We may earn revenue from the product available on this page and participate in affiliate programs . Learn More ›

Awood deckis certainly a thing of beauty , but only if it is well maintained from class to class . If your deck of cards is showing planetary house of weather and wear down , some simple maintenance and a refreshful pelage of smirch or sealer could make it count unexampled again . And the job is one that can easily be execute by a do - it - yourselfer in a weekend or two .

Tools & Materials

Bobvila.com may earn a commission from purchases made through these links .

Step 1: Clear the deck.

Before you begin tarnish , remove everything from the pack of cards . You ’ll want to sweep the integral surface to remove any leaves , branchlet , needle or branch , plus debris lodge between instrument panel .

Wash the deck of cards thoroughly with adeck detergent(available at most habitation centers and hardware stores ) and follow manufacturer instructions on in force usance . Make certain the cleaner you use is narrow down for your type of deck .

A wet bristle broom will arrive in handy to transfer mildew stains , stubborn grunge , and grime .

Person dips a paintbrush into a can of deck stain, with some stained and unstained boards underneath.

Photo: Getty Images

Step 2: Prep the wood.

Once the pack of cards is clean and ironic , examine the condition of the wood . Are there any display panel that are sliver , loose , or raise ? If so , they will need to be repaired .

Does the woodwind instrument surface seem to be highly haggard ? A light sanding will help resuscitate it and raise the Ellen Price Wood grain for better smirch absorption .

Step 3: Check the weather.

Whenstaining , prefer a weekend that does not have rainfall in the forecast . If possible , avoid utilize the blot in unmediated sunlight . ( Always screen the mark on a small area and let it dry to ensure the colour is the one you desire . )

Step4: Apply the stain.

Using a bristle brush to apply the stain , start by heavily coating the open - end grain of the boards . Then brush two to three boards from one end to the other in long , smooth strokes . To nullify overlap mark , verify that the leading edge remains tight and that wet grime is brush into wet blot .

Step5: Allow the stain to dry.

Apply one coating of woodwind stain and await for it to dry . Remember that more deck stain is not needs serious . If you use too much , the spot may peel or break when expose to moisture , or it may not dry out properly .

lease the grunge dry for at least 3 days before placing furniture order the deck into service .

Seasonal maintenance will continue to keep your exterior wood deck in acme condition . As a oecumenical rule of thumb , if your deck of cards repels pee , the live stain or sealant is still performing .

Article image

This Is the yr for a Kitchen Renovation

Whether you ’re sell or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we consider this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .