Restoring a weathered and worn deck can seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach and techniques, you can make your deck look brand new again. A deck restoration project may take some effort and patience, but the results will transform your outdoor living space. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn how to restore your deck to its original beauty.
Evaluate the Condition of the Deck
The first step is to thoroughly examine the current condition of the deck. This will help you identify any problem areas and determine the best restoration methods.
Look for:
- Dry, cracked, warped, or splintered boards. This indicates the wood is deteriorating and will likely need replacing.
- Nails popping up. These pose a safety hazard and the boards will need re-securing.
- Mold, mildew, or algae growth. This needs to be killed and removed prior to refinishing.
- Faded gray color and rough texture. This shows weathering damage to the wood surface.
- Peeling paint or stain. The old finish needs to be stripped for a new coat.
- Loose railings, posts, or hardware. These structural components should be reinforced.
Thoroughly inspect both the deck boards and the substructure like joists and beams. Problem areas like dry rot may require removing boards to access and replace substructure underneath.
Remove All Furniture and Debris
The deck needs to be completely clear of any lawn furniture, planters, rugs, or other items. Move everything off and do a thorough sweep to remove dirt, leaves, and debris that may interfere with restoration.
Kill and Remove Mold, Mildew, and Algae
If there are dark black or green spots, that is likely mold, mildew, or algae growing on the damp, shaded areas. This needs to be killed and removed prior to refinishing.
Wear protective gloves and goggles, then use a stiff brush or pressure washer to scrub the areas with a deck cleaner containing sodium hypochlorite (bleach). Let the cleaner sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
For tough stains, use oxalic acid (also called wood brightener) to help break down and remove the mold and mildew. Multiple treatments may be required.
Once dead, sweep away debris and allow the wood to completely dry for at least 48 hours.
Replace Severely Damaged Boards
Boards that are split, warped, rotted or otherwise structurally unsound need replacement. Use a pry bar to remove damaged planks. Measure and cut replacement boards to size.
For the best match, use the same type of wood as your existing deck. Pressure-treated pine is common. Cedar, redwood, and tropical hardwoods like ipe are also options.
Fasten new boards with exterior-grade screws, spaced 12 inches apart. Make sure board ends rest on joists and seams are tight.
Strengthen the Substructure
Inspect the underlying joists, beams, and support posts. Look for moisture damage, cracks, or corrosion. Areas with compromised structural integrity may need reinforcement or replacement.
Secure any loose hardware like support post anchors or joist hangers. Replace corroded fasteners with new exterior-grade screws.
Consider adding supplemental posts, joist sistering, extra beams, or other reinforcement if the frame feels unstable. Consulting a structural engineer is wise for large decks.
Replace Protruding Nails and Screws
Old popping nails pose a safety hazard and can damage deck refinishing tools. Remove any protruding fasteners. For nails, use a flat pry bar or cat’s claw to pull them out.
Replace nails and screws with new exterior-grade, corrosion-resistant fasteners. Pre-drilling new screw holes avoids cracking boards.
Use a hammer to tap down any raised nail heads flush with the wood surface.
Sand the Deck Thoroughly
For proper adhesion and smoothest results, the entire deck surface needs to be sanded down prior to applying a finish. This also removes grayed, weathered wood fibers.
Rent an orbital floor sander with 60-80 grit sandpaper to sand deck boards. For railings and spindles, use an orbital hand sander. Always sand along the wood grain, not across.
Wear a safety mask as sanding produces fine dust. Avoid sanding on windy days to prevent dust spreading.
Vacuum up dust and debris when done. Wipe sanded boards down with a damp rag to remove residual dust. Allow wood to dry completely before finishing, at least 48 hours.
Apply Wood Filler to Cracks and Holes
Check for any remaining cracks, holes, or depressions in sanded boards. Use a wood filler formulated for exterior use to patch small imperfections for a smooth surface.
Sweep away excess filler with a stiff brush before it dries. Allow patching compounds to dry completely before finishing the wood.
