Deck Renewals Before and After Shocking Alterations

Is your deck looking worn down after years of use and exposure to the elements? Considering a deck restoration project but not sure where to start? By renewing and refinishing your aging, damaged deck, you can utterly transform its appearance while also boosting your home's curb appeal and value.

From power washing away built-up grime to structural repairs, new finishes, and beyond, deck restorations involve a range of processes. And the dramatic before and after pictures speak for themselves. If your deck is due for a face-lift, read on to learn everything you need to prep, update, and care for your deck.

Determine If Your Deck Needs Restoration

Your deck endures a lot over years of heavy foot traffic, seasonal weather shifts, sunlight exposure, and more. As a high-use outdoor living area, a deck requires regular upkeep and periodic renewal projects.

Signs your deck needs a restoration include:

• Visible surface damage - Splinters, cracks, nails popping up, warped or cupped boards
• Worn or peeling protective finishes - Flaking paint/stain, graying wood grain
• Structural weaknesses - Sagging beams, loose railings, rotting joists
• Outdated style - Dated color/design, faded appearance

But even a deck in good shape can benefit from refurbishment to protect woods, enhance visual appeal, and boost curb appeal before selling.

Assess Damage and Set Restoration Goals

2.1 Evaluate Overall Condition

Start by examining the current state of your deck to identify what needs fixing. Look for cracked boards, splintered surfaces, loose nails, or nails popping up that could snag feet. Check for soft areas that signal rot issues. Note uneven boards that threaten tripping hazards.

Inspect the deck's structure like support posts and beams underneath too. Signs of sagging, excess bouncing, or cracked concrete pier blocks demand attention to prevent collapse.

2.2 Identify Areas Needing Repair

The type and extent of deck defects determine the restoration route. Minor surface repairs may include sanding rough areas, replacing individual damaged boards, filling cracks, and applying protective finishes.

More extensive structural repairs involve reinforcing or replacing decaying support joists, stabilizing wobbly posts, and correcting improper spacing issues liable to worsen over time.

2.3 Consider Desired Final Appearance

Visualize how you want the restored deck to look, function, and complement your home's exterior. Will you stick with natural wood tones or introduce bolder colors? Should the decking run diagonal or remain straight? Any plans to add built-in benches or flower boxes?

Factor in future maintenance duties too. Some decking materials resist moisture, fungi, and pests better but cost more upfront. Define your restoration goals before developing a plan of attack.

Prepare the Deck Surface for Renewal

3.1 Power Wash and Strip Previous Finishes

Proper cleaning is crucial prep work before restorations. A thorough power washing lifts ground-in dirt and debris that prevent finishes from adhering well. Let the deck dry fully before continuing.

Also strip any chipping solid stains or paint down the bare wood if possible. Chemical strippers help remove old acrylic and oil-based finishes. Just take safety precautions against inhaling harsh vapors or direct skin contact.

3.2 Replace Rotten Boards and Repair Structural Issues

Address any structural repairs next. Shore up wobbly posts or joists before topping with deck boards. Consider sistering in fresh lumber alongside deteriorated old members. Adjust improper post heights interfering with level decking.

Replace visibly rotten boards, nailing down loose planks, and refastening nails that stick up. Counter sink protruding fasters before sanding for a flat surface.

3.3 Sand Away Splinters for a Smooth Surface

Smoothing uneven decking prepares for blemish-free refinishing later. Work a square sander buffing pad to gently sand away splinters, grayed fibers, cracks, cupping, and small ridges between boards.

Vacuum dust between passes. Finish by hand sanding corners and tight areas the buffing pad missed. Take care not to aggressively scour and ruin the wood grain's texture.

Choose a Restoration Process

4.1 Refinishing Options Like Stains and Paints

Various finishing products protect decks after structural repairs. Consider oil or water-based semi-transparent deck stains to enrich the wood's pattern and color while allowing some grain visibility. Or opaque solid deck stains provide extra UV and moisture resistance without hiding woodtexture.

Painting is best for decks made from pressboard composite planks instead of real wood. Specialty deck paints withstand freezing, thawing, puddles, snow piles and resist mildew growth.

4.2 Partial or Complete Redecking

For severely damaged, uneven or outdated decks, complete tear outs and replacements better remedy fundamental flaws. Redecking opens opportunities for better layouts, upgraded woods, and lower future upkeep.

Blending new deck boards alongside refinished older boards is tricky to seamlessly color match. Whole new decking installations present a cleaner overall look.

What to Expect During the Restoration

5.1 Typical Timeline and Impacts

Deck restoration projects often take several days to complete. Allow additional time for thorough drying in between steps like power washing, sanding, staining, sealing, etc. The timeline stretches with large decks or extensive structural repairs too.

Expect some disruptions in your backyard living space and limited access to ground-level patios or gardens during the renovation. Some noise and dust are unavoidable as well.

5.2 Noise, Dust, and Other Disruptions

Sanding emits bothersome dust requiring tarps and drop cloths to protect nearby outdoor living areas. Power saws cutting damaged deck boards add noise. Nearby home windows may rattle during hammering and structural work.

While frustrating, the short-term hassles pale next to the years of enjoyment from an updated deck. Manage expectations ahead of time so the restoration process goes smoothly.

Transform the Appearance and Add Value

6.1 Enhance Curb Appeal and Usability

A proper deck restoration revitalizes worn, weathered wood with protective new finishes that pop with color and visual depth. Fresh boards replace damaged areas, eliminating splinters and trip hazards.

The makeover process extends your deck's service life for more backyard barbeques and quality time outdoors. A smooth refinished surface also makes sweeping away leaves, pollen, and debris simpler.

6.2 Increase Home Resale Value

Deck renovations rank among the highest-value home improvements. On average, deck restorations return 68% of costs upon selling, adding usable living space and lifestyle appeal beyond backdoors.

Shoppers view charming decks as extensions of interior rooms and spaces to unwind. Make sure your deck puts its best face forward instead of detracting from resale potential.

Care for the Restored Deck

7.1 Allow Proper Cure Times Before Use

Avoid dragging patio furniture back out or traipsing across a freshly stained deck too soon. New finishes need adequate dry time to fully harden. Premature scuffs and scrapes necessitate extensive re-sanding and touch-up work.

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations, typically around 48 hours. Cooler fall temperatures may prolong recommended curing times.