How to Refinish a Wood Deck in a Weekend

See how we cleaned, pressure washed and painted a multi-level deck to give it a fresh look and to maintain it so it will last for years to come.

A deck can be a valued extension of the home, but time and the elements  will take their toll. If it has been a few years or even decades since  your deck has been given the attention it deserves, it may be time to  refinish with necessary repairs, a thorough cleaning and a fresh coat of  paint or stain.

Refinishing a Deck

Learn how to refinish a deck in just a few days — like over the weekend — with our step-by-step-instructions.

Photo by: Mick Telkamp

Mick Telkamp

Learn how to refinish a deck in just a few days — like over the weekend — with our step-by-step-instructions.

A deck is a great way to add extra living space and increase your home’s value. But decks — especially all-wood decks — require maintenance to keep them secure, safe and looking good. If it has been a few years or even decades since your deck has been given the attention it deserves, it may be time to make some necessary repairs, give it a thorough cleaning and apply a fresh coat of paint or stain.

This is a DIY project you can complete in a weekend. Just follow our step-by-step instructions on how to refinish a deck below.

1. Determine Your Needs

A deck that is just a couple of years old or has received regular maintenance is still likely to benefit from a good cleaning. An older deck may need repairs to railings or steps, replacement of split or splintering planks, and decisions will need to be made regarding the type of stain used to protect and beautify the structure.

A deck that is just a couple of years old or has received regular  maintenance is still likely to benefit from a good cleaning. An older  deck may need repairs to railings or steps, replacement of split or  splintering planks and decisions will need to be made regarding the type  of stain used to protect and beautify the structure.

Determine Your Needs

Before

Photo by: Mick Telkamp

Mick Telkamp

Before

2. Sweep and Assess

Clear any furniture or plants from the deck, grab a broom and clear off surface debris. As you traverse the deck, make note of any split, splintered or rotting lumber, raised screws or nails, rusted hardware and any other problems that will need to be addressed.

Clear any furniture or plants from the deck, grab a broom and clear off  surface debris. As you traverse the deck, make note of any split,  splintered or rotting lumber, raised screws or nails, rusted hardware  and any other problems which will need to be addressed.

Sweep and Assess

Clear any furniture or plants from the deck, grab a broom and clear off surface debris. As you traverse the deck, make note of any split, splintered or rotting lumber, raised screws or nails, rusted hardware and any other problems which will need to be addressed.

Photo by: Photo by Mick Telkamp

Photo by Mick Telkamp

3. Select a Cleaning Solution

Diluted bleach is a popular choice for deck cleaning, but isn’t necessarily the best choice. Over time, stain is more likely to fade or discolor and bleach can hasten the degradation of the wood. Instead, select a cleaner formulated specifically for deck cleaning and follow manufacturer instructions regarding dilution and application.

Diluted bleach is a popular choice for deck cleaning, but isn’t  necessarily the best choice. Over time, stain is more likely to fade or  discolor and bleach can hasten the degradation of the wood. Instead,  select a cleaner formulated specifically for deck cleaning and follow  manufacturer instructions regarding dilution and application.

Select a Cleaning Solution

Diluted bleach is a popular choice for deck cleaning, but isn’t necessarily the best choice. Over time, stain is more likely to fade or discolor and bleach can hasten the degradation of the wood. Instead, select a cleaner formulated specifically for deck cleaning and follow manufacturer instructions regarding dilution and application.

Photo by: Photo by Mick Telkamp

Photo by Mick Telkamp

4. Apply Cleaner

Deck cleaner can be spread by using a brush or broom to sweep it across the surface or applied using an inexpensive tank sprayer, as shown here. Make sure all edges, corners and gaps are treated as well as the deck surface. Follow manufacturer instructions regarding the use, but in most cases, the solution should be left to soak on the wood for a period of time before continuing.

Deck cleaner can be spread by using a brush or broom to sweep across the  surface or applied using an inexpensive tank sprayer as shown here.  Make sure all edges, corners and gaps are treated as will as the deck  surface. Follow manufacturer instructions regarding use, but in most  cases, the solution should be left to soak on the wood for a period of  time before continuing.

Apply Cleaner

Deck cleaner can be spread by using a brush or broom to sweep across the surface or applied using an inexpensive tank sprayer as shown here. Make sure all edges, corners and gaps are treated as will as the deck surface. Follow manufacturer instructions regarding use, but in most cases, the solution should be left to soak on the wood for a period of time before continuing.

