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Project Difficulty:
Easy
Estimated
Project Time: 1/2 day
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Goggles or safety glasses
Rubber gloves
Non-slip shoes
Broom
Detergent appropriate for your deck
Mildew remover, as needed
Hammer
Nails
Sandpaper
Orbital sander or universal pole sander
Dust mask
Vacuum
Power washer, as needed
Water sealant
Brush, roller or pump-pressure spray equipment
Clean rags
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How long your deck lasts and continues to look good depends largely on how well it's protected against the sun, tree debris, insects, and especially moisture.
Moisture causes tri-fold damage. First, when wood absorbs moisture and then dries, it expands and contracts. This causes cupping, warping, and even splitting which strains fasteners and may cause nails to pop out. Splitting, moreover, creates new places for water to seep in and cause future damage. Second, moisture encourages fungus and bacteria that lead to rot and mildew. Third, after months of dampness, deck boards may develop the dark, charred appearance of wet rot.
While frequent sweeping and occasional cleaning can help prevent damage to your deck, periodically treating it with water sealant offers the best protection. All wood decks, regardless of wood type, will benefit from this treatment. You can choose either a clear sealant, which reveals the natural grain and color, or one blended with stain.
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1.
Clear the Deck
Pick a dry, moderate day without threat of rain. Remove all furniture and other items from the deck, and also from beneath it, if possible.
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2.
Dress for the Occasion
Wear rubber gloves, non-slip shoes, and long-sleeved garments during application to minimize the chance of skin irritation. Always wear goggles or safety glasses to protect yourself from backspray or drips.
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3.
Clean the Deck
Sweep the deck clean and wash the deck with detergent, removing stubborn dirt, raised wood fibers, leaves, and other debris. If necessary, use a mildew remover. Allow the deck to dry.
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4.
Countersink Raised Nails
Countersink any raised nails and, using the claw of a hammer, remove any popped nails that can't be hammered home.
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5.
Secure Loose Boards
Secure any loose boards with nails.
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6.
Sand the Deck
1) Put on a dust mask before you begin.
2) Sand down any rough spots (unless you have pressure-treated wood--see caution below).
3) You can now sand the entire deck to further increase the sealant's penetration and produce a cleaner-looking finish. Using 60- or 80-grit sandpaper, sand with the grain. Heavy-duty sanding can be done with an orbital sander (use a belt sander only if you are experienced, and with great care--it's easy to make pits and valleys). You can also use a universal pole sander, the kind with a swiveling pad that drywall finishers use (Fig. 1).
4) Vacuum thoroughly after sanding.
Caution: Do not sand pressure-treated wood, as sanding will release the toxins bonded to the wood cells. Instead, use a power washer, which you can rent. Experiment before you start, because some nozzles produce a spray powerful enough to dent the wood. Allow the deck to dry thoroughly before applying sealant.
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7.
Apply the Sealant
Apply the sealant to all exposed wood. Note: Avoid applying sealant to extremely hot, sun-baked surfaces.
Begin with the vertical surfaces, and then move on to the surfaces under the deck. Lastly, apply the sealant to the deck's top surfaces, starting in one corner--take care to reserve an exit that won't make you step on the newly sealed surfaces. (If possible, seal the steps last, working your way down.)
For posts, railings, and stair stringers, brush application is best (Fig. 2). You may, however, coat horizontal boards with a brush, roller, or pump-pressure spray equipment (Fig. 3). Having used a sprayer or roller, return with your trusty brush to make sure the sealant's been spread evenly and thoroughly, and to treat all edges. You may want to add extra coats to the exposed ends of cut boards because they're prone to absorbing water.
Wipe up remaining puddles of sealant to avoid shiny spots on the dried surface.
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8.
Allow the Deck to Dry
Allow the deck to dry, according to manufacturer instructions, before jumping to retrieve your lounge chairs, picnic table, and potted geraniums.
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