will leave the stain uneven and cause splattering. Selecting a one-coat stain that contains primer, stain, and sealant will give the best results.