A new deck is a big expense whether you build it yourself or have it built. You will want to take care of the deck to keep it looking new and as beautiful as the day it was completed. If your deck is showing signs of grime, wear and tear, it may be time to get it cleaned and re-stained.
To check to see if the deck needs to have stain applied, pour some water on an area of the deck. If water beads up, the deck’s stain is still in good shape. If the water does not bead up, it is time to go get some stain and reapply it. This will generally be every three to four years, but local climate has much to do with how often your deck needs maintenance.
- Take all items from the deck, such as furniture and children’s toys. Cover any shrubs or planting beds near the deck with tarps.
- Locate and fix any damaged areas of the deck, such as loose boards. Sand away any rough spots on the boards with 80-grit sandpaper.
- Sweep the deck clean of any debris.
- Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s installation directions for the stain and wood stripper you have chosen to use.
- Apply the wood stripper to the deck with a long-handled scrub brush. Wait 15 minutes and rinse off the deck with water.
- Fill a spray applicator with wood enhancer and apply it to the deck. Gently scrub the deck with a brush.
- Wash the deck off again completely with the hose on its highest setting. You may need to do more than one washing.
- Wait at least 48 hours after the cleaning process before you start the staining process.
- Apply the first layer of stain with a long-handled roller, moving over a square foot of space at a time. Use a brush to apply stain into the crevices of the railing. After the first coat has dried, apply a second coat of stain, just make sure to apply after the first coat is completely dry. After the stain has dried completely, place your deck furniture back on the deck and begin to enjoy outside living again.
