Now is the perfect time to clean and protect your deck before another winter of abuse. Experts say a wood deck needs attention every two years, sometimes every year in bad weather. Hire a professional or follow this step-by-step process and do it yourself. But be prepared for a labor-intensive job.
• One-step cleaning products might work on some decks still in good shape. But decks with fungus, mildew, mold, moss, cracking and warping might need a more thorough cleaning that one-step products won't provide. In these cases, you must remove the old stain and other products before applying new stain. Severely degraded decks might require a stripper, which is not part of our process.
• Read directions on all products before starting. Some products have to sit for a specified time to be effective. Others have outdoor temperature requirements.
1. Apply a wood cleaner.
Look for a biodegradable product; oxalic acid is harmless to surrounding flora. Apply it with an ordinary garden sprayer, mop or brush. Don't forget the rails and steps. Let the solution stand for the specified time and brush with a broom or long-handled brush. The pros use big floor scrubbers for this part. Rinse thoroughly with water.
2. Use a brightener.
Many pros recommend this. Apply and let stand for the specified time. Some products might recommend brushing.
3. Rinse.
Use a pressure washer to rinse (but any higher than 800 psi may rip ridges into the wood). Use a wide spray and a sweeping motion to avoid marring wood. Start in a corner to get the hang of it, where any damage won't show as much.
4. Let the deck dry for a day.
5. Sand.
Pros like to sand the deck. A homeowner might choose not to, depending on how painstaking you want to be. Before sanding, or even if you don't sand, go over the whole deck and tap down popped nails. Use a wide nail set to avoid denting wood. If you do sand, remove all dust before staining.
6. Stain.
You can choose a clear stain or one with almost any pigments you want. If you don't want the wood to gray, make sure the stain has UV protection if it's clear. Stains with pigments block ultraviolet rays, but even some of those products add extra protection. Apply the stain with a painter's pad to reduce streaking and excessive buildup. Be careful on a second coat. Too many coats without proper drying will cause some stains to peel. Read directions.
-- Homes & Gardens staff
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