How to Refinish a Hardwood Deck

If you own a hardwood deck, it will need to be refinished every so often. While the task is not extremely difficult, it is certainly time consuming and requires patience as well. If your hardwood deck is starting to show signs that it needs to be refinished, here are the steps you need to take.

Deck Inspection

The first step to any refinishing project is to inspect the existing structure. When inspecting a deck, look for nails popping out, loose boards, rot, boards that have split, or any other structural issues. If there is a structural issue, or any boards which need to be replaced, now is the time to do it. Then, once you’ve replaced your boards, you can stain them all the same color!

Power Washing

Power washing, also known as pressure washing, will give your deck a nice, quick, deep cleaning. If you’re not familiar with how to power wash a deck, we suggest you take some time to research and practice somewhere else first. If the stream of water is too strong, it will ruin your deck boards. Be sure to use the lowest pressure that still gets the job done; start off at 500 psi and go up from there. If you’re not comfortable with power washing, you could simply scrub your deck clean and avoid the risk altogether.

Deck Sanding

Now that your deck is cleaned off, let it dry. Once dry, it’s time to sand down the deck so it is nice and smooth and ready for a new finish. We suggest using an orbital sander and a 60 or 80 grit sandpaper on the floor, and an 80 or 100 grit sandpaper on the handrails. Don’t take any shortcuts here; if you have to spread this project out across a week, then so be it. You want a smooth surface so that the stain is even and to avoid splinters.

Staining the Deck

Now for the part we’ve all been waiting for: staining the deck. When choosing a stain, go with a quality semi-transparent oil-based stain; they penetrate the wood better resulting in a better stain. You also want to ensure your stain or sealer is water repellent. When staining, start with the railings, and be sure to use a paint pad applicator to save your back on the floorboards.

North American Deck and Patio, LLC is a Maryland deck and patio construction company with over 25 years of experience. If you’re looking to have a new deck built, give North American Deck & Patio a call today and meet with one of their experienced deck design consultants for a free consultation.

“Jim at North American patio and deck's came up with the most ingenious way of utilizing our small very slanted very water drained environment and turned it into a virtual oasis. Making this deck the envy of all our ambitions and gem for the community.”

– C. Cross