Photo by: Photo by Mick Telkamp

Photo by Mick Telkamp

5. Pressure Washing

A pressure washer is a powerful tool for cleaning a deck. Take care to select a nozzle appropriate for the job. Spray nozzles are categorized by the angle of the spray. A zero-degree “red tip” provides the most powerful stream but can damage softwood. Consider a nozzle with a spray angle of 25 or even 40 degrees to clean your deck without scarring the surface.

A pressure washer is a powerful tool for cleaning a deck. Take care to  select a nozzle appropriate for the job. Spray nozzles are categorized  by the angle of the spray. A zero degree “red tip” provides the most  powerful stream, but can damage the soft wood. Consider a nozzle with a  spray angle of 25 or even 40 degrees to clean your deck without scarring  the surface.

Pressure Washing

A pressure washer is a powerful tool for cleaning a deck. Take care to select a nozzle appropriate for the job. Spray nozzles are categorized by the angle of the spray. A zero degree “red tip” provides the most powerful stream, but can damage the soft wood. Consider a nozzle with a spray angle of 25 or even 40 degrees to clean your deck without scarring the surface.

Photo by: Photo by Mick Telkamp

Photo by Mick Telkamp

6. Controlling the Spray

Hold the spray wand at an angle to push dirt and grime away from the contact point. Use consistent motion and distance for uniform cleaning without the risk of pitting or scarring.

Hold the spray wand at an angle to push dirt and grime away from the  contact point. Use consistent motion and distance for uniform cleaning  without the risk of pitting or scarring.

Controlling the Spray

Hold the spray wand at an angle to push dirt and grime away from the contact point. Use consistent motion and distance for uniform cleaning without the risk of pitting or scarring.

Photo by: Photo by Mick Telkamp

Photo by Mick Telkamp

7. If Necessary, Repeat

If it has been a long time since the deck has been pressure washed or has been subject to unusual mildew or staining, a second application of deck cleaner and another round of pressure washing may be needed. If you were on the fence about applying a new stain to the deck, it may be easier to decide once you’ve seen it at its cleanest.

If it has been a long time since the deck has been pressure washed or  has been subject to unusual mildew or staining, a second application of  deck cleaner and another round of pressure washing may be needed for a  thorough cleaning. If you were on the fence about applying a new stain  to the deck, it may be easier to decide once you’ve seen it at its  cleanest.

Repeat Cleaning Process, If Necessary

If it has been a long time since the deck has been pressure washed or has been subject to unusual mildew or staining, a second application of deck cleaner and another round of pressure washing may be needed for a thorough cleaning. If you were on the fence about applying a new stain to the deck, it may be easier to decide once you’ve seen it at its cleanest.

Photo by: Photo by Mick Telkamp

Photo by Mick Telkamp

8. Tap Down Exposed Nails

Wood shrinks over time and nails that were driven flush with the surface of the deck may need to be hammered back down level with the wood.

Wood shrinks over time and nails that were driven flush with the surface of the deck may need to be tapped down.

Tap Down Exposed Nails

Wood shrinks over time and nails that were driven flush with the surface of the deck may need to be tapped down.

Photo by: Photo by Mick Telkamp

Photo by Mick Telkamp

9. Replacing Planks

Planks that have cracked, split or rotted may need to be removed. Individual planks may be pried up and replaced with new lumber of the same type. Although a structurally sound choice, newer wood will not match older when using a clear sealer or a semi-transparent stain.

Planks that have cracked, split or rotted may need to be removed.  Individual planks may be pried up and replaced with new lumber of the  same type. Although a structurally sound choice, newer wood will not  match older when using a clear sealer or a semi-transparent stain.

Replacing Planks

Planks that have cracked, split or rotted may need to be removed. Individual planks may be pried up and replaced with new lumber of the same type. Although a structurally sound choice, newer wood will not match older when using a clear sealer or a semi-transparent stain.

Photo by: Photo by Mick Telkamp

Photo by Mick Telkamp

10. Selecting a Stain or Paint

If the lumber used to build your deck looks just perfect in condition and color, you may elect to apply a clear sealer. For most of us, the deck will benefit from a little color, but the choice of stain or paint used will vary with preference and deck condition. A deck that is in good condition with minimal splintering and uniform color throughout is a good candidate for a semi-transparent stain, which soaks into the wood and leaves the grain of the wood visible. Solid stains, as we use on this project, coat the surface of the wood like paint and will hide replaced lumber and minor weathering. If the condition of the wood is especially weathered, a resurfacing stain containing grit is a forgiving choice and can hide cracks as deep as 1/4".

