An outdoor deck is like an additional living room for your home, but over time, exposure to the elements will leave the wood looking dull and dirty. If not properly restored, the deterioration can lead to structural problems, making your outdoor living space dangerous, as well as an eyesore.  Restoring a deck yourself isn’t a quick and easy job, but with the right preparation, tools, and lumber supply, you can have your deck looking like new. You just need to know where to start. 

A Simple Guide to Deck Restoration

1. Check the Structure

If there is significant structural damage, it is too late for restoration— you will have to rebuild from the ground up. To make sure your deck is a good candidate for restoration, check the framing. There should be no signs of physical damage or rotting wood. Also, look at the footings and ensure that they are sound and show no signs of heaving. 

Once you’re sure the framing and footings are sound, inspect the top of the deck and look for raised boards, loose railings, and popped nails. While not uncommon, these flaws need to be corrected before continuing with your deck restoration. Replace loose boards and railings with matching materials found at your trusted lumber supply company. 

2. Deep Clean

Having a clean slate sets your deck restoration up for success from the get-go. Remove any and all furnishing from the deck including furniture, planters, garden tools, and grills. Give the deck a thorough sweeping, making sure to remove any debris visible between the boards. To clean the deck, you can either use a commercial cleaner—check with your lumber supply for recommendations—or a pressure washer. If using a chemical cleaner, be sure to follow the label instructions carefully. Improper dilution and runoff can damage your lawn and garden. When cleaning, take note of how the wood reacts to water. If the wood absorbs the water, that means the deck needs to be re-sealed. 

3. Sealing & Staining

Before applying a sealant or stain, check the texture of the wood. If there are any rough spots that feel fibrous, you'll need to sand them down before proceeding. Once the surface is smooth, you can re-seal the deck, if necessary. For a consistent color throughout the deck, use an opaque sealant that adds color while protecting the wood from rain, sleet, and snow. If you appreciate the natural patina that comes with time, use a regular sealant and stain the wood to your liking. 

Woodworkers, contractors, and DIY homeowners alike trust Huber Lumber for all their lumber supply needs. Since 1903, they have provided the Greater Cincinnati, OH, area with building supplies and services along with outstanding customer service. From small projects like a deck restoration to large, industrial buildings, their team has the expertise and know-how to help you get the job done right. Call them at (513) 731-4035; or, check out their website for more information about products and services.