How To Clean A Wood Deck For Staining

No staining refinishing or sanding is required.

How to clean a wood deck for staining. Composite decking has an advantage over wood because it is low maintenance. If you ve replaced a warped or damaged board the new wood won t be the same shade as the rest of your deck. Scrub the wood surface with a stiff bristle brush to remove loosened dirt and grime. If you have a brand new deck made of treated lumber as opposed to cedar or redwood wait at least a few weeks before sealing it for the first time.

If the water pools on the wood surface the need for exterior stain is less urgent. Cleaning your wooden deck is part of its annual maintenance. Staining a deck for the first time no matter it s new or old is not something you can take easily. Before staining your deck it is important to make sure that your deck is clean.

Cleaning the deck also gives you the opportunity to check the wood for loose nails or rough spots that could cause tripping or splinters. Stain gives a deck a uniform color and protects the wood. Knowing how to clean a deck before staining helps ensure that your experience with deck preservation is a smooth one. But composites aren t entirely maintenance free.

Use a putty knife to remove debris from these spaces. Be sure to sweep the debris off the deck but don t forget to clear the spaces between the boards of your deck as well. This allows the wood to dry so the stain is absorbed. The discoloration will make your deck look old and dingy.

If the wood absorbs it within 10 minutes plan to stain as soon as possible. Try a simple test to see if your deck repels water or needs staining. The process removes decaying organic material that might erode the deck surface and prepares the wood for staining. Deck staining won t last forever though and you ll likely find yourself preparing to re stain your wood deck at some point.

If wood handrails balusters even outdoor wooden furniture seem less than fresh mix up some more deck cleaning solution to safely. Rinse the deck clean with a garden hose. A whole process waits for you to get that professional beautiful end result. Fortunately there are a variety of deck cleaners available that will not harm the stain.

Choosing stain repair clean up staining. Use a garden hose to wet down the entire deck. Spray the wood cleaner solution onto the deck and railings then wait 10 minutes. Unfortunately some cleaners can cause discoloration and bleaching of your deck stain.

Mold and mildew can develop in damp shady locations and due to its wood fiber content will eventually show signs of decay. Sprinkle water on the wood. How to stain a deck for the first time.