Whether you are cooking out or lounging by the pool, your deck must be in good condition for optimal entertaining and enjoyment. If the wood looks dingy and dirty, it does not mean you need to replace it. The repair can be simple! With some elbow grease, appropriate maintenance, and fresh stain, your deck can look good as new in no time.
Our experts explain how you can achieve this revamp to give your deck a facelift and ensure it remains in good condition for years to come.
Inspect your Deck
When you begin your inspection, look for signs of dry rot.
What is Dry Rot?
Dry rot is a fungus that forms in moist wood, often found in shaded areas. If not treated, the fungus will spread, eventually causing irrevocable structural damage.
How Do I Look For Dry Rot?
Using a tool such as a screwdriver, lightly poke the wood. If the screwdriver punctures the wood easily or if it feels similar to cardboard, there may be dry rot. Badly damaged boards will require replacement. If damage is minimal, you can chip away the affected wood and treat it with a fungicide.
Clean your Deck
After the dry rot has been taken care of, the surface of the wood needs a deep cleaning.
How Do I Clean My Deck?
Power washing your deck will disrupt the fragile fibers of the wood. The high pressured water can cause your wood to splinter and become potentially harmful for you and your family. Instead, use a wood cleaner that will soak into the wood and clean away algae, mildew, and dirt. Once the cleaner has soaked into the wood, scrub the deck to dislodge the dirt and grime. Next, use a water hose to wash off those dirty suds!
Stain your Deck
Once the deck has dried completely, apply a stain or sealant. Before doing so, make sure it is a clear day with no chance of rain.
What Stain Is the Best for My Deck?
Knowing what type of wood you are working with will help when choosing the right stain. Often, the best choice is a waterborne stain that penetrates the wood. Apply the color using a brush to allow the material to soak into the wood.
The best choice for sealants is “pigmented” sealants. The pigments absorb UV rays and will diminish the chance of discoloration prone to wood decks.
At ALLBRiGHT PAINTING, our team of experienced professionals will re-vamp your deck this season to prepare it for foot traffic for years to come! Give us a call!