This post is sponsored by Lowe’s.
Decks built using dimensional lumber are super affordable, but they can also take quite a beating. If you have a deck that is due for a new coat of stain or has fallen out of repair, like our friends’, here are some tips for fixing, prepping and staining that may come in handy. And with the cold weather coming in fast, now is the perfect time to tackle this project and ensure your deck is ready for the harsh elements of winter.
Materials Used for This Project
If repair is necessary
lumber | decking screws | IRWIN wood clamps |
---|
Other materials
Repair Decking
The key to a lasting coat of stain having the deck in good condition. Any rotting or warped boards need to be replaced or refastened.
Remove any weak, rotten, or damaged boards, as well as those that are too warped to fasten back down. It helps to build a couple of forms to maintain consistent spacing.
These were just a few scrap pieces of wood with nails driven through them. We’d set the nails down in the gaps between boars and clamp the boards tightly together. The nails would maintain a consistent 1/8in space between boards.
We also used clamps to hold the boards down to the deck while we screwed them in. This helped take some of the warp out and allowed us to pull the boards in flush and even.
Prep & Wash the Deck
Once the structure is repaired, you want to prepare the wood to accept the stain properly. First, scrape and sand all of the wood to remove splinters.
After sanding, give the deck a good pressure wash (we used this Crafstman pressure washer from Lowe’s) to remove dirt and grime that might be present. Be careful not to put the washer nozzle too close to the wood, as it can damage it.
Using a good deck cleaner, scrub the decking with a stiff nylon brush to break up the dirt even more, then pressure wash again.
Allow the deck to dry for several hours or overnight before staining.
Lay Down Drop Cloths & Apply Stain
There are a couple ways you can stain – using a sprayer, or a brush. In many cases you’ll do a combination of the two. If using a sprayer, be sure to cover everything nearby that you don’t want to get stain on.
We used the Graco Magnum Project Painter Plus from Lowe’s and it was a total dream. Very even spray with no globs. For this deck we used Cabot Semi-Transparent Deck Stain, so the Graco 313 and 413 tips worked perfect. If you want a little slower of a spray, you can opt for the 311 or 411 (the 300’s spray 6-8in and the 400’s spray 8-10). I used the 313 on the rails since it had a more narrow spray pattern and the 413 on the deck to give wider coverage and cut down on time.
I also used a nozzle extension for the main areas of the deck to save my back.
With a sprayer, plan on multiple coats. You don’t want to spray too much at once or get it too heavy, otherwise it starts to puddle in areas and you need to wipe it up and redo it. Take your time, apply thin layers, and you’ll be so happy with the end result.
Though projects like this can seem daunting, having the right tools and planning your prep out over a few days helps in making it feel more approachable. Do it right and this is a project that will keep your deck looking fresh for years.
Our wood grain Shaker cabinet fronts were designed for busy, high-traffic homes like ours. Clad with durable textured thermofoils, this line is compatible with Sektion, Akurum, Godmorgon, and Besta cabinets from IKEA. It's the perfect, practical way to add the warmth of wood to all the rooms of your home.
We have teamed up with Loloi to create a line of rugs that are as affordable as they are beautiful. This collection houses a great mix of traditional and modern rugs, in cottage-y colorways, as well as vintage-inspired beauties that you’ll want to roll out in every room.
We partnered with Stuga on a line of hardwood floors — The Ingrid is really livable, and the color is very neutral. It doesn’t lean warm or cool, it’s that just right in-between. We have really loved putting it everywhere in our house. It’s the best jumping-off point for design, no matter your interior style. In addition to being beautiful, Ingrid is really durable — we have three kids, and we always have a home construction project going on. Ingrid stands up to it all.
SHop all
Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop.
Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here.
We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen.
Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.
A reader recently asked me if I’m starting to fully embrace traditional style and whether we still consider our house to be a “modern Colonial” and why. It was a really great question and so timely — I had really just been thinking about my approach to this home and how my style has changed […]
We've been doing this since 2009 and we've posted a whopping 24145+ blog posts and counting. You might need a little help searching, huh?
Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!
Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations
Links
Get Around
Make yourself right at home
Portfolio
Design
Casual Friday
Projects
Lifestyle
Gift Guides
All Posts
Shop
RivrLinks
Links
Get Around
Make yourself right at home
Portfolio
Design
Casual Friday
Projects
Lifestyle
Gift Guides
All Posts
Shop
RivrLinks
What are your thoughts on using a composite material like Trex when replacing a wood deck? We currently are in the middle of a deck tear out and thinking about investing in Trex to avoid the maintenance of wood again.
We have a Trex deck and absolutely love it!
I second that! We have a trex deck and it’s been awesome. Had it painted this past week by a company called DeckMaster and it looks brand new.
I started staining my deck in the spring, and then it decided to rain for 40 days, so I haven’t been able to finish the railings. Luckily the main deck is complete. I sprayed my deck, two boards at a time, and then with a small 4″ roller on an extension pole, went back over it. This gave it even coverage and really pushed the stain into the boards.
How is the process different for staining and sealing wood on a house? Vertical siding in my case. Thanks!!