Staining a Deck

Tools:

broom
80-grit sand paper
rubber sanding block
two paintbrushes
nail puller
power drill with screwdriver attachment
brass screws
towel
knee pads
gloves
safety glasses
wood stain

1. Put on the knee pads, gloves and safety glasses and get down to work. First remove loose nails with an old-fashioned nail puller (figure B). This tool works great for removing nails, even those with the head slightly below the surface, without damaging the wood.

2. Clamp the nail puller around the head of the nail, give it a tap to set against the nail, then just pull the nail right out (figure C). Replace the nails with brass deck screws using the power drill.

3. Fix a sheet of sandpaper on a rubber sanding block and sand away splinters and rough, frizzy areas (figure D). Brush away dust and dirt with the broom.

4. Now start applying your stain. Dip the end of a wide brush into the stain, wipe off excess against the lid of the can and apply a light coat. You can always come back with another coat if you want it darker, but if you make it too dark right off the bat then you're stuck.

5. For a smooth, professional look, feather in the stain. Work each new brush full of stain from a dry area into the wet (figure E). Be sure to apply plenty of stain to the ends of boards as the end grain sucks up stain like a sponge.