If the lumber used to build your deck looks just perfect in condition  and color, you may elect to apply a clear sealer. For most of us, the  deck will benefit from a little color, but the choice of stain used will  vary with preference and deck condition. A deck that is in good  condition with minimal splintering and uniform color throughout is a  good candidate for a semi-transparent stain, which soaks into the wood  and leaves the grain of the wood visible. Solid stains, as we use on  this project, coat the surface of the wood like paint and will hide  replaced lumber and minor weathering. If the condition of the wood is  especially weathered, a resurfacing stain containing grit is a forgiving  choice and can hide cracks as deep as ¼”.

Selecting a Stain

If the lumber used to build your deck looks just perfect in condition and color, you may elect to apply a clear sealer. For most of us, the deck will benefit from a little color, but the choice of stain used will vary with preference and deck condition. A deck that is in good condition with minimal splintering and uniform color throughout is a good candidate for a semi-transparent stain, which soaks into the wood and leaves the grain of the wood visible. Solid stains, as we use on this project, coat the surface of the wood like paint and will hide replaced lumber and minor weathering. If the condition of the wood is especially weathered, a resurfacing stain containing grit is a forgiving choice and can hide cracks as deep as ¼”.

Photo by: Photo by Mick Telkamp

Photo by Mick Telkamp

11. Apply Stain

Plan to stain once the deck is completely dry and no rain is in the immediate forecast. Tape off edges as needed and make sure no debris is present. A paint pad or roller can be used to apply stain to the deck, but care should be taken to apply evenly. Solid stains are more forgiving, but an uneven application or “touch up” spots will stand out when using semi-transparent stains.

Plan to stain once deck is completely dry and no rain is in the  immediate forecast. Tape off edges as needed and make sure no debris is  present. A paint pad or roller can be used to apply stain to the deck,  but care should be taken to apply evenly. Solid stains are more  forgiving, but uneven application or “touch up” spots will stand out  when using semi-transparent stains.

Apply Stain

Plan to stain once deck is completely dry and no rain is in the immediate forecast. Tape off edges as needed and make sure no debris is present. A paint pad or roller can be used to apply stain to the deck, but care should be taken to apply evenly. Solid stains are more forgiving, but uneven application or “touch up” spots will stand out when using semi-transparent stains.

Photo by: Photo by Mick Telkamp

Photo by Mick Telkamp

12. Corner, Gaps and Railings

A paintbrush should be used in corners, railings and in gaps between planks. Railings and gaps between deck boards require special attention and can impact the amount of stain and time needed for the project.

A paintbrush should be used in corners, railings and in gaps between  planks. Railings and gaps between deck boards require special attention  and can impact the amount of stain and time needed for the project.

Corner, Gaps and Railings

A paintbrush should be used in corners, railings and in gaps between planks. Railings and gaps between deck boards require special attention and can impact the amount of stain and time needed for the project.

Photo by: Photo by Mick Telkamp

Photo by Mick Telkamp

13. Solid Stain

While the look of solid stains obscures wood grains, any pitting, scarring and other indicators of age can be hidden.

While the look of solid stains obscure wood grains, pitting, scarring and other indicators of age and use are hidden.

Solid Stain

While the look of solid stains obscure wood grains, pitting, scarring and other indicators of age and use are hidden.

Photo by: Photo by Mick Telkamp

Photo by Mick Telkamp

14. Leave an Escape Route

Apply stain from corner or wall to deck edge to allow an egress when finishing up.

Apply stain from corner or wall to deck edge to allow an egress when finishing up.

Leave an Escape Route

Apply stain from corner or wall to deck edge to allow an egress when finishing up.

Photo by: Photo by Mick Telkamp

Photo by Mick Telkamp

15. Continued Maintenance

A yearly cleaning and inspection will keep the deck looking good, but expect to re-stain in anywhere from three to 10 years, depending on the type of stain used. Proper care and maintenance of your deck can drastically increase its lifespan with minimal expense.

A yearly cleaning and inspection will keep the deck looking good, but  expect to re-stain in anywhere from 3 to 10 years, depending on the type  of stain used.  Proper care and maintenance of your deck can  drastically increase its lifespan with minimal expense.

Continued Maintenance

A yearly cleaning and inspection will keep the deck looking good, but expect to re-stain in anywhere from 3 to 10 years, depending on the type of stain used. Proper care and maintenance of your deck can drastically increase its lifespan with minimal expense.

Photo by: Photo by Mick Telkamp

Photo by Mick Telkamp

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