Poorly-Finished Wood Deck
Re-finishing your wood deck isn't the most difficult operation around the house, but you'll find that it can be a very rewarding project, especially when summer rolls around. But exactly how easy is it? In this article, you'll find some basic steps and strategies for re-finishing your wood deck to restore its original luster.
- "Check your deck" and make sure the structure is ready for finishing. It may sound a little simple, but if you want to make sure you'll have a great restored deck, you'll want to make sure there aren't any major repairs needed first. Check the structure of the deck, because if you are finishing a deck that's flawed, you're simply dressing up something that's fundamentally poor. Make the necessary repairs before you re-finish your deck.
- Clean your deck with a power washer. It's possible to rent a power washer from a local hardware store or retail outlet, so be sure that you make full use of it and give your deck a thorough cleaning. Before you power wash your deck, make sure it's clear of any major items that you don't want to get wet, and be sure that nearby objects won't be harmed if they're touched by the water. Then it's a matter of blasting away the dirt - enjoy it!
- Start sanding. Once your deck is freshly clean, it's time to make the final preparations for the sealing itself, and that means smoothing out the wood itself. The best way to do this is by sanding, usually with a power sander. Keep the power sander in mind when you head to the hardware store looking for a power washer to rent. Don't go overboard with sanding; simply smoothen out the deck's surface so that the sealant will stick properly to the wood underneath.
- Seal the deck. Once the deck is clean and smoothed out by the power sander, you're ready to seal it. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to seal the deck after using the power sander, as you don't want to leave your deck to the elements overnight. Once you've sealed it, give your deck the proper amount of time to dry off and settle properly. You can then move furniture back onto it and enjoy!
Re-finishing your deck is not the most complicated way to get started with your own home improvement endeavors, but it is rewarding!
Photo Credits: Creativity103
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Fix Handyman on October 1, 2009 in
Deck, Handyman, How to Fix, Patio
Got a problem with your decking?
Building a deck for your house is no small feat - that's why many people choose to outsource the labor and time to contractors who have experience doing it. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to maintain your own deck with your own wits, tools, and supplies. So how exactly do you make minor repairs in your decking, and where should you start? Well, I can answer one question right away: you should start by reading the rest of this article.
First, understand that there are some common problems that come up when fixing your deck, and if you understand these problems, you already have a head start in your at-home repair. Here are the solutions to some of these common problems.
Repairing Broken Floor Boards
The floor boards in your deck are the most visible and probably the most common problem you'll encounter. It's hard to have guests over for a Sunday evening meal when your floorboards are loose and ready to pop out at any moment. That's why you'll want to know how to handle your floor board problems right away.
This can be very easy - usually, floor boards that aren't working well enough either need to be re-tightened or attached to the beams in your deck, or simply need to be replaced. It will be up to you to make the diagnosis, but err on the side of caution and safety. You might even have some old beams laying around from the initial deck construction that will allow you to seamlessly integrate some new beams.
How to Stop Peeling Paint
If you absolutely have to have your wood be a copper color but used paint, you might want to think again about your choice. Paint sits on top of the wood and doesn't soak in, meaning that it's both exposed to the elements and can be lifted up from the wood, allowing it to peel. If you use a wood stain, however, you can change the color of your deck without having to worry about the paint peeling off.
Remove your paint from the deck, wash it down, and once it's dry, have the deck stained. You won't have to worry about the elements "getting to" your deck's color because the color will be stained in to the wood itself.
There are a number of ways to remove paint from your deck. You can rent a vibrating sander or apply a chemical paint stripper (be careful and make sure to follow warning signs!). Try to consult someone who knows about decks to see what might be the most effective way for you.
Photo Credits: carljoseph
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Fix Handyman on August 14, 2009 in
Handyman, How to Fix, Patio
Fix your Patio Roof.
One of the most common problems you'll come across in your home improvement is rust. Rust seems to be everywhere, unless you know how to prevent it and how to get rid of it. Oftentimes, the rust will show up in the places you ignore the most - areas like the patio roof, where rust is frequently an issue do-it-yourselfers have to address. So how can you repair your patio roof without doing damage to the patio?
If you're going to be up on your patio roof, you need to address some basics thanks to the theory of gravity. First, you'll need to make sure that your ladder leading up to the roof is secure - have someone else hold it for you to make sure. You'll also want to tread carefully, knowing that your weight is not insignificant and can pose a risk if you're dealing with a particularly weak roof. The higher your roof is, the higher your risks are, so be prepared.
If your patio roof is infected with rust, then you're going to want to clean the roof off as much as possible before you begin work. Brush and sweep away debris, leaves, and other unwelcome contaminants that would get in the way of your tools and the rust on your patio roof. You'll want the roof to be as clean as possible when you begin your work so that nothing interferes later on.
Next, you'll want to use a pressure washer to help you scrape off rust and mildew from the roof. A mixture of three parts water to one part chlorine bleach can be a very effect cleaner - just make sure you don't get it in your eyes or near anyone else, for that matter. This should be a very effective cleaning that will help remove any excess materials you don't want on your roof, paving the way for a smooth foundation. If any parts are still stubborn, you'll want to use sandpaper to actually widdle away at the rust.
Applying a roof sealant will help protect against any holes that might have been brought about by the rust, so apply a coat of sealant next, being careful to make it even. Let this sit and dry for a long time. In order to make sure that the roof is dry, wait for a clear weather report with high pressure systems.
After you've completed the repairs on your roof, be sure to visit it occasionally, checking on the progress of any rust and making sure there are no leaks or potential holes developing. The better prepared you are, the less you'll have to deal with these problems in the future.
Photo Credits: bossco
This post involves:
... and focuses on:
Posted by Fix Handyman on August 6, 2009 in
Handyman, How to Fix, Patio
Stumble
Reddit
Digg
Del.icio.us
