Easy Deck Refinishing Tips



Refinishing a redwood or cedar deck is a fantastic way to add interest, enjoyment, and value to any home. Depending on where you live, though, every few years, you will be looking at a wood deck refinishing project. It is not that hard to do yourself, and wood deck refinishing should not take more than a few days, especially if you have a helper available.

Cedar and redwood are popular choices for decking because of their beauty, and their natural resistance to pests like termites. However even the best redwood or cedar deck is not immune to the effects of weathering, and needs resurfacing every few years. In some climates, you may even find yourself refinishing your wooden deck every year. Fortunately, cedar deck refinishing and redwood deck refinishing differ very little in the process, and neither wood requires using a stain.

The first step in your wooden deck refinishing project is making sure that your deck is clean. The easiest way to do that is with a high-powered garden hose to remove dirt and debris from the deck. An even better alternative is to use a pressure washer, which in many cases will also remove much of the old stain coat, and minimize the need for sanding.

Next, you'll need to sand your deck, after it has dried from washing. Personally, I recommend renting a floor sander to get the job done quickly and efficiently, but you can also do it by hand, using a power sander, or even an old-fashioned sanding block and elbow grease. However, for the best results when resurfacing your wooden deck, I strongly recommend the floor sander method.

When your deck is sanded to your liking, use a leaf blower or broom to remove all excess grit and dust from the surface. I also wash it down again with the garden hose or pressure washer at this point, and let it dry thoroughly. Depending on how humid your climate is, you may want to let the deck dry for several days or more before applying a finish. The last thing you want is to seal moisture into your newly refinished wood deck!

Then, if you are restaining your deck, you may need to apply a primer. Whether or not you will need to do so depends on the stain you are using - consult manufacturer directions at this point. Most modern products combine a sealer with a stain, so you can actually accomplish both in one application. Some manufacturers suggest a second coat, but many actually advise against applying more than one coat per season.

In either case, apply the stain or sealer evenly, in the direction of the grain. Depending on the product you are using, you may need to apply it with a paint brush, or even a soft cloth. I prefer the products that allow for application with an aerosol sprayer, which is quick and efficient, but takes a little getting used to in order to be able to apply stain evenly.

If you did not use a combined stain and sealer, the final step in cedar deck refinishing and redwood deck refinishing is to apply a sealant product. Choose one that is waterproof and weatherproof (most are!) for the best results. Consult product instructions as to whether you will need more than one coat.

You will be amazed at the difference in your restored and resurfaced deck, following these easy deck refinishing tips! Wood deck refinishing will add to your enjoyment of your redwood deck or cedar deck.

Technorati Tags: ,
,