Deck refinishing is a must every few years to keep your wood deck looking its best and to ensure it lasts.
This may involve pressure washing, stripping, acid washing and re-sealing.
Sometimes sanding may be in order, replacing damaged boards or general repairs.
Most sealers break down under the UV light after a few years and are easily pressure washed off.
A good pressure washer can be rented out and should be rated over 2400 psi.
The sequence would be, first, an initial pressure washing; second, stripping with a deck stripper any areas of sealer that didn't get washed off, like areas that are protected from the sun.
Third, another pressure washing; and forth, applying an acid wash to brighten the wood back up.
Then a final pressure washing.
After the washing stage, the deck needs a good day or two of drying before the sealer is applied.
The alternative method of sanding will actually get the best result, as far as lighten up the wood and to smooth out the boards, as they sometimes cup (warp up) on the edges or ends.
A good rotary floor sander can be rented to smooth them out and get down to bare wood.
You will need many sheets of the coarsest grits of sandpaper available.
This works best on decks that are in fairly good shape as if there are low spots, the sander won't reach them and loose nails will have to be pounded in.
You will also need a hand sander to do the edges and railing.
A grinder with a course flap sanding disk head is best.
The sealer should be applied according to the manufaturer's recommendations on the can.
By the end of a long weekend, you can have your deck ready for the assault by the weather for the next few years.
For more information and newsletters on decks and patio structures, see http://www.
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