How to Refinish a Deck, Including Cleaning and Selecting a Stain

When to Refinish a Deck

Follow these tips for how to refinish your deck so you can clean and update it about every year or two. This helps reduce cracks and splinters, keeping the wood surface attractive and friendly to bare feet. Regular refinishing will make your deck look beautiful and wear well for years to come.

How to Scrub a Deck

Scrubbing by hand or with a stiff-bristle push broom ($11, The Home Depot) can be an effective way to prep a deck. It might not scour tight corners or deep cracks the way a pressure washer can, but if you use trisodium phosphate (TSP) or a commercial deck cleaner, scrubbing can suffice for small decks. Some professionals prefer brush scrubbing as a less harsh alternative to power washing.

How to Pressure Wash a Deck

The standard method for deck cleaning, pressure washing, efficiently removes dirt, old stain, and debris from wood. Most pressure washers can be used with trisodium phosphate (TSP) or other deck cleaners for a better result. When you use a pressure washer, don't let the spray linger in one spot too long, as this could gouge the wood. It's better to remove discoloration or stubborn stains with a stripper than with overly aggressive washing.

How to Clean a Deck Before Staining

Before you reach for a roller and deck stain, you'll need to clean and strip the wood. The best way to clean a wooden deck varies by surface type, so you might need to use different cleaning methods for the decking, railings, and other areas. Some combination of scrubbing, stripping, and pressure washing is usually sufficient to prepare the surface for refinishing.

How to Strip a Deck

Removing old stain with a chemical stripper ($16, Lowe's) is another effective way to prepare a deck for refinishing. It often leaves wood noticeably cleaner than using a power washer alone. Stripper is particularly valuable for areas where old stain still adheres tightly, such as on deck railings and other areas exposed to less wear than the main deck surface. Be sure to choose a biodegradable formula and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Wear protective clothing and cover any plants that might get sprayed with the solution.

How to Choose a Deck Finish

Once your deck is clean, allow ample time for the surface to dry before applying the deck stain. Read the product label for guidance. Before refinishing, reset popped nailheads and replace warped or split boards.

Exterior finishes come in transparent, tinted, semi-transparent, and solid colors. The look you choose is mainly a matter of personal preference. Still, there's a practical consideration: Clear or tinted products usually last just a year or two, depending on the climate. Semi-transparent and solid stains may last two to four years. Whatever finish you choose, deck stain can be applied in several ways, including with some new products that make the job much easier.

How to Use a Roller or Brush to Stain a Deck

An ordinary paint roller can make easy work of staining a deck, especially if you attach an extension handle ($27, The Home Depot), so you don't have to kneel. (Check the recommendations on your stain's label; some finishes are unsuitable for roller application.)

To reduce overlap marks, roll no more than a few deck boards at a time, completing their full length before starting the next. Paint brushes can be used on decks, too, but they're not as efficient for large surfaces. Instead, use a brush to stain deck railings and recesses that rollers can't reach.

How to Refinish a Deck with a Sprayer

An excellent technique for how to stain a deck is to use a sprayer because they allow you to cover large areas quickly and uniformly. Another advantage is the ease with which sprayers treat railings and other awkward, hard-to-reach surfaces. Powered sprayers are available, but even simple pump-type sprayers will work. (However, not all deck finishes are appropriate for sprayer application, so check the product label.)

How to Refinish a Deck Using Other Methods

The exterior stain aisles at home improvement centers offer a variety of other handy tools for refinishing a deck. For example, gel stains can be applied with pads and are easy to use without drips or runs. Deck stain pad applicators are designed to reach difficult spots. Choose tools that will work with your exterior stain and make refinishing your deck as easy as possible.

How to Avoid Damaging Plants When Staining a Deck

Protect your lawn and plants from overspray when cleaning your deck. To reduce chemical damage, use a hose to wet nearby foliage before using a deck cleaner or stripper. After cleaning the deck, respray plants to wash off any chemical residue.