Ahh, those late summer days, when the sun is beating down, the BBQ is on and your outdoor-deck is finally ready for you. But wait – is it looking a bit tired? You could upgrade it to make it glisten again with just a little bit of cleaning and refinishing! If you want to make your deck sparkle like new, read on to find out the essential cleaning and refinishing basics.
1. Preparing for a Deck Refresh
A deck refresh is a great way to take your outdoor space from drab to fab! Before you get started, however, it’s important to properly plan and prepare for the job. Here are some useful tips to help you get the ball rolling:
- Do a thorough inspection of your deck. Check for wood that is beyond repair, any fading, and worn out areas.
- Clear off any furniture and other objects that are on or around the deck.
- Sanitize your deck with a power washer or other appropriate cleaning agent to remove dirt and debris.
- Sand the deck to remove any rough areas or splinters and make sure to use a mask and gloves.
Once you’ve completed these preliminary tasks it’s time to select the materials for your deck refresh. Re-staining or painting your deck is a popular choice, but you also have the option of installing deck tiles, adding skirting, or other creative DIY projects. Consider hiring professional help too. That way, you can relax and enjoy your newly refreshed deck worry-free!
2. Getting Down and Dirty with the Deck Cleaning Process
Once you’ve prepped for the task, you’ll be ready to tackle the deck cleaning process head-on. Here’s how it’s done:
- Sweeping: Start off with a quick sweep of the whole area. This will remove any surface grime and dirt that may have gathered there.
- Scrubbing: Once you’ve managed to clear away the dirt and dust with a broom, break out a stiff-bristle brush and focus on scrubbing the areas that need extra attention. Work your way further into the grime until you see a marked improvement in the appearance.
- Let It Soak: Now it’s time to get the dirtier, tougher spots. Apply a hardcore cleaner suitable for outdoors and let the solution soak in before scrubbing it off.
- Final Rinse: Finish off with a thorough rinse off with a power washer. This will help to get rid of any remaining debris, and leave your deck looking good as new.
Using these four steps, you’ll find that you can bring your decks back to life in no time at all. Not only is it a relatively quick job, but it will make a huge difference in the overall appearance of your outdoor space.
One final note: keep your deck materials in mind before you start so that you use the right cleaner and brushes for your materials. If you use the wrong cleaner or too much pressure, you might end up damaging your deck and having to replace it. In other words, it pays to double-check before getting cleaning.
3. Bringing the Sparkle Back: Refinishing Basics
Is there anything worse than seeing your beloved furniture starting to lose its luster? Not only is it an eyesore, but it can also be a sign of wear and tear. The good news is that most furniture can be brought back to life with a few simple refinishing techniques. Here’s how to bring the sparkle back with minimal effort.
- Prep the Space: Before getting started, make sure the area is properly prepped. It’s important to remove all dust and debris from the surface. You’ll also want to make sure to cover your furniture or the surrounding area with a drop cloth or canvas cloth.
- Sand: Sanding is the key to a good refinishing job. You’ll want to use a medium-grit sandpaper for best results. Start sanding in the same direction the grain follows. Be sure to change the paper and sand with the grain as you go.
- Clean: After sanding, it’s important to thoroughly dust off your furniture. This is an essential step to make sure the finish adheres properly. Vacuum the piece and then use a damp cloth to wipe away any residual dust.
These three steps are the basics of furniture refinishing. With a bit of elbow grease, you’ll be able to bring the original sparkle back to your furniture. Then, you can enjoy the pride of a job well done.
4. Finishing Touches: Enjoying Your Revamped Deck
Relax and Rejuvenate
It’s time to break out the loungers and blanket and bask in the glory of your revamped deck. Feeling the sun’s rays, breathing in the fresh air, sipping on a home-made iced tea – it’s all yours to enjoy! Have a barbecue, host a get-together or relax in peace – it’s the perfect time to start winding down.
Spice things up with a few outdoor decor pieces too; like a selection of cheerful flower pots, a vibrant outdoor rug or some patio furniture for added seating. Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back for all the effort you’ve put into this project!
Adding the Finishing Touches
It’s easy to forget the finishing touches that will make your deck stand out. Don’t neglect the importance of adding:
- Solar lights to extend your time outdoors
- String lights to add a magical feel to your deck
- Wind chimes for a relaxing ambience
Gosh, you’ve done an amazing job with this – there’s nothing you can’t do! With just some well-thought-out additions, your revamped deck will be full of charm and character.
Now that you have the basics of cleaning and refinishing your deck, get out there and give it a sparkle makeover! With a bit of time and elbow grease, you can transform your deck into a functional and stylish outdoor oasis that you and your guests can enjoy for years to come.
Having a beautiful deck is an inviting way to welcome friends and family over for barbecues and parties. Making your deck sparkle will help you to use it for more activities and to invite everyone over with confidence. Cleaning and refinishing your deck is a great way to ensure it looks great, so let’s take a look at the basics.
First of all, the best way to get your deck ready for a good cleaning is to sweep it of all the debris that has built up. You may want to use a stiff bristle brush to really get all the dirt and other residue off the surface. After that, it’s time to get a pressure washer. Pressure washers are ideal for cleaning as they will not damage your deck in any way. Most pressure washers come with a series of nozzles that you can use to get different results for various surfaces. Keep in mind that pressure washers can be quite powerful, so you should follow the instructions carefully.
After pressure washing, you should allow your deck to thoroughly dry. If you decide to use a wood cleaner and brightener, you will likely want to wait for the deck to dry for up to 24 hours before applying the cleaner. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying wood cleaners and brighteners.
Once the deck is clean and dry, it’s time to look into refinishing. The most popular finish is a semi-transparent or transparent stain. To apply the stain, you’ll want to choose a quality 3” to 4” roller and apply the stain in an even coat. Make sure to only do one section at a time and to brush out any drips or runs as you go. After you’ve applied the stain, make sure to wait some time before you use your deck. Lighter stains need more time to dry, but most stains should be dry in 24 hours or so.
If you want to really make your deck sparkle, you should consider using a wood sealer. Wood sealers act as a protective coating that allows water to bead up and off the wood, preventing it from getting stained and weathered. When you apply a wood sealer, make sure to follow the instructions provided and allow the sealer to dry for the recommended time.
By following these steps, you can make your deck look like new and you’ll have a great spot for outdoor gatherings and activities. With a little time, effort and some elbow grease you can make your deck sparkle and have it looking great for years to come.