How to Restore the Surface of External Wood On a Patio Deck

How to Inspect Your Deck

The first step in deck restoration is inspecting it for rot and seeing if it’s structurally sound. You should also check for damage, rusted fasteners or connectors, cracks, unsturdy railings, mould, and mildew exposure. 

The best time to inspect a deck is during the summer when the air is dry and warm. Here’s how to do it:

• Clear the deck of any furniture, potted plants, toys, and debris so you have a clear surface to work on.
• Give it a quick sweep. 
• Check along the side of the house where the wood meets the ledger board and the stairs meet the ground for any signs of decay, movement, cracks, or mould.
• Use a screwdriver to check for structural damage. The tip sinks into a post or joist, you likely have rot and will need to replace boards or renovate the entire deck, depending on the extent of the damage.
• Wiggle and put your weight against all railings to ensure they have tight connections.
• If you see any exposed or raised nails, remove and replace them with wood screws.
• Use exterior wood filler to fill in holes in boards.
• Note any rusted hardware that needs replacing.

Replace Damaged Deck Boards

If you find that you need to replace a damaged or broken board or two, it’s generally no big deal. However, if you have several that need replacing, you should consider replacing them all simultaneously. This will give your deck structural integrity with a uniform finish. 

• A claw hammer is the best tool for lifting and removing boards.
• You can either cut your replacement boards yourself or have them cut to your dimensions by a supplier. Choose the same type of wood wherever possible.
• Install your replacement boards using a screw bit and power drill. The new ones will stand out quite a bit from the older, more weathered ones, but that’s nothing you can’t fix with Benjamin Moore stain.

Cleaning and Power Washing

Thorough cleaning and scrubbing are essential before you think about staining your deck. Even if it looks clean to the naked eye, debris and bits of grime could be stuck between the deck boards and crevices, not to mention the dirt and dust leftover from the harsh winter months. 

• Use a putty knife to remove any debris stuck between floorboards.
• Spray the entire deck with a biodegradable outdoor cleaner to remove mildew. 
• Use a stiff bristle brush to give it a good scrub.
• Rinse off the deck with a garden hose.
• To tackle tough stains, consider using a pressure washer, which can also help remove sun-damaged wood fibres. When using this method, you must be cautious about damaging the wood. Use a low setting and fan-spray nozzle rather than a pinpoint nozzle that digs into the wood.
• Clean your railings by applying the outdoor cleaner, scrubbing from the bottom up to ensure any splatters hit an already wet surface.
• For more weathered decks, apply a coat of Benjamin Moore’s Restore to remove loose fibres and eliminate that dingy gray layer left behind.
• For peeling or flaking paint, use Benjamin Moore Remove to get rid of old stain and down to healthy wood.
• Rinse everything down after treating and apply Benjamin Moore Brighten. This will help restore the natural colour of your wood and neutralize any treatment.

Sanding the Deck

Before staining, you should sand the deck to give the wood a smooth, clean finish and absorb the coating better. 

• An orbital sander can help remove old gloss and smooth rough areas on deck boards.
• Use a sanding sponge on railings or balustrades.
• It’s best to use 60 or 80-grit sandpaper on main deck boards and 80 or 100-grit on handrails.
• After sanding, vacuum the entire deck to ensure no dust settles on the new finish.
• After preparing your deck for staining, know it takes up to 48 hours for stain to dry, so check your local weather to ensure there’s no rain in the 2-day forecast before restaining a deck. 

The Best Outdoor Stain for Wood Decks

Your deck is a treasured investment, so choosing the right stain is an often overwhelming but crucial decision. Here are some things to consider when choosing the best stain for long-lasting protection. 

• Ensure that it can enhance and protect while allowing the wood texture to show through 
• Superior UV protection
• Provides a mildew-resistant coating
• Suitable on all wood types, including siding and composite decking
• Resists peeling, staining, blistering, and scuff marks
• Self-priming in most situations
• Has excellent touch-up and re-coat properties

Benjamin Moore’s Arborcoat stains are designed to protect wood, even in the harshest weather conditions. It’s formulated to beautify and protect all wood types, including redwood, cedar, and pressure-treated lumber. This quality product masks wood grain without obscuring texture. Arborcoat stains are easy to apply, have a highly durable matte finish, are fast-drying with water cleanup, and have outstanding colour retention. It’s also available in thousands of colours. 

Where to Buy the Best Stain to Protect Your Outdoor Wooden Deck?

The point of staining your deck is to give it a beautiful finish that will protect the wood and last for years to come. If you have questions about how to restain a deck or the best exterior wood stain for your project, talk to the experts at one of our Benjamin Moore stores. We can walk you through your project and help you choose the best products for your painting or staining needs. 

Where’s my local Vancouver Benjamin Moore Store?