Refinishing a Porch Floor

Before: Old, Peeling Porch

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.

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).

Figure B

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.

Figure C

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.

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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