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How to Fix a Poorly-Finished Wooden Deck

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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