skip to main content

Porches & Decks

Need input on how to restore this deck before re-staining.

13 years ago

I have a wooden balcony from the top level of my house. It is in pretty good shape(to me, at least!). I want to re-stain it this month. But it seems to me that there are some holes and lines that might need to be filled. Attached are some pictures. Could you pls take a look and give me some input on how bad do u think the deck condition is, and how to go about filling the holes(about 3 such holes) and the lines (about a quarter of the planks have such lines). Also what should the process be for re-staining? Right now there is a solid stain on the deck. The deck gets full sun for at least half a day.

Thank you!

This one was caused by my dog:

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

john_hyatt
13 years ago
Its time for a reskin on that one.

No way would I waste time and money on new finish. J.
sonaliagrawal
Original Author
13 years ago
To make it last another year, can I do some water proofing treatment that might help? I cant reskin it this year unfortunately.
Related Discussions
Restore-A-Deck question - how do I know if I have solid stain?
Q
Comments (1)
It all depends on what finish is on.If its behr,cwf,things like that from the box store your going to have to use md 80 /oxalic base brightner. In other words strip the whole thing and refinish. You could try the rad stripper in a small area along with the second stage and just see if it all comes off. J.
...See More
Re-staining Deck with long term solution
Q
Comments (2)
Cassma Thanks for the response. Evidently I didn't make it clear what I was looking for or maybe what I would like does not exist. Anyway...I have done further research and these are my conclusions: 1. Nothing is going to last more than a couple of years at the most. When I am unable to do it myself, I will have to hire someone. 2. I don't really like the look of solid stain so will go with Cabots semi transparent oil based stain. 3. I found a new to me tool that will enable me to apply the stain without having to be on my hands and knees brushing it on. It is by Wagner and looks kinda like a swiffer mop with a tank to hold solution. It has a felt like pad and a small brush to get between the boards. You stand up and apply like mopping. Wonder if anyone has used it before? As you say, I will powerwash and get it as clean as possible before applying the new stain. I also know that you need several days of clear weather before you start this project. The deck has to dry before the stain can be applied and then the stain has to dry thoroughly before it rains!!! Outside temperature should ideally be in the 70's with no freezing or heavy dew. Deck staining IS an art if you want it to last and look good. Again...hope this helps you with your project. Murphy
...See More
Re-Staining Deck
Q
Comments (2)
Hi, Faron---Happy to see your response. My deck stain is a solid latex. The deck and stain is 5 years old and the deck is 24 inches off the ground. What do you think?? Thanks
...See More
composite deck - restore color - stain?
Q
Comments (7)
Correct Building Products offers a full range of stains that match the original color of both CorrectDeck and CorrectDeck CX. It is always best to wait at least 2 summers before applying any type of stain to our product. This gives the surface a chance to weather which provides better adhesion and even uptake of the stain without blotching. For our standard Mahogany decking, you can order "California Rustic" by the gallon which will give you a semi-transparent finish. If you are looking for a more solid top coat, request "Mahogany CX". The alternative to both of these is to put down a good quality stain (oil or latex) that has good UV resistance. Lower quality products will not hold up well on any composite since most do not absorb to the depth that is common in natural wood products which will cause them to fade very quickly. Contact our Consumer Relations group for additional assistance in ordering these products at 207-284-5600 Hope this helps.
...See More
john_hyatt
13 years ago
Nothing is going to help that deck including any water proofing. Water damage at this point is the least of your problems.

Nail plywood over the holes and dont trip over the fasteners. J.
sonaliagrawal
Original Author
13 years ago
Apologies for being a decking newbie... Could you explain what you see as being a problem for my deck? Is it water rot? Is it the 3-4 holes that I have in there (I dont think I need to change the whole deck for those few holes).

If you could elaborate, then it would help me understand the issues better. Thank you!
john_hyatt
13 years ago
Im done with ya Man.

J.
sonaliagrawal
Original Author
13 years ago
Is there anybody else who hangs out in these boards who is not such a .... super snob ... ?

I am typically around on the Home Decorating, Kitchens and Bathrooms forums. There is PLENTY of knowledgeable people who love to share their experiences and give out guidance. I have not once encountered such rude responses as I have from you - john_hyatt. This is the second time that I have seen this from you to any question of mine, and incidentally this is also the second time that I have ever posted on these boards. I just HAD to call you out on this, this time. If you are not willing to help people - then just dont respond, or dont even hang out on these forums!
gracie01 zone5 SW of Chicago
13 years ago
An exterior wood filler?
john_hyatt
13 years ago
Intersting E Mail dude.

One thing about me there is a map to my house on the site. Any personal problem can be set to rest real quick if ya want. J.
Faron79
13 years ago
To the OP:

* In the last pic, that board is too cracked-open to use safely. Wood splits occasionally...not much you can do about it. Decks see a LOT of thermal contraction/expansion. Some boards just can't take it for long, no matter how good the stain is.
* For safety's sake, replace any other cracking boards.
* For a band-aid approach ONLY...fill holes with some 2-part wood-filler...IF you can't replace any boards.
* NOW...rent a Flat-plate/Vibrating sander with a 12" x 18" bottom-plate. Buy some backer-pads and 60-grit sanding sheets.
* Sink all those screws below surface, and sand the deck floor.
* You'll be sanding a while, but you're getting-rid of all that degraded wood that won't take stain anymore. You'll be exposing NEW wood fiber-structure that will TAKE AND HOLD stain evenly now.
* My Redwood deck was built in '96...FULL sun...6' high. Have used Penofin's Transparent-Redwood originally, & Sikkens SRD Redwood #089 stain the last couple stainings.
* Last year, I sanded my 2x10 Redwood skirtboards, Redwood steps, and all spindles.
* Deck floor has been sanded twice in 14 yrs.

BOTTOM LINE:
Thanks to sanding and good deck stains, my 14y/o deck looks better than some NEW ones.

>>> I work at a busy store that sells Sikkens and Penofin stains, and higher-end paints. I post a lot on the Paint forum.
* The FIRST question I ask people..."Has your deck ever been sanded"? If it's been 8-10 yrs, I tell-'em it's time.
* Cleaning doesn't do much if the wood is too degraded, like yours is.
* I have other posts/pics on this forum too, related to my deck.

Faron

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES What You Need to Know Before Painting Brick

By Vanessa Brunner

Sure, painted brick can be a great look. But you need to take some risks into account. Here's how to paint brick like a pro

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING What to Know Before You Buy Teak Outdoor