Before staining your deck or patio, make sure that all of the following steps are completed correctly. Before you begin, make sure the surface is clean and free from dirt, wood fibers and grease. If you need help, call fencing companies in Bucks County, PA for help.
- Clear The Deck
Chairs, planters and other furniture should be placed in a nearby area of the yard. You’ll need to keep your deck clean for at least two days after it’s been cleaned. If it gets too hot, store your deck furniture inside. A basement or a tool shed could be good places to stash away your furniture. A carport or a basement could also be used to store tools and equipment while you stain the deck.
- Clean the Deck
Use a broom to remove loose leaves and other debris from the deck. You can also use a brush to remove the residue. Use a putty knife to remove any buildup of gunk that’s stuck between the boards of your deck and other hard-to-reach places.
- Make Necessary Repairs
If your deck has seen many seasons, it’s time to replace its rotten or loose boards. These simple repairs will help keep the deck looking its best. To ensure that your deck looks good after staining, choose a type of lumber that has a uniform appearance. The material should have a similar grain pattern and color to the one used for painting.
- Sand the Wood
Use orbital sanders or a sanding block to smooth out rough spots. Work your sanding tool over wide, easy circles to blend the edges. Watch out for uneven ground around the corners, nail holes and lines where two boards meet.
- Clean The Deck Again
Pour a generous amount of cleaner on the deck. Use a broom or a garden sprayer to evenly distribute the cleaner over the deck. Before you start dispersing your deck cleaner, make sure that you have the proper equipment to protect both your eyes and skin.
When used on a damp deck, these cleaners can help remove algae, prevent staining and protect the surface. However, they can also cause staining and damage to the deck. Scrub with the cleaner for at least 10 minutes. It should then sit for at least 15 minutes.
Once it’s finished, use the cleaner to remove dirt and other harmful substances from the deck. After cleaning, use a garden hose to spray the cleaner off the entire surface.
- Let Deck Dry
Wait at least two days before staining your deck. This will allow the wood to dry completely before applying the stain. If the deck is dry enough, apply some water to a small section of it and see if it soaks in quickly. If so, you are ready to stain. If it’s not, leave it to dry overnight.
Once you follow all of these steps carefully, your deck should be ready to stain! For a professional job, get help from a fence company in Bensalem, PA.