QA

How To Refinish A Deck

Is it better to sand or strip wood deck?

Sanding is preferable where less penetration is required and the deck is flat, but the process requires additional labor and time to achieve consistent results. A stripper can often be the best option for larger decks, even though the cost will be significantly higher.

Do you need to sand a deck before staining?

Once dry, these wood fibers can remain raised and may cause splinters. For this reason, light but thoroughly sanding your wood deck is a necessary step before staining or sealing. This crucial step will ensure that your refinishing job gives great results.

Do I need to remove old stain before restaining a deck?

Removing the old stain before reapplying a new coat isn’t always necessary. If you are applying the same color and brand to the wood, you shouldn’t have to strip the old stain. Using a quality deck cleaner should be all you have to do before reapplying the same stain.

How much does it cost to sand and Restain a deck?

Deck Refinishing Cost On average, the cost to refinish a deck is between $3 and $6.80 per square foot. Since a standard deck measures about 200 square feet, a refinishing project will cost about $600 to $1,360 or $975 on average.

Can you pressure wash stain off a deck?

Pressure washing is a quick way to remove a deck finish, but it requires some care so as not to damage the deck. A pressure setting of 1500 psi should be strong enough to clean away deck stain. Hold the sprayer about 3 inches off the surface and move the sprayer as you work in the same direction as the grain.

What happens if you don’t sand before staining?

You need a smooth surface with no blemishes because stain will highlight scratches and dings in the wood. Always sand down to clean wood (if you have enough meat left of the wood) before applying any stain. Too fine and the wood won’t be able to accept the stain.

Is sanding a deck a good idea?

Sand the Deck If you plan to stain the deck, sand the surface before application to make the wood better absorb the coating. Use an orbital sander to remove any old gloss and smooth out any rough areas on decking boards. After sanding, vacuum the deck thoroughly to ensure that dust does not settle on the new finish.

Can I use an orbital sander on my deck?

Random orbital sanders let you work across your entire deck without having to worry about always keeping a straight line. They make your deck sanding job more even and a lot faster.

How do I make my wood deck look new again?

SCRAPE OFF LOOSE FINISH SCRAPE OFF LOOSE FINISH. Remove loose paint or opaque deck stain with a paint scraper. SCRUB THE SURFACE. Use a stiff bristle brush to remove flaking stain or dirt. APPLY CLEANER. Apply a deck brightener/refinisher product to wood surfaces. POWER WASH DECK. APPLY FINISH. USE A BRUSH.

What is the best wood deck restore product?

The best deck paint of 2021 Best overall: Kilz Over Armor Wood/Concrete Coating. Best to revive old wood: Rust-Oleum RockSolid 20X Deck Resurfacer. Fastest-drying wood stain: BEHR PREMIUM Transparent Quick Dry Oil Base Wood Finish. Highest rated: BEHR PREMIUM Porch & Patio Floor Paint.

How do you save a weathered deck?

Before You Begin… STEP 1: Inspect the deck and repair any damage. STEP 2: Remove any flaking, loose finish. STEP 3: Protect the surrounding area. STEP 4: Clean an unfinished deck or strip a previously finished deck. STEP 5: Sand the deck to prepare it for staining. STEP 6: Stain and seal the deck.

Why is my decking stain peeling?

Deck stains will generally peel for two basic reasons: over application and poor adhesion. This is simple — too much stain on the surface of the wood. With deck stains, specifically with semi-transparent finishes, more is not better. You only want to apply as much product as the wood can easily absorb.

What happens if you stain over stain?

If one section dries and is then overlapped, you are effectively applying a second coat to that overlapped area, and this will lead to blotchy finish. If the stain pools during application, you are applying too much at once; cut back.

How do you fix peeling deck stain?

Hirshfield’s shares how to begin this process. Step 1: Scrape. Scrape off as much of the old finish as you can with a paint scraper. Step 2: Strip. Step 3: Scrub off old stain using a stiff brush and deck finish remover. Step 4: Sand. Step 5: Condition. Step 6: Stain. Bonus Step: Call the Experts at Hirshfield’s!.

Is it better to paint a deck or stain it?

While staining may take less time than painting, painting often does a better job of filling the cracks, covering imperfections, and provides longer lasting protection. Paint also is typically more rot resistance and does a better job of preventing mold and sun damage.

Can I use a floor sander to sand my deck?

Some homeowners will want to rent a big floor sander to do a large wooden surface like a deck floor. Don’t do that. Floor sanders can only sand surfaces that are perfectly flat, and deck boards are slightly curved. That means it will take off too much in some sections and not enough in others.

Should I power wash my deck?

A pressure washer can clean a wood deck much faster than you can scrub it by hand. That is a terrific advantage. However, a pressure washer will frequently destroy the surface of the wood. Those that are not eroded can be dislodged, leaving the wood fuzzy or rough after it dries.