How to Refinish a Wood Deck - Kitchen Cabinets

Refinishing a wood deck can completely transform the look and feel of your outdoor living space. When done properly, refinishing protects the wood, seals out moisture, and restores the rich, natural color of the deck boards. With some time and effort, you can refinish your deck yourself and save money compared to hiring a professional. This detailed guide will walk you through all the steps involved in refinishing a wood deck.

Assessing the Condition of the Deck

Before starting a refinishing project, carefully inspect each deck board to determine what kind of shape it’s in. Look for:

Rot or structural damage: Any boards that are rotted or structurally unsound will need to be replaced before refinishing. Use a screwdriver to check for soft, punky areas.
Warping or cupping: Slightly warped or cupped boards can be sanded flat during surface preparation. Severely warped boards may need replacement.
Splits or cracks: Small cracks and splits can be filled during the refinishing process, but large splits may require board replacement.
Existing finish: Is the existing finish peeling, flaking or worn away in areas? If so, all of the old finish will need to be stripped off prior to refinishing.
Wood type: Softwoods like pine are easier to refinish than hardwoods like ipe or redwood. The condition of the wood affects the tools and techniques required.
Decking pattern: Pay attention to the board direction pattern (diagonal, square, etc) so it can be replicated when replacing any boards.
Hardware: Make note of any railings, benches, pergola posts or other hardware attached to the decking that will need to be removed and reattached later.

Gather Your Materials

Refinishing a deck is an intensive process. Be sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand before starting. Essential materials include:

Paint stripper or wood cleaner: To remove existing finishes from the wood.
Pressure washer: To thoroughly clean and brighten the wood after stripping. You can rent these.
Sanders: Both a belt sander (for large areas) and an orbital sander (for detail work) will be needed.
Sandpaper: An assortment of grits from 60-grit up to 220-grit.
Paintbrush and paint roller: For applying deck finish products.
Deck finish products: Typically oil-based sealers and stains. Always check the manufacturer’s recommended application tools.
Paint tray, rags, masking tape: For tasks like edge painting.
Replacement boards: For any decking planks that are too damaged to refinish.
Exterior wood filler: For repairing small cracks, splits, and holes.
Fasteners: New screws or nails to re-secure any replacement boards. Stainless steel or coated fasteners are best for outdoor use.

Prepare the Deck Surface

Proper surface preparation is crucial for getting great results from refinishing. Follow these steps:

Remove Existing Finish

If the existing finish is peeling, flaking or uneven, it all needs to be completely removed:

Use a paint stripper: Apply a heavy coat according to the manufacturer’s directions. The chemicals will soften the existing finish.
Scrape away the residue: Use a stiff putty knife or paint scraper to remove the softened finish. Wear protective gloves, eyewear and clothing.
Use a power washer: Set the washer to high pressure and spray off any remaining residue. Let the deck fully dry for several days afterwards.

Sanding can also be effective for removing finishes, but tends to take much longer.

Replace Any Damaged Deck Boards

Remove hardware like railing posts first for easy access.
Pull out the damaged planks by removing the nails/screws.
Cut replacement boards to the same length if possible.
Secure new boards with proper fasteners in the original pattern.
Drill pilot holes to prevent splitting. Sink screw heads flush with the wood.

Sand the Entire Deck

For the refinished deck to have an even, uniform appearance, every inch of the surface needs to be sanded smooth.

Use a belt sander for large, open areas. Work parallel to the wood grain.
Use an orbital sander in between deck boards and on stair treads.
Begin with a coarse 60-80 grit to remove significant wood fibers.
Progress through finer grits like 100, 120, 150. Always sand perpendicular to the previous grit’s scratches.
Finish with 180 or 220-grit for a smooth-as-glass surface.
Sweep away all sanding dust between rounds.
Sand deck railings by hand with a sanding block.

Make Any Necessary Repairs

Check for any small cracks, holes, splits or indentations in need of filling:

Use an exterior wood filler formulated for decks.
Press filler into cracks with a putty knife. Sand smooth after drying.
For holes, overfill slightly with filler. Then sand flush after drying.
Carefully sand out any splintered areas.

Clean the Deck

After sanding, cleaning the deck again is critical:

Use a power washer set to high pressure. This removes all sanding dust.
Pay special attention to hidden corners and between boards.
Let the deck dry for several days before sealing. Moisture will inhibit finish absorption.
For tight areas, wipe the deck down with a rag soaked in a deck cleaning solution.

The deck surface should now be bright, refreshed and ready for sealing.

Applying Deck Finish Products

Sealing the wood properly is what protects the deck boards from moisture and prevents future deterioration. Here are tips for flawless results:

Choose Your Finish

Deck finishes typically come in either oils or water-based formulas:

Oil-based products like Penofin penetrate deeper and last longer. Most are tinted to add color. Oil-based finishes need about 2-4 hours drying time between coats.
Water-based products dry faster but don’t penetrate as deeply. They are low odor and easier clean up. Allow 1-2 hours between coats.

Consider factors like durability, color and application requirements when selecting a finish. Consult with store pros about the best options for your particular wood type.

Determine Number of Coats

For a light restoration of an existing deck, 1-2 coats are often sufficient. This will revive color and provide protection.
For a full refinish down to bare wood, 3-4 coats is ideal. Multiple layers of finish are necessary to achieve a protective film on the wood.
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for number of coats for their specific product.