Apply Deck Stain or Paint
Stain vs. Paint – Stains allow more wood grain to show through while paints provide thicker coverage. Transparent stains offer minimal protection for decking while solid color stains protect better. Paint lasts the longest but requires stripping to change colors.
Prep Work – Before applying finish, fill any remaining cracks or holes and remove dust. Cover nearby plants and surfaces for spills. Apply finish on a 50-85°F mild, dry day.
Staining – Use brush, roller, or sprayer for oil-based penetrating or semi-transparent stain. Several coats may be needed, allowing drying in between. Finishing all board surfaces is key.
Painting – Opt for special exterior porch and floor latex paint. Prime first, then do 2 coats with a roller, brushing it out evenly. Buy extra paint for touch ups later.
Allow chosen finish to dry at least 48 hours before light foot traffic. Avoid dragging furniture for 7-10 days.
Replace Hardware and Attachments
Rejuvenating your deck also means replacing corroded nails, screws, brackets, lights and any functional hardware. Use weather-resistant materials to avoid premature rusting and degradation.
Inspect railings, spindles and posts for stability. Reinforce loose attachments and replace compromised members for safety and security against deterioration.
Make It Look New Again
With all these restoration steps complete, your formerly weathered deck will look fresh, stable and ready to enjoy. Maintain that like-new deck by:
- Cleaning frequently to remove pollen, debris, dirt. Use a pressure washer and deck cleaner at least twice per year.
- Re-applying protective stain or paint every 1-4 years depending on product used.
- Keeping wood nourished with sealers. Consider re-sealing annually.
- Inspecting for any new wear, splinters, stains annually. Make repairs promptly to avoid bigger problems.
- Allowing the wood to dry after rains before sealing again or using the deck.
With the proper care, your deck will maintain that freshly restored beauty for many years to come. Follow these restoration techniques and tips for reviving your weathered deck back to looking new again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deck Restoration
Restoring your deck is a big project that probably raises many questions. Here are some of the most common FAQs about the process:
How long does it take to restore a deck?
The timeframe depends on the size of your deck and condition. Allow 1-4 days for an average backyard deck. Larger or more damaged decks may take a week or longer.
Does it need to be stained/sealed again after powerwashing?
Yes, powerwashing strips the old finish so new stain or sealant will be necessary after cleaning. The wood needs 2-3 days to fully dry before applying.
Should I use bleach to clean my deck?
Yes, bleach-based deck cleaners help remove mold, mildew, algae. Apply it after powerwashing then rinse thoroughly. Don’t use straight household bleach; purchase a specialist outdoor wood cleaner.
Should I paint or stain my deck?
It depends on your goals. Stains allow more natural wood grain to show but need reapplying often. Paint lasts many years but fully covers the wood. Consider traffic, exposure, budget and color preference when deciding.
How long does new deck stain last?
On average, expect 1-4 years from quality oil-based stains, depending on usage, sun exposure and brand. More frequent maintenance may be needed in harsher climates.
Should I replace all the deck boards?
Replacing only the damaged, warped or rotting boards is best to save money. Refinishing and sealing all boards makes the new and old blend together while restoring stability.
What is the best wood to build a new deck?
Pressure-treated pine is a popular choice that’s affordable and durable. Cedar and redwood also withstand weather well but cost more. Ipe and other hardwoods last decades but require pre-drilling and care when refinishing.
How much does it cost to restore versus replace a deck?
For minor repairs, restoration costs $8-15 per square foot. Full resurfacing may be $15-25 per square foot. Replacement costs $15-40 per square foot. Evaluate the extent of your deck’s issues when deciding.
Conclusion
Restoring your weathered deck back to looking new is very satisfying and adds beauty to your outdoor living space. While it takes some work, the right methods make it a doable DIY project. Proper restoration also protects your deck investment against rapid deterioration. Just be sure to address any structural issues promptly and use quality products for long-lasting results. Maintain your deck regularly after restoration to retain its renewed charm for many years of stylish outdoor enjoyment.