If you want to maintain your deck and keep it looking great, you should refurbish it every few years. There are many different ways you can go about this process; the key is to do something that suits your needs. Whether you decide on a major overhaul or just some minor touch-ups, there are benefits to both approaches. To help get started, here are some great ideas for how best to take care of your deck’s appearance and integrity.
1. Clean the deck before starting any refurbishing project
Before you start refurbishing your deck, make sure that it is properly cleaned. This will allow you to ensure that all old stains and dirt are removed before applying any new coatings or decorative materials. To help with this step, be sure to invest in a high-pressure washer.
2. Replace any rotting boards or railings
If you notice that any of your deck’s boards are rotting, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible. This is because the rot will only get worse over time and could eventually lead to structural damage. In addition, if any of your deck’s railings are weak or rotted, it’s important to replace them immediately. This is because a railing that isn’t strong enough could potentially cause someone to fall off the deck.
3. Sand the deck if necessary
If your deck is old, it may be time to sand it. However, you should only sand down to the stain if necessary because sanding away any of the surface material can expose the wood’s natural grain and texture. Doing this will greatly reduce the durability of your deck. To help with this step, consider using a palm sander.
4. Fill any cracks or holes
After sanding down your deck, you will find that there are inevitably little cracks and holes left over; these should be filled in before continuing with the refurbishing process. You can use wood filler for this purpose; however, make sure that the filler is a color that is a good match to your deck. If it matches, it will be much more difficult to see from a distance.
5. Apply a fresh coat of stain or sealant
If you have done any major refurbishing to your deck, now would be the time to apply a new coat of stain or sealant. Be sure to choose a color that is an appropriate match for the area. For example, lighter colors are more visible on decks that get little sun exposure, while darker colors are better if you live in an area where the sun beats down on your deck quite often.
You can also use waterproof floor coating to protect your deck from water damage. This waterproofing agent will not only keep the water out, but it will also help prevent splinters and other unsightly problems with the wood.
6. Consider adding a fresh coat of paint
Depending on your personal preferences, you may want to consider painting the railings or other exposed portions of your deck for a decorative finish. Even though you will need to reapply the paint every few years, the process only requires a basic afternoon’s work and it can greatly improve the look of your backyard or patio area.
7. Add new furniture, plants, or lights to the deck
One great way to refurbish your deck is to add new furniture, plants, or lights. This can be a quick and easy way to give your deck a new look without having to do any major renovations.
If you decide to add some new furniture, be sure to choose pieces that are weather-resistant and that will be able to withstand the elements. For example, wrought iron furniture is a good choice because it doesn’t rust easily. You can also find many different types of outdoor furniture made from wood or plastic that will work well for your deck.
If you want to add plants to your deck, be sure to choose varieties that are both drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Succulents or cacti are great options for decks that don’t get much water.
If you want to add lights to your deck, use waterproof rope lighting or other waterproof varieties. This will ensure that the lights can be used even after it rains or snows outside. It also prevents the risk of electric shock in case someone should happen to walk on the lights.
All in all, when it comes to deck refurbishing ideas, there are many different things that you can do depending on your specific needs. For example, if your deck is old and has some major structural damage, the best thing to do would be to tear it down completely and start over with a new one. However, for most people, this isn’t necessary because their decks only need minor repairs every few years or so. If any of these tips seem like they will work well for you and your home’s style preferences then we encourage you to try them out!