Prep for Stain Application

Proper prep makes sure the finish adheres well and provides maximum protection:

Mask off any walls or surfaces not being refinished with painters tape and plastic sheeting.
Remove all dirt, leaves and debris from the deck using a broom and leaf blower.
Lightly sand to prepare the surface using 150-grit paper. Sweep away dust.
Only apply finishes in dry weather when no rain is forecasted for the next 2-3 days.
Stir stain containers thoroughly before and periodically during use.

Apply Finish Coats

Carefully follow the steps below when applying the finish:

Roller method: Use a long nap roller (1/2″ or longer) designed for decks. Work in 4×4 foot sections. Maintain a wet edge and work quickly to avoid lap marks.
Brush method: Use a high quality natural bristle brush. Maintain a wet edge as you work. Brushing allows you to work finish into all grooves and angles.
Apply finishes in the direction of the wood grain.
Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next.
Lightly sand between coats using 220-grit paper to remove any dust nibs.
Add anti-skid texture using an additive if desired. Broadcast over the final coat.
Read the product directions carefully and follow any specific application instructions.
Apply finishes when air and surface temperatures are above 50°F. Avoid application in direct sun or wind.

Proper tools, adequate coats, and care during application will yield professional looking results.

Refinishing Deck Railings and Steps

Deck railings and steps require some special attention during the refinishing process. Here are tips for these areas:

Deck Railings

Remove railing caps and skirts first to allow sanding access to spindles and balusters. Number pieces to ensure proper reassembly.
Detail sand spindles by hand using a sanding block and a coarser grit like 80 to remove previous finishes down to bare wood.
Use a small trim roller or artist’s brush to apply finishes to thin rail pieces. Roll or brush in the direction of the grain.
Use painters tape and plastic to isolate railings during finish application. Remove immediately after coating.
Allow more drying time between coats on railings, as they don’t get as much direct sun.

Stair Stringers and Risers

Use a belt sander with 60-80 grit to remove old finish from treads and risers. Hand sand detail areas.
Apply a quality exterior wood filler to cracks, nail holes and defects. Sand smooth when dry.
Maintain a wet edge while applying finishes to avoid lap marks on long stair runs.
Brush the finish to completely penetrate the end grain on tread boards.
Wipe up any drips immediately using a rag and mineral spirits.

With attention to detail on railings and stairs, they can look just as fresh as the main deck boards.

Cleaning and Sealing the Deck Each Year

To maximize your investment of time and money into refinishing your wood deck, proper maintenance is essential in the years after the project:

Perform Regular Cleaning

Sweep leaves, pollen and other debris off the deck often to prevent buildup. Use a leaf blower to make quick work of this task.
Occasionally wash the deck down with a wood deck cleaning solution using a sprayer on a garden hose. This keeps the wood bright.
Alternate scrubbing the deck surface with a bristle broom and rinsing with clean water. Allow the deck to fully dry afterward.
Pay extra attention to the horizontal surfaces of railings, benches, ledges, etc where grime accumulates.

Reseal the Wood Every 1-2 Years

How often you need to reapply finishes depends on wear and exposure levels. Anywhere from yearly to once every 2-4 years is typical.
Prepare surface as if doing a full refinish. That includes pressure washing, light sanding, and cleaning.
Apply 1-2 coats of the original finish formula used on the deck. This maintains color uniformity.
Amaintenance coat of finish helps preserve the deck wood and prevent moisture damage.

Proper cleaning and resealing will keep your wood deck looking like new year after year. Invest a little time each season to maintain your investment.

FAQs About Refinishing a Wood Deck

What is the best time of year to refinish a deck?

The ideal time is late spring, summer or early fall when temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the weather is dry. Avoid refinishing in high humidity.

Should I use oil-based or water-based deck finishes?

Oil-based finishes offer better penetration and protection for wood decking. Water-based finishes are lower odor and easier cleanup but less durable.

How long does it take for deck finishes to fully cure?

Most deck finishes cure in 5-7 days under ideal conditions. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity can extend cure times. Avoid heavy traffic on the deck during curing.

What causes black spots to form on refinished decks?

Black spots are caused by mold or mildew that starts growing on areas of the deck finish that did not fully cure. Ensure proper drying times between coats.

How often does a wood deck need to be refinished?

On average, refinishing a wood deck is recommended every 2-4 years. More frequent refinishing may be needed in harsh climates. Annual cleaning and resealing helps maximize the time between refinishing.

Can you apply new deck finish over old?

It is not advisable to apply new finishes over old.Old finishes should be completely stripped prior to applying fresh coats. This ensures proper adhesion and uniform appearance.

How long does a refinished wood deck last?

When maintained properly, a wood deck can last 20-30 years or longer. Refinishing protects the wood and extends its lifespan significantly compared to unfinished decks.

Conclusion

Refinishing a wood deck is a involved process but well worth the effort. Follow the steps here to strip old finishes, sand thoroughly, repair any damage, apply quality stains and sealers, and care for your deck afterwards. With some elbow grease and attention to detail, you can completely restore the beauty of your wood decking. Just be sure to budget ample time for each phase and not cut corners. Your refinished deck will look amazing and provide many more years of outdoor living enjoyment. Maintain it properly each year and it will retain that like-new appearance season after season.