Deck restoration: A step by step guide

Your deck adds beauty and value to your home. Its purpose is multifold: it can be an oasis to escape from the sun, or it can be a special place to congregate with friends and family. With attention and care, this outdoor space can last a lifetime. The best way to extend the life of your deck is to recognise when it’s time for a bit of deck restoration. Deck maintenance is easy when done properly and regularly.

Your deck may be exposed to the harsh outdoor elements, so it’s important to address any damage it may sustain in the early stages rather than leaving it to deteriorate and become a bigger problem later on. If you are a do-it-yourself enthusiast, it’s the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and give your deck the love and care it deserves so it can serve you for years to come.

Here are four steps to address and fix deck problems, without the need for professional intervention. Follow these steps to have your old deck looking like new in no time!

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1. Inspecting your deck for damage

The effect of different weather conditions, such as the rain and high heat, combined with UV damage can break down the structure of your timber decking. Inspect your deck’s entire surface thoroughly, especially where your deck makes contact with the ground or where wood is connected with wood. You want to make sure there is no structural damage such as wood rot. If you can jostle the wood or sink a screwdriver into it easily, the wood must be replaced.

2. Cleaning your deck

You should be washing your deck annually. Soapy water and a brush, then gentle pressure washing is the most effective method to remove built up dirt and grime from the wood.

If you’re restoring a neglected outdoor deck a generic deck cleaner may be required. One that has been previously coated with paint or stain may need a stronger stain or paint remover. Always wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles, and take the proper precautions to ensure your lawn or garden is insulated from any toxic products you apply.

If you have varnished or treated wood such as pine and want a stained deck, the outer coatings must be stripped with paint thinner and then cleaned. If your deck already has a clear finish or a transparent wood stain, skip the paint stripper, and clean it with a wood deck cleaning product before re-coating.

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3. Sanding your deck

You can sand your wood deck with a belt sander, palm sander, sanding sponge, and lots of sunshine. This is a very dusty process, so use a respiratory mask, work gloves that fit and eye protection. Sanding may be necessary if your current coating is flaking and loose.

This step is important to prevent any future problems, so take enough time sanding your deck until it’s completely free of any old coatings or paint before moving on to the next step.

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4. Staining or oiling your deck

The final step to restoring your deck is finishing it off with a fresh coat of decking oil or wood stain.

Decking oil: A special decking oil will protect your deck’s wood from weathering factors and harmful UV rays. The oil works naturally to moisturise the wood, which, in turn, helps fight decay. Choosing the best decking oil depends on your desired look, your deck’s usage, and the type of timber your deck is made of.

Decking oils come in a number of colours that go from a dark and rich shade to almost completely un-tinted. They are even available in colours that match popular woods like Merbau and Jarrah. Decking oils that are tinted can dramatically change the look of the wood. Apply in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations. Generally, this requires a few days of fine weather and allowing 24 hours between coats although some systems can be applied more quickly.

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Stains will permanently alter the look of your deck, so be careful when choosing the right tint for your wood:

• Clear – provides no UV protection, so it is generally considered inappropriate for outdoor use.
• Translucent – accentuates the grain.
• Semi-transparent – allows for a natural wood look with a fairly consistent colour.
• Semi-solid – has more pigmentation than a semi-transparent stain with less wood showing through.
• Solid – closer in application to a paint and allows for a perfect uniform colour but will hide any of the timber grain.

What’s next?

Deck restoration might feel like a daunting task, but before you call a professional, see what you can do yourself to give your deck a makeover.

If you’re not afraid to use a few tools and break a sweat, you’ll easily be able to clean, sand, and oil or stain your deck and enjoy the fruits of your labour for years to come.