If your home has a porch deck in front, in back, or on the side of the house, you should be prepared to refinish it every six to twelve months at first, and then less frequently later. Sun, snow, ice, and cold can take their toll on the wood boards that comprise the deck. When first installed, it no doubt was protected with a seal that helped to prevent environmental or weather damage. Over time, the finish will begin to deteriorate, leaving the wood exposed to insect or climate damage.
If you're not sure whether the finish has worn off, try this test. Spill a few drops of water on your deck. If they sit there without absorbing, there is still some finish remaining on the wood. But if they disappear promptly into the wood, the finish is gone. In some cases the wood may appear weathered and worn, but there may still be a little bit of finish left. If you don't like the look, however, you may want to refinish the deck stain anyway.
First inspect the entire deck surface, top and bottom, or as much as you can get to. Look for protruding nails and remove them. Check for signs of termite or carpenter ant damage. If the wood is bubbled in spots, that may mean it is warped and needs to be refinished. Also keep an eye out for mildew or mold. If you don't plan to refinish or reseal your deck, the mold will have to be treated to keep it from spreading. Look for splintered or cracked wood and repair as much as you can.
When you are ready to refinish the deck, you can hire this job done at a cost of several hundred dollars or more. Or you can do it yourself with the right equipment. It may not be a good idea to attempt this task if you have animals or young children who will be tempted to run over the deck before the chemicals dry.
Check with a home supply dealer to get the right finish and sealer for your deck. Buy protective gear for yourself, including boots, work clothes, gloves, and goggles. Water the surrounding grass and plants well, then cover with plastic. If the cleaning or sealing chemicals drip onto the greenery, the water will dilute their negative impact.
Scrub your deck with mild detergent and a clean broom or brush, and let it dry a day or so before the other work. Then paint or refinish your deck on a clear day, using a long-stemmed application brush. Avoid direct contact with the substances, and make sure the kids are nowhere in sight. You may want to close the house windows to prevent fumes, if any, from entering the rooms.
Apply the second coat when indicated. With some products this can be done before the first coat is dry. Allow both coats to dry completely before using the deck. Wash your gear and supplies, storing them for another time or discarding if they are in poor condition.
Prolong the life of your deck by providing annual maintenance to keep it strong and functional as long as possible.
