How to Restore an Old Deck Without Going Broke
The terrace can become an extension of your living space during the warmer months, a second living room for meetings or a quiet retreat where you can enjoy the summer breeze. For all their utility, decks can be difficult to maintain and can become an eyesore as they age. Keeping your deck clean and ready to use is not as difficult as it might seem. Here are some ways to save money by doing your own patio maintenance.
Check and repair structural damage
The first thing to do before even thinking about a repair is to check for damage. Make sure all posts holding the deck are in good condition and free of rot or chips. Make sure the railings are in good condition and appear to be strong. All posts supporting the deck must be firmly fixed and must not lean or buckle.
If you find any structural issues, you should call in a professional for repairs, but there are a few things you can do yourself. For example, this is also a good time to check for bushes and debris because buildup of dry material under wood decking can pose a fire hazard during the summer months.
Once you’ve given your deck a good look, the next step is to check for damage and repair any deck floorboards and replace any cracked boards with new material. This can be achieved by unscrewing the damaged section from beam to beam and cutting off the damaged section of the board from the middle of the beam to the middle of the next beam. Screw the existing boards to the beam at each end and then cut out a new board to fill the gap and screw it on. If you are working with a smaller deck, it may be easier to just replace the entire board than to cut out the damaged area.
Clean and prepare your deck
Once your floorboards are firmly fixed and all repairs are done, you need to clean the surface and prepare it for refinishing. A good washing machine is the best way to achieve this. You can usually rent a pressure washer from your local hardware store for between $40 and $85 per day, depending on the size of your project. For a small terrace, an electric washing machine is a good choice, but for larger jobs , a gas-powered washing machine is better. Using the pressure washer is fairly simple – basically point and shoot – but be careful not to increase the pressure too much as this can damage the wood. Using a fan nozzle instead of a narrow nozzle will help spread the pressure to prevent damage.
To get rid of mold, mildew, and stains, a mixture of bleach and detergent is usually best. You can use a pre-mixed solution or make your own by mixing one liter of household bleach, three liters of warm water, and one-third cup of ammonia-free laundry detergent or ammonia-free dishwashing detergent. It is important here not to mix bleach and ammonia, as they form a poisonous gas.
Apply deck trim
Once your surface is clean, you may decide to polish your deck as well. Deck finishes may be stain , paint , or clear sheeting . Generally, a water-based product is better suited for ease of use and cleaning.
A spray gun is best for application, but use a cloth or plastic to protect your home and yard from overspray. To get an even coat, start by spraying a light coat all over the deck, then work back with a roller or brush to spread the puddles and even out everything. It is better to apply two coats than to get a patchy, uneven finish. You can also use the brush to paint the edges of the floorboards and other areas that will be harder to spray. Once your finish is dry, you are ready to enjoy your refurbished deck.