Decks are a great way to have that feeling of being outdoors without actually leaving the house. Unfortunately, it is the most neglected part of a house and this leads them to lose their new and fresh look.
Deck refinishing is not at all a difficult task and taking necessary maintenance measures can protect your deck for several years.
Image Credit: iStock/Wojciech Kozielczyk
What Is Deck Refinishing?
Deck refinishing involves the task of repairing, sanding, deep cleaning and staining of wooden decks. There are several steps to conducting the process of deck refinishing starting from inspection of the deck to final sealing. Wood deck refinishing is best carried on wood that is free from paint or any other coating.
Why The Need For Deck Refinishing?
Decks are mostly made out of redwood, dear or pressure-treated pine nowadays. These materials being resistant to rotting and have a long service period of almost 40 years rarely requires any refinishing.
However, there is a possibility of the materials losing their appearance over time. The harmful ultraviolet rays break down the wood fibers and lignin, and turn them into grey. Water damage can pop out nails and general wearing out results in the splintering of the wood. To ensure that the deck maintains its shine and form it is better to get it refinished after every two to three years.
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How Can Deck Refinishing Correct These Problems?
The acid present in the cleaning solution plays a major role in repairing the damage caused by the sun.
The mold and mildew are killed by bleach and the dirt that harbors microorganisms is cleaned through pressure washing.
Use of deck sealers prevents the nails from popping out through water damage. Deck sanding helps in getting rid of the splinters that makes sealing difficult.
Replacing any rotten wood prevents the rot from spreading.
Only qualified and experienced painting professionals in New Jersey will be able to implement these refinishing techniques successfully.
A step-by-step Guide To Deck Refinishing
The task of deck refinishing requires a lot of experience and expertise in the matter to ensure the best possible outcome. The steps to successfully carry out deck refinishing are as follows –
- Inspection: The first step is to examine whether the deck is securely fastened to the platform. Any rusty fasteners should be removed and loose screws and bolts tightened. If there is any structural damage, it is better to get it repaired by a deck specialist.
- Cleaning: Any landscaping or nearby plants should be covered up to protect them from any toxic products from deck cleaning. Any dirt or debris should be cleaned off the deck using wood cleaner.
- Power Washing: Professional Princeton painters know how to pressure-wash the deck surface best. While pine, cedar and other softwood can only handle pressure up to 500 PSI other hardwoods can handle pressure as high as 1200 PSI.
Image Credit: iStock/Wojciech Kozielczyk
- Sanding: This process ensures that the deck surface stays smooth and the new stain gets absorbed evenly. Professionals use an orbital sander with the appropriate grit of sandpaper for the deck. Lower grit is used for the floor and the higher grit for the railings.
- Staining: The wood staining process requires selecting both the color and the material. Oil-based water repellants tend to last longer and soak into the wood thoroughly. Choosing a semi-transparent stain would allow the real wood grain to shine through.
- Cleanup: Dispose of all the deck refinishing supplies like leftover solvents, stain, and other hazardous waste materials. It is highly recommended to avoid washing these hazardous substances down the drain.
Cost of Deck Refinishing
While there are several factors influencing the cost of refinishing a deck, the primary determinant is the size. The cost of refinishing project increases with the increase in the size of the coverage area.
The average cost per square foot for such work ranges between $2.50 and $3.80. Since the standard size of a deck is 200 square feet, the total cost will come to somewhere between $500 and $1,500. There is an additional cost for labor ranging from $300 to $600.
Other factors influencing the cost of deck refinishing are –
- Condition of the deck
- Non-standard sizing
- Materials from which it is made, etc
There are also other secondary factors which will determine the cost of such a refinishing project. Such as, prices for a deck refinishing in East Windsor will be different from the prices in West Windsor. It also varies depending on the time of the year when it is purchased and the cost of living for that specific area.
Reputed painting contractors will look for mold and rot in the deck before providing any staining or protective sealing. The cost of inspection can add around $100 while the cost of treatment for termites can include an additional $200 to the total cost.
Final Thoughts
Refinishing a deck after every 2-3 years, will not only provide your home outdoor space with an attractive look but will also increase its resale value. Remember that whatever refinishing steps you take, do it under the supervision of a professional painting contractor such as Princeton Painters and you are sure to get satisfied with the outcome.
