Few things are as enjoyable as spending time outdoors. For many homeowners, having a deck in pristine condition is something they view as a priority. If you’ve recently moved into a home with a deck or you’ve been living in a home with a deck that’s been poorly maintained, now is the time to take action.
The longer you allow your deck to remain in a deteriorated state, the harder it will be to restore it to pristine condition. The home improvement industry is worth over $126 billion. If you are looking for a project to take on, then restoring your old and neglected deck is a good idea.
Below are some things you need to keep in mind when trying to restore an old deck.
1. Remove Old Paint and Wood Stain From the Deck
Trying to get a true assessment of the condition of your deck is important before starting a restoration project. If you want to see the condition of the wood on your deck, then you have to remove the paint and stain on it. Decks that have old stain and paint on them are usually unappealing. This is why removing these substances is so important.
Instead of trying to remove these substances from the deck wood by yourself, enlist the help of professionals. One of the most effective ways to remove paint and wood stains from your deck is with the help of professionals that specialize in abrasive blasting. Having this professional help will make removing these substances a breeze.
2. Replace Damaged Boards Immediately
Once you’ve removed old paint and stain from your neglected deck, you will find it much easier to spot wood damage. Over the years, the wood on your deck will be exposed to the elements. This might lead to problems involving wood rot and mold.
If one or more of the boards on your deck are damaged, you need to replace them immediately. As you shop for new deck boards, be sure to avoid wood with tons of knots. You also need to make sure the boards you purchase aren’t bowed. Working with a reputable lumber supplier will allow you to get a great deal on the deck boards you need.
3. Repaint or Stain Your Deck
After you’ve replaced any damaged boards on your deck, you will need to start the process of repainting or staining it. The key to having success with the part of your restoration project is choosing the right products. Trying to skimp on the quality of the paint or stain you use is a horrible idea. By investing in quality paint or stain, you can restore the beauty your deck has lost.
4. Plan For Future Deck Maintenance
The worst thing you can do after taking on a deck restoration project is to ignore the need for future maintenance. If you want your deck to stay in pristine shape, then routinely painting and staining it is a must. You also need to look for structural problems and fix them before they get worse.
By following these tips, you can restore your deck in no time.