Deck Seal And Stain

How to make your deck or patio look its best.

https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/deck-seal-and-stain • Posted by Stephanie Albares

Got a deck that could use cleaning and resealing, or maybe even a stain to cover up ugly pressure-treated wood? Here’s how to spruce up your deck for the warmer months.

You will need

Pressure washer Deck Cleaner Bucket 1 l Deck cleaning solution Stiff-bristled deck Broom Decking Stain (qty. depends on deck size) A nice big decking oil Brush OR lambswool applicator; see note below Clean-up materials (rags, mineral turps)

Project Budget

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Difficulty

Description

Got a deck that could use cleaning and resealing, or maybe even a stain to cover up ugly pressure-treated wood? Here’s how to spruce up your deck for the warmer months.

Instructions

1. 

   Clear off your deck and wet it down thoroughly. Mix the deck cleaning solution in a bucket with the suggested amount of water on the label. (Mine was 1 part deck cleaner to 4 parts water.) Scrub the cleaning solution into the pre-wetted timber with your stiff decking broom. Really scrub at it, especially if you’re trying to remove a previous oil or stain.

2. 

   Let the cleaning solution sit on the deck for 20 minutes, and then hose it off with your pressure washer. Let the deck dry overnight.

3. 

   (It's impressive how fresh and clean the timber looks at this stage!)

4. 

   Once the deck is bone dry, apply your decking stain. If your deck is made up of grooved pressure-treated timber or an otherwise rough surface, use a decking brush. Otherwise, use a lambswool applicator. The size of your deck and the label on the stain itself should give you a guideline on how much stain you’ll need, but if you’re working with pressure-treated pine like I was, beware: it’s thirsty stuff. (My coverage was 3m² per litre for raw treated pine.)

5. 

   Apply a second coat of stain (optional) and let dry.