Trotta's powerful and safe "soft wash" cleaning service blasts away years of dirt, mold and grime, saving you time and improving the curb-appeal, value and lifetime of your property.
A wooden deck is excellent for getting more out of your outdoor space. You can use the area for entertaining purposes, relaxing, or setting up an outdoor kitchen. However, while a wooden deck is a great feature, it comes with some regular maintenance that some people may find overwhelming.
Besides regular cleaning, refinishing your deck is necessary to keep it in good shape. A refinished wood deck not only looks great but also protects the wood and extends its life. Of course, you can do it yourself to save on some cash, but it’s always a great idea to bring in professionals for a seamless finish.
At Trotta’s Power Washing, we offer professional pressure washing and restoration services for all decks. Not only that, we clean and seal the decks on your structure to stretch out its lifespan.
Why Should I Refinish My Wooden Deck? How Does Refinishing Protect My Deck?
Refinishing a deck helps maintain its nice look and protects it from moisture-related damage, thus prolonging its lifespan. For many homeowners looking to refinish their deck, the question becomes; should I stain, paint or seal? If you’ve had a similar issue, here is a breakdown that may help you decide what you should go for.
Seal
If you want to highlight the natural wood grain of your deck boards, using a sealant is a great choice. A sealant is a clear protective coating that sits on the deck surface. It will provide a degree of UV protection to the wood. It’s an excellent choice if you’re okay with the look of your wood’s natural color and simply want a layer of protection across the entire surface. Since it is clear, you won’t see flaking and chipping easily against the grain, but sealant does not last very long, either.
Stain
When going for a natural look, your best bet is to stain your wood deck. Wood stain partially fills the wood pores and forms a thin layer over the deck that lets the superficial cracks in the wood and the grain pattern seep through the stain giving you an earthy, natural look. However, if you’re looking to disguise any imperfections in your deck boards while maintaining a rustic
aesthetic, using a solid color stain is a good choice.
Paint
We never recommend a wood deck be painted. Paint isn’t breathable; as your wood swells and shrinks with temperature changes, paint is likely to crack, leaving your wooden deck exposed to the elements. Instead, you can use solid color stains for a look similar to a painted finish.
How To Test the Wood to See If It Needs to be Refinished Yet?
To determine if your wood deck is ready for refinishing, pour a cup of water over a few areas on your wooden deck. If the wood absorbs the moisture in under ten minutes or it darkens, it’s an indication that it’s time to begin refinishing it. On the other hand, if the water beads on the deck surface without being absorbed in 10 minutes, you can wait to apply a new stain or remove the old finish.
Decks typically undergo a lot of wear and tear over the years. Be it sun damage from exposure to direct sunlight or a lot of foot traffic, there’s no doubt that your deck will get to a point where you won’t be able to refinish it.
It may take a while before you have to replace it, but the need may arrive sooner than you expect. Here are times when refinishing the deck just won’t cut it anymore:
Obvious damage to the deck – If you notice any cracks in the wood, holes, or broken board, it’s time to get a wood replacement to make the deck sturdy once again.
Rotting – Wood rot can creep up on you and destroy your whole deck. If you notice one rot spot, carefully examine the entire deck (including the main deck surface and the deck railings) and replace the rotten wood with top-quality material. You never want to keep a deck in place if it has suffered structural damage.
Rusted fixtures -While checking for rot, inspect the fixtures for rusting. If you’ve had your house for a long time, the fixtures and fittings are probably rusted and weakened. Replace them as soon as possible to prevent structural compromise.
Expensive refinish costs– If your refinish costs start being almost equal to your replacement costs, it’s time to get rid of the entire deck.
Can My Neglected, Weathered Deck Be Restored?
Yes, you can restore your weathered deck to its original glory. Although a refinishing project can be done yourself, a professional will help you achieve the right results. Don’t hesitate to give Trotta’s a call for all your deck restoration needs.
When Is The Best Time To Refinish My Deck?
The best time to restore or refinish your wood deck is the dry season, that is, anytime between May to September. However, if you choose to go into the later months of the year, you need to be careful as it can get extremely cold, and you want to ensure your sealants or strains are cured, which is impossible during the cold season. A good rule of thumb is that most decks need to be redoneevery 2-4 years, depending upon exposure to sunlight and other elements.
How Is the Wooden Deck Refinished or Restored?
To refinish a deck, we first clean it, then strip it of the existing finish. Dead wood fibers that form on the surface of your deck are also removed during this step. Additionally, we usually use a hydroxide-based stripper to allow the pressure washer to cut through any remaining sealants. We then neutralize the wood using a wood brightener to bring it to an acceptable pH, apply the new finish and let it dry.
Who Can Help Me Refinish My Deck?
Whether you have a brand-new deck or yours is decades old, our technicians are well-trained and skilled to restore, beautify and offer protection to your deck wood for years to come. So save yourself time and effort, and reach out to Trotta’s to schedule your free wood deck restoration and refinishing consultation today.