subject: Refinishing Wood Decks [print this page] Wood decks are a beautiful and a popular addition to many homes today. However, for them to remain beautiful and durable requires maintenance. If you've had someone that specializes in wood decks build or install your deck, maintenance may be part of the warranty. However, if you've built your own deck, as so many homeowners do today, maintenance and refinishing will be your responsibility. Refinishing wood decks isn't has hard as you may think but it must be done properly to ensure the durability of your deck.
The first part of the process involves a thorough cleaning to make sure mold, mildew or any other imperfections are removed from the wood. You don't want to sand the wood until it's cleaned or you'll just be grinding the imperfections deeper in the wood. The only time you may consider sanding wood decks prior to cleaning is if they're in real rough shape and you'll be sanding the dirt off at the same time.
Commercial deck cleaners work great for removing mold and excess dirt and debris. For small areas, you can want to try a mixture of bleach and water. While many consider deck power washing, it can cause more damage if you don't know what you're doing.
Once your deck is free of imperfections, you can sand the wood with a small power sander. You do not need a big sander as it may only cause damage to the wood. When you're finished sanding, wipe it clean and you're ready to apply the finish. The most common finishes are solid or lightly tinted color.
Deck finish can be applied with a roller, paint pad or brush, depending on your experience and size of the deck. Some homeowners choose to use a sprayer, although this tends to get sloppy. The more finishes you put on wood decks, the longer they'll last. Although refinishing your deck is a big project, it's one that will add beauty and longevity to the life of the deck.
