Refinish deck
Every year on May the 22nd
Maintenance of your deck, and any other wood exposed to the elements, is important to ensure rot does not take over. A good deck stain can help repel water and keep things looking great.
Things You'll Need
- Deck Cleaner
- Soft bristle brush (preferably with long handle)
- Sander (optional)
- Deck Stain
- Painter's tape
- Pressure Washer (optional)
- A paint sprayer or paint brush and paint pad applicator
- Old rags to wipe excess
Time Involved
3-4 hours, plus 24 hours to dry after washing and another 24 hours for the stain to dry
What You Need to Do
- Check the weather and make sure there is no rain for the next 48 hours.
- Remove everything from the deck.
- Sweep the deck thoroughly.
- If there are any rough spots that need to be sanded, now is the time to do it.
- Apply the deck cleaner and use the brush on any areas where there is a large amount of mildew, grime, or dirt.
- Allow the deck cleaner to sit for the length of time specified in the instructions.
- Rinse the deck with a hose, or with a power washer. If using a power washer, utilize the widest fan and low pressure so you don't damage the wood.
- Allow the deck to completely dry (24 hours).
- Sweep the deck to remove anything accumulated overnight.
- Apply painter's tape to anything abutting the deck that you want to protect.
- Apply the stain.
- If using a paint sprayer, spray all the surfaces (rails, deck, etc).
- If using a paint brush and pad, use the brush for the rails and any areas the pad can't reach and the pad for all the flat surfaces.
- Let the stain sit per the instructions (usually 15-30 minutes depending on how dark you want it).
- Wipe any excess stain off with the rags.
- Let the stain dry for 24 hours.
- Remove any painter's tape, move all your things back on the deck, and enjoy!
- Mark this task complete.