It’s more than a wooden deck. It’s where you dine, meditate and escape. Your deck should reflect the naturally captivating environment that it allows you to enjoy.  While your deck is drawing extra attention as a center of activity and serenity during the summer, it is also drawing extra attention from the blazing Colorado sun. You can reverse the wearing and weathering of the wood by integrating two routines into your yard work: cleaning and refinishing your deck.

Steps to a clean and refinished deck:

1). Purchase and apply cleaner: Use a garden sprayer to apply a deck cleaner to both the horizontal and vertical surfaces of your deck. With basic cleaners, wear goggles and gloves as well as cover your plants beforehand. Leave those steps out by looking for a natural cleaner without harsh chemicals.

2). Rinse with a pressure washer: Obtain a pressure washer with proper attachments by renting or purchasing from a home improvement store. Do not hold the pressure washer in one place too long or too close to the wood.

3). Perform necessary repairs: Repair boards that are rotting or deteriorating or replace them. Fix protruding nails by driving them back in or replacing them with deck screws.

4). Apply sealer or stain: After the deck is completely dry, use a pump sprayer and paintbrush to apply a sealer or tinted deck stain if you want to revive it with a little color.

Bottom photo courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens.

Information courtesy of Danny Lipford from Better Homes & Gardens.