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Refinishing a Porch Floor

Completely change the look of your old porch. Watch a video of this and other half-day projects with host Steve Watson from Don't Sweat It.

Don't Sweat It : Episode HDSWT-103 -- More Projects »
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Before: Old, Peeling Porch
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After: Newly Stained Floor
Materials:

floor and porch stain
water-based polyurethane
chemical stripper solution for pressure washers
stain rollers and brushes

Tools:

paint scraper
hammer
pressure washer
belt sander
orbital sander
hand sanders
220-grit sandpaper
floor sander (rental)

Benefit:

• Polyurethane keeps the color of stain from fading in the sunlight and makes it last up to five years longer. Re-coat with the polyurethane every two to four years to keep the porch looking brand new for decades.

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Figure A
Steps:

1. Scrape off all loose paint and hammer in any loose nails.
2. Spray chemical stripper solution as directed by manufacturer (figure A).

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Figure B
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Figure C
3. After recommended waiting period, spray decking with pressure washer (figure B). Go slowly to make sure you get all solution from the wood fibers. This saves time and sanding belts, since old paint gums up sandpaper.
4. Once the floor dries from pressure washing, sand down to the bare wood. Use the floor sander for the majority of the floor and then sand all the edges with a belt sander, an orbital sander and sandpaper (figure C).
5. Vacuum and sweep the floor until it is dust free.
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Figure D
6. Apply at least two coats of stain (figure D), according to the manufacturer's instructions.
7. Apply three to five coats of water-based polyurethane as directed by the manufacturer.

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Also in this Episode
Don't Sweat It : Episode HDSWT-103
•Refinishing a Porch Floor
•Installing an Exterior Fence
•Building a Stone Fireplace
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