6 Steps to Restoring Your Wood

Josh Richards • Nov 18, 2022

Steps to Restoring Your DeckRestoring a damaged or weathered deck is about restoring its original glory and giving it a new look. Not only will it add to the beauty, but it will also help you sell your house faster and for a better dime.
If you don't have the time, tools, equipment, or expertise, you can always seek professional help to complete the job. That will also help you decide whether replacing or repairing the deck is better.
Whether a DIY project or outsourced, it's better to learn the basics of restoring the deck. Here we have everything you need to know about fixing a deck. So, let's get started:

Before You Start the Restoration Process

Before starting the project, you might want to seek out a second opinion. What you might have considered a simple repair job could be a deck-replacing task. 
The professionals can advise if you need to replace the wood, repair it, or stain it. 
You also need to measure the deck's size you are repairing if you have to replace broken pieces. It will also help you decide the project cost if you plan to hire a professional or, better yet, make it a DIY project.
In addition to the above factors, consider the weather conditions in the next few days of completing the project. Once restoring is done, you want to stain and seal the wood. Staining/sealing requires drying time. So do the job during a dry week.

Tips to Restore a Weathered deck

Safety Considerations

Steps to Restore the Deck

Deck restoring is a 6-step process. It is going to be a detailed process and will help you convert your deck to the best of its conditions:

Inspect and Repair or Replace

Scrutinize the deck to check how much repair work is required. Check its posts, boards, joists, stairs balusters, and handrails for any damage.
If the wood is in poor condition, you may have to replace the plank or the entire deck, which will be expensive.

Remove Flaking and Loose Finish

Use a scraper to get rid of any old paint or finish. It will help you get a clean staging area for the subsequent phases: cleaning and sanding.

Ensure to check the railings and boards for flaking finishes. Use sandpaper to smoothen large wood splinters. Sanding poles can help you sand the deck more easily than sanding with your knees or hands.

Secure the Area and Yourself

Before you move on, secure the surrounding area. Cover the area with plastic sheeting. If you're not planning to refinish the rails, protect them by covering them with plastic sheets.

Don't forget to wear protective gear, such as safety glasses, masks or work gloves, and rubber boots.

Prepare the Deck for Staining

Preparing a deck for staining is easy, but it might take time to prepare for staining fully. Clean the wood with deck cleaners and rinse the chemical with a soft wash or pressure wash. Let the wood dry for a couple of days.

Sand the Deck

A clean surface is vital to ensure an even and lasting stain application. Sand the deck with 80-grit sandpaper to get a smooth surface. That will ensure your stain properly soaks into the wood, and you get an even job.

Vacuum or sweep away dust.

Seal and Stain the Deck

Before beginning staining, check the weather forecast for the next few days. Stain only during a dry week. Most stains require time to dry before becoming wet.
Staining works well both for a new wood deck and the older deck. Staining is about giving it a new look and protecting the wood from elements.
Stain the deck with a synthetic brush. Begin at the railings and adhere to the instructions for the brand. Start with a light coat of stain. It's easy to add more, but it's hard to eliminate any excess amount. However, you can still wipe off excess stains when it's still wet.
Many wood sealers and stains come in one package. If the stain you are using does not contain a sealant, follow the manufacturer's instructions to apply the sealant to the top of your stain.

Hire an Expert Wood Staining Company

A deck that is weathered and damaged could be a fantastic job for a DIY expert with a good track record. But, if the steps are not within your expertise, you don't have the time t complete the job, or you don't want to invest in buying tools, we suggest hiring a professional wood staining company. Restoring wood decks is a pro's job and should be taken seriously.
For more details on wood deck restoration, feel free to contact us at 407-222-4058.