How to Restore Your Decking

Whether it’s your kids, pets or external elements, they all take a toll on your deck. Looking at it, you may consider ripping it up. However, this may come as a surprise to you that a few simple steps can restore decking to its former glory. Mostly, those dull-looking decks are the victims of neglect. Usually, regularly maintained decks last double your expectations. However, if the damage is already done, the good news is, you can rejuvenate it.

So let’s have a look at what’s involved in a deck restoration project.

1. Conduct the water bead test
   Like water soaks in the timber, stains and decking oil act similarly. Therefore, the first step towards restoration is conducting a water bead test. The test result would aid in understanding whether or not the water absorbs in your timber deck.
   
   
   The process is simple! Dabble some water on your deck and examine whether or not the water beads into the timber. If the outcome is yes, the next step for timber deck restoration would be repairing, preparation and staining.
   
   
2. Make necessary repairs and plank replacement
   The second step is to take a moment and look at the deck. Roam around its edges, walk through every plank and pay heed to every part of your deck. Look for any loose screws or nails, loose planks or any signs of rot. Tighten the loose screws and planks. And if your deck is rotting, then prepare for deck renovation.
   
   
   Furthermore, drive your hand below the deck to find any poking or missing fasteners; replace the missing ones. Also, examine the cosmetic damage. Burry down the popped nails or replace them with screws.
   
   
3. Prepare your deck
   Dust, grime and airborne particles roam around your deck and over time, they settle on its surface. It’s often surprising to see how better your timber deck looks post simple cleaning. So, in this third step, you should clean your deck.
   
   
   Cleaning ensures your coating adheres to the timber. For cleaning, take a broom and sweep away all the leaves and dirt from its surface. Then, you ought to mix the right timber deck cleaner in a bucket and apply it to the deck. Let it stay for 20 minutes. While doing this, make sure that you hose down the plants blocking the edges of the deck. If you find evidence of algae on your deck, you can also mix chlorine bleach in the solution.
   
   
   Heads up: Do not forget to wear eye protection and gloves when working with chemicals. They may not be human friendly.
   
   
4. Apply the staining or paint
   Once your deck is all repaired and squeaky clean, provide some finishing to it. After your deck dries, grab a paintbrush or paint sprayer and apply it to the wood. Experts recommend clear finishes and transparent stains for new wood, while semi-transparent stains for the age-old decks.
   
   
   Begin the process from the farthest corner to have no escape path. Further, ensure consistency by working on full planks rather than applying brush across the boards. Also, wipe down extra dripped paint instead of letting it dry down. It will leave spots. Additionally, make sure you apply two coats for undercover areas and three on direct sun exposure spots. Plus, keep a gap of one hour after each coat.

Maintenance is key

Now, as you've learned the four easy steps to rejuvenate your deck’s life, book your weekends to kickstart the project. Typically, the entire project will take only two days. However, it may vary based on the size, current location and condition of the deck. Whatever your case may be, putting in the effort would be worthwhile. 

Well, that was the case with dull-looking decks. But before your timber demonstrates dullness, you can maintain it. The simple yet effective way to make your deck look at its best is to keep it clean all year long and redo deck sealing. This way, you can enjoy your beautiful-looking deck year after year.