Cleaning and Refinishing a Deck the Best Way

Your deck has definitely been through a lot—whether it’s from those long winters with snow piling up, your dog running around, or just the never-ending effects of sun and rain.

You might think about just leaving it as it is, thinking it adds character. However, as time goes by, weathering increases the growth of mold and mildew, which not only speeds up wood rot but also makes your deck slippery and dangerous when it’s wet. And let's be honest: what's the point of having a deck if you can't use it because it's in bad shape?

Before cleaning your wooden deck, check the weather first. Pick a day that's not too hot and has no rain in the forecast. This way, your cleaning solution can work its magic without drying out too quickly or getting washed away.

Step 1: Clear Your Deck

Remove any furniture, pots, or other items from your deck. Next, sweep the whole deck, including the steps, to eliminate loose dirt, leaves, and debris. Use a stiff-bristled broom for this, making sure to focus on the gaps between the wooden boards where dirt can build up easily.

Step 2: Repair Your Deck

Before you start power washing your deck, make sure you inspect it carefully and fix any problems. If you take care of these issues before cleaning and refinishing your deck, you'll avoid any more structural problems later on.

These are the common deck issues and ways to fix them:

Step 3: Scrub or Power Wash Your Deck

You're probably thinking that power washing your deck could mess it up or roughen the soft wood, leaving you with more raised sharp grain. You can avoid damaging the wood fiber by using the right power washing techniques. 

If you're not feeling confident about power washing your deck or if you don't have a power washer, you can always clean it manually using a stiff-bristled brush.

How to Clean Your Deck without a Power Washer

1. Use a hose to wet the deck down.
2. Take a scrub brush and vigorously scrub the wood with your deck cleaner solution.
3. Don't be afraid to put some elbow grease into the scrubbing, as the dirt will start coming up immediately.
4. Keep the deck wet as you continue scrubbing.
5. After scrubbing the entire deck, wait about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with a hose.

How to Power Wash a Deck Without Damaging It

1. Start by pointing the pressure washer to the side so you don’t end up getting cleaning solution and dirt sprayed right in your face.
2. Ease the pressure washer closer to the wood, making sure to keep the tip about three to four inches away from the surface, depending on how powerful your machine is.
3. Gently move the wand back and forth, keeping it even and consistent.
4. When you finish each swing, make sure to lift the tip to prevent any damage to the wood and to avoid stop-and-start marks.
5. Make sure to clean up that soaked area before you proceed to the rest of the deck.
6. After you've cleaned off all the dirt and algae from the deck, make sure to give it a good rinse with fresh water to wash away any leftover cleaning solution residue.

Step 4: Let the Deck Dry

After cleaning your deck, let it dry thoroughly before staining. Many people don't wait long enough, which might cause the stain to not soak in, requiring a retouch within a year.

Starting staining a day after pressure washing may seem like a smart idea, but the deck won't be dry enough. Cabot recommends waiting 3-5 days for dry weather before applying their oil-based deck stain. Although the board may look dry after one day, the stain won't sink in as well.

Step 5: Sand Your Deck (If Needed)

Are you happy with how your deck looks after cleaning it? If so, you can skip this step. If not, sand a portion of your deck first and evaluate how the refreshed wood looks to you.

Remember that the stain gets soaked into the wood's pores, and the only way to completely get rid of it is by sanding the deck thoroughly. But this can be a bit of a hassle for many folks. Most homeowners usually clean the deck, let it dry, and then put on the new stain.

Even though the outcome might not be flawless, with some spots lighter and others darker, the new stain will still offer protection to the wood and enhance its look for many years to come.

Step 6: Apply a Deck Brightener

Your deck will already begin to look much better at this point. But don’t forget the next step: using a wood brightener.

In the last five years or so, it's possible that UV damage has led to changes in the color of the wood. Using a wood brightener can get rid of this discoloration and bring back the natural beauty of your deck.

Even though it might seem easier to grab a "cleaner-and-brightener-in-one" product, using a specific wood brightener will give you the best results.

Just apply the wood brightener to the deck according to the directions on the product, then give it a good rinse. It's important to wait around 72 hours before applying stain so that the wood can dry fully.

Step 7: Seal and Stain Your Deck

Once your deck is dry, the next step is to seal and stain it. This will help protect the wood from the weather and keep it looking great. Here's how to do it:

1. Go for a good oil-based stain or sealer to get the best coverage and protection.
2. Pick the right opacity: go for semi-solid if you've got weathered decks, or choose semi-transparent or transparent for a natural look.
3. Use a paint/stain pad on an extension pole and dip it in a paint tray to apply the stain. Stain a couple boards at a time, making sure to cover the whole length before you switch to the next one.
4. Put on a second, wet-on-wet coat at the end of the deck to smooth out the finish. You can also use rags to apply the stain in overlapping, tight circles and just wipe up any extra as you work.

Cleaning, Refinishing, and Securing Your Deck with the Right Screws

Cleaning and refinishing your deck might feel a bit overwhelming, but with the right tools and techniques, you can easily restore its natural beauty and add seven years to its life.

Choosing the right screws is extremely important for making sure your newly refinished deck stays safe and secure. At Allen's Trading, we provide a variety of top-notch fasteners, such as 304 and 316 stainless steel deck screws, coated screws, and structural fasteners for wood. Our products make sure your deck stays strong and dependable for a long time.

If you follow these expert tips and use the right screws from Allen's Trading, you can easily fix up your deck and create a nice, safe outdoor area for your family and friends to enjoy together.