How To Refinish Porches And Decks
Refinishing your wood deck, porch, or patio is an easy way to improve your home. It could even add value to its worth. Today, we want to give you a basic understanding of what it takes to transform a weathered deck into something brand new!
1. Prepare And Clean
First off, you will need to clean your deck or porch in preparation for your project. Your primary focus should be getting rid of mold, mildew, dirt, and grime. A low-powered pressure washer will work, but it’s not necessary. Instead, a stiff-bristled brush will do the trick. Just be sure you don’t scratch the wood. Once you’ve cleaned your deck, you’re ready to start thinking about the stain.
2. Sand
Next, you will need to sand the surface of the wood on the deck or porch. Sanding the wood will help your new stain and sealant be adequately absorbed. You will want to lightly sand the wood with an orbital hand-sander using 80- grit paper. Once finished, sweep or vacuum up the dust before adding any stain. Skipping a proper clean-up will only give you a headache later.
3. Stain
The last step is to add your new stain. It is important to know if your new stain has a sealant already mixed in. Most modern outdoor stains do. We recommend applying a second coat of stain, especially if the wood is extra absorbent. Be sure to think ahead and begin adding the stain in an area where you can work your way to the outside of the deck from where you start.
Looking for help?
Restoring a porch or deck can be a fun weekend project. However, things can quickly get out of hand and become overwhelming. In this case, it could be a good idea to ask for help before investing more time, money, and energy into a project than it’s worth. If you have any questions about refinishing a deck or porch, we would love to help you at any stage of your project!