Project Coach: Refinish Your Deck

The look you choose is mainly a matter of personal preference, but there is a practical consideration: Clear or tinted products usually last just a year or two, depending on the climate. Semitransparent and solid stains may last two to four years. Stain can be applied several ways, including with some new products that make the job a lot easier.

An ordinary paint roller can make easy work of staining a deck , especially if you attach an extension handle so you don't have to kneel.

Check product recommendations -- some finishes are not suitable for roller application. To reduce overlap marks, roll no more than a few deck boards at a time, completing their full length before starting the next. Paint brushes can be used on decks, too, but they're not efficient for large surfaces.

• How to Paint a Deck | DIY.
• Quality of Life and Public Management: Redefining Development in the Local Environment.
• Latest Content;
• Achieving Quality Education for All: Perspectives from the Asia-Pacific Region and Beyond: 20 (Education in the Asia-Pacific Region: Issues, Concerns and Prospects);
• Maintain It.

They are useful for railings and recesses that rollers can't reach, however. Sprayers are excellent for applying stain because they allow you to cover large areas quickly and uniformly. Another advantage is the ease with which sprayers treat railings and other awkward, hard-to- paint surfaces. Powered sprayers are available, but even simple pump-type sprayers will work.

A wikiHow Staff Editor reviewed this article to make sure it's helpful and accurate.

When you see the green checkmark on a wikiHow article, you can trust that the article has been co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers. This article was a collaboration between several members of our editing staff who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Together, they cited 19 references in their creation of the article. Choose the right finish.

Step 1: Making Repairs

Unless your deck is less than a year old, a clear or fully transparent stain or sealer is not recommended. To cover the wood completely and hide its natural color and grain patterns, choose a solid stain instead. A waterproof finish not just water-resistant to protect it from the elements. UV-resistance to protect it from the damaging rays of the sun. Protection from water damage it will contain a mildewcide.

Find plastic to cover your plants. Move tables, chairs, umbrellas, carpets, barbecues, and anything else you might have on the deck. Clear the surface of the deck completely, as well as the railings and steps.

This may include removing lights, plants, and other items as well. Before emptying your deck, you might want to clear a space below, in the garage, or in the basement where you can store your deck furniture for a few days while your refinishing project is underway. Sweep and inspect the deck. Sweep to remove dust, dirt, and other debris completely. As you sweep, do a visual check of the deck, looking for problem areas such as popped nails, loose screws, warped, rotted, or split boards, chips, or areas that require sanding.

Tighten down loose screws and hammer down popped nails. Tape areas you want to protect. Choose your day and time. Spring is a good time for a refinishing project, but if you attempt this in the summer, you are better off applying sealer or stain in the early morning or late afternoon. Clean and scrub the deck. In a large bucket, dilute one cup 8 ounces of trisodium phosphate in one gallon 3. Use the brush to scrub the railings and stairs with the water and trisodium phosphate solution.

Stone House Revival 4: Stone House Revival 5pm 4c. Stone House Revival 5: Stone House Revival 6pm 5c. Stone House Revival 6: Maine Cabin Masters 7pm 6c. Maine Cabin Masters 9pm 8c. Maine Cabin Masters 10pm 9c. Maine Cabin Masters 11pm 10c. Maine Cabin Masters 12am 11c. Maine Cabin Masters 1am 12c. Maine Cabin Masters 2am 1c. Maine Cabin Masters 3am 2c. To sign up, please enable JavaScript. Privacy Policy Sign Up.

Prep: Cleaning the Deck

Sign Up for More No Thanks. Head north for the holidays with Maine Cabin Masters. One more reason to love this season!