5 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Wood Deck

1. Sweep and Wash Weekly. The surfaces of your deck collect dirt, debris, pollen, and other grime on a daily basis. ...
2. Plants and Shrubs. ...
3. Power Wash. ...
4. Sand and Repaint or Restain. ...
5. Check for Rot and Cracks.

How do I keep my wood deck from rotting?

Repair and reinforce any timber that is soft or discolored with wood hardener or rotted timber putty. Protect the bearers and joists. Before replacing the deck board, cover joists and bearers with butyl tape. If there are areas you cannot reach to apply tape, use a clear sealer to prevent further rotting.

How many years should a deck last?

Which material lasts longer? A deck made of untreated wood can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Decks made of treated wood and composite materials can last as long as 50 years.

Is it better to seal or stain a deck?

Sealing a deck is best for cedar, teak, mahogany, or other quality woods as it enhances the wood grain and natural color. What is this? Staining a deck protects the wood from mold, mildew, moisture, and rot, and UV rays and sun damage.

How do you know if your deck needs replacing?

5 Signs That its Time to Replace or Repair Your Deck

1. Obvious damage to the wood. Wood can become damaged from the elements, from insects, and from use over the years. ...
2. Rot in the wood. ...
3. Rusted fixtures and fittings. ...
4. Loose railings. ...
5. Molds and mildews.

Extending the Deck

Does staining a deck make it last longer?

Better, Lasting Coverage

While staining may take less time than painting, painting often does a better job of filling the cracks, covering imperfections, and provides longer lasting protection. Paint also is typically more rot resistance and does a better job of preventing mold and sun damage.

Should I paint or oil my decking?

staining the deck, paint generally comes out as the more durable and colorfast finish, lasting 10 years or longer before requiring re-application. Oil-based paints offer the best protection from moisture, whereas latex paints provide the best defense against UV-related fading.

How do you restore GREY weathered wood?

Sand small areas of wood with sandpaper and a sanding block or large sections of wood with an electric sander. Use coarse sandpaper and continue to sand until all the grey is buffed from the surface of the wood.

Should you stain an old deck?

Clear finishes and transparent stains are fine for new wood, but for older decks, Starling recommends using a semitransparent stain. ”The grain still shows through, but the pigment gives the old wood a clean, uniform color and helps the new wood blend in,” he says.

What can I cover my old deck with?

If you want to completely cover your old deck, composite decking is a good option. Composite decking is made of a mix of wood and plastic, so it is very weather-resistant. It also doesn't require any staining or sealing, which makes it low-maintenance.

Why You Should Never paint a deck?

To get the most out of a wood deck it needs to be protected from the environment and harsh weather conditions. Harmful UV rays and moisture can lessen the longevity of a wood deck in no time.

What happens if you don't seal your deck?

It is highly unlikely that the deck will rot, splinter or decay if you choose not to have it finished and you can always choose to stain and protect the deck at a later date. If you choose to revitalize the natural color of the wood, we recommend our two-step maintenance clean.

Is it better to stain or paint pressure-treated wood?

Pressure-Treated Wood Needs Protection

Applying stain to pressure-treated wood offers an additional level of protection that homeowners don't want to be without. Stain offers another layer of much-needed protection from insects and decay, as well as from mold and mildew.

What is the difference between decking stain and oil?

Essentially, what differentiates oils from stains is that a stain will improve the appearance of the deck by changing the timber colour; while an oil will enhance the current colour if you are wanting to leave your wood as is.

How do you preserve a wood deck?

One of the best ways to protect your outdoor wood surfaces is to use a high-quality, oil-based wood preservative. Using an oil-based wood preservative with ultraviolet inhibitors keeps your deck surfaces looking newer longer.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a deck?

Fortunately, repairing a deck is much cheaper, but there are still ways to save on deck repair cost. Consider whether it's a simple task you can do on your own such as cleaning and staining or adding nails.

How much does it cost to have a deck redone?

Homeowners typically spend between $734 and $2,636 on deck repairs, with an average of $1,685, according to HomeAdvisor.

How long should a pressure-treated deck last?

Wooden Decks Made from Pressure-Treated Lumber

So while it will resist a lot of the environmental changes that the weather brings, it might not be the ideal material for everyone. If you maintain and seal your pressure-treated deck, it can last you around 50 years.

Should you sand an old deck before staining?

Sand the Deck

If you plan to stain the deck, sand the surface before application to make the wood better absorb the coating. Use an orbital sander to remove any old gloss and smooth out any rough areas on decking boards.