Decks get a lot of abuse from the sun and the rain. Proactive maintenance keeps them from deteriorating and protects homeowners from potential safety hazards.
Often the first step is to sweep the deck and remove furniture, planters, rugs, and grills. Check the wood for moisture or rot, and note areas of concern. Talk with Deck Repair Columbia MO expert for consultation.
Inspect The Deck
If you’re thinking of refinishing your deck, it’s important to do a thorough inspection first. Decks are complex structures that include concrete footings, wood posts, and joists to create a supportive frame. They also have a variety of attachments and fastening systems. A deck’s structural integrity is dependent on the condition of these components, so it’s critical to check for rot, cracks, warping, and other damage before beginning.
Start by removing all the furniture, planters, rugs, and grills from the deck and sweep it clean. This will reveal any areas where moisture and decay are accumulating. If a rotting spot is discovered, replace the damaged area with quality wood to ensure the rest of the deck structure stays intact.
It’s also a good idea to stand or crawl under the deck to inspect the joists and ledger board (if your deck is attached to your house). This is where leaks often occur, which can lead to mold growth and rot in other parts of the home. Check that the joists are pressure-treated wood, no more than 16” apart, and securely attached to the ledger board using joist hangers.
Then, examine each post to make sure it’s firmly attached to the concrete pier at the base and the deck framing at the top. You should also check that the beams are firmly attached to the posts. Look for signs of water damage, like a green tint or soft, spongy wood. It’s also important to examine the stairs for safety issues. If the steps are not properly sized or have a loose appearance, they may be unstable and hazardous to use.
Inspect the railings and handrails for stability and signs of rust or corrosion. Stairs are especially susceptible to dangerous accidents if they’re not inspected regularly. Check the height and width of each stair stringer, as well as the treads and risers. Look for splinters and rusting metal attachments.
If you see any significant cracks in the joists or beams or any other signs of structural shifts or movement, it’s time to call a professional. This is serious business and should be done as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the home.
Repair Damaged Areas
Before beginning the restoration process, it’s important to inspect the entire deck for signs of damage or deterioration. Boards and railings that are significantly cracked, split, or warped can cause injuries if they fall or break and should be removed and replaced with new ones. Look for splinters and other signs of wear and tear in the deck surface and stairs, as well as hardware that is loose or missing altogether.
Moisture is one of the most common causes of deck damage, and it can lead to rotting, mold growth, and mildew if not addressed promptly. Insufficient drainage, clogged gutters, and loose flashing can also contribute to moisture problems, which may require structural repairs down the line. Look for green specks in the deck boards, which indicate a buildup of organic material that has absorbed water and caused the wood to swell. These stains can usually be removed with a deck cleaner, a brightener, and a stiff scrub brush.
Loose ledger boards, which attach the deck to the home, can be a serious safety issue. If the wood becomes too soft, it can sag or even collapse, creating a dangerous pathway to your door. You can often find a loose ledger board by feeling for movement underfoot or looking for dirt or dust near the deck’s edge.
Inspect the ledger board to make sure it’s securely attached, and use a screwdriver to check for signs of structural movement in the joists or footers. Any major shifts in the structure will require extensive repairs or replacement to be safe.
Deck boards and support beams that are rotted, dry, or damaged should be removed and replaced. You can avoid costly repairs in the future by removing any rotted boards and replacing them with new ones that match the existing style and dimensions of the deck.
Before staining, you’ll need to remove any furniture or plants from the deck and cover them with plastic or tarps. Stain and sealer can damage leaves, flowers, and other foliage that are near the deck. Taking the time to cover them protects them from exposure to harsh chemicals and prevents stray drops of stain from damaging them.
Sand The Deck
When your deck is ready for refinishing, it will need to be thoroughly sanded. First, you should wash the surface of your deck with a power washer to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated over the years. After the washing, you should sand the entire deck using a hand-held sander or rent a floor sanding machine to make sure it is smooth and ready for staining. Be sure to wear a mask during this process as the sanding creates a lot of dust. You will also need to sand the railing, balusters, and any stairs on your deck.
The type of wood and the grit of sandpaper used will determine how much sanding is needed. Typically, cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine are used for decking, as they are softer than most other types of wood and will sand quickly. However, it is important not to sand the deck to a glass-smooth finish, as this will close the pores in the wood and prevent it from sealing properly. Use 60- to 80-grit sandpaper when sanding the decking boards, and be sure to pay special attention to corners and crevices.
After sanding, the deck should be vacuumed using a shop vac and wiped down with a damp cloth to remove any remaining sanding dust. The deck should then be allowed to dry completely before refinishing it. If any boards or support beams are severely damaged or rotted, they should be removed and replaced as soon as possible before being refinished.
Before you apply a new stain, it is important to test the color to make sure it is what you want. To do this, pour a capful of water on various surface areas of the deck (high traffic and low traffic, shady and sunny, exposed and covered) to see how well it soaks in. If the water beads up, then you will need to sand that area again and use a finer grit of sandpaper. If the water absorbs well, then you can begin the staining process. Be sure to tarp plants and bushes, or move them away from the deck, to protect them from accidental stain over spray.
Apply A New Finish
Once the deck is clean, it’s time to stain. The type of stain you choose depends on your preference. Do you want a semi-transparent or solid color? Are you going for a natural wood grain look or more of a block color? You can test out different colors by applying a small amount to an inconspicuous area. You can also use a sample board to see how it looks and read the product label or Technical Data Sheet for proper application.
When applying a new stain it is important to follow the wood grain and use a natural bristle brush. It’s best to work 2-3 boards at a time so you can keep an eye on how the stain is drying. You can also add a back-brushing technique to help the stain soak into the wood.
Always apply a small amount of the stain to an inconspicuous area first to make sure you like it. Then, once you’ve got your desired color, be sure to wear a mask and follow all the safety precautions on the label. Protect the surrounding areas of your home and plants with canvas drop cloths to minimize overspray.
Depending on your deck’s condition you may need to strip the old finish before you apply a new coat. Whether you’re using a power sander or chemical stripper, this is an important step in your deck restoration project. It removes the old coatings, smoothes out rough spots, and helps the new finish adhere to the wood.
Before you begin a staining project on your deck, sweep it to get rid of any dirt and debris. This is also a good time to inspect the wood for popped nails and areas that may need repair. Poking a screwdriver into the wood can help you identify any areas of decay.
If you have pets or children be sure to put down tarps around your deck before you start the washing and staining process. If they walk on the wet cleaner or stain they could get it in their paws and make them sick.