Wood Deck Refinishing

Do-It-Yourself Project

Decks take a lot of abuse. Constant use, and exposure to the elements can cause you deck to lose its appearance. To ensure years of enjoyment with your deck take time each year for an inspection and some simple preventative maintenance. Most finishes protecting your deck do not last forever, so plan on cleaning and resealing every few years. The most important coat of deck finish is the initial coat. The moisture content of the wood should be less than 20% and for best results closer to 12-15%. Pressure treated lumber often can look dry yet still be very wet internally. Some experts recommend waiting between 4-6 weeks or one season before applying a finish to treated wood. If the wood soaks up a small amount of water easily, it is ready for finishing.

Step 1

Begin by inspecting the deck for any stains or discoloration. If any are uncovered use a mild household detergent to remove any unsightly areas. To get rid of mildew, scrub the area with a combination of water and household bleach, or use a commercial deck- cleaning product. If your deck is really dirty and discolored or older and neglected, you may have better results using a power washer. Power washers are available at most rental centers, but please read and follow all safety instructions prior to use. Let dry and repeat if necessary.

Step 2

With any project safety comes first. Since the process of sanding involves the removal of material it creates airborne dust. We recommend safety glasses or goggles, work gloves, a work apron or close fitting clothing and an approved dust/mist respirator.

Step 3

Sand the surface of the deck with 120 grit sandpaper to roughen the surface. Sanding removes some of the top coating of the wood and opens it up for better absorption of the finish. Use a sanding pole to speed up the process and save your back. All-Purpose sandpaper is ideal for this application because it is designed for light sanding or cleaning of surfaces and moderate removal of coatings or rust. Please refer to the grit guide below for more information.

Step 4

Sweep the deck thoroughly and rinse with a hose to remove all dust and debris. The cleaner the deck the better the finish absorption. Let deck dry. Finishing and staining the deck should be done on a dry, overcast day for best results. Too much sun will dry the finish before proper absorption.

Step 5

Apply the finish, follow all manufacturers instructions for application and safety. To prevent lap marks, maintain a wet edge by not letting the finish dry in an area before you overlap it with wet finish. Recoat if required. Some clear deck finishes need multiple applications before the first coat dries. Remember to apply at least two coats to exposed end grain.

Norton Project Planning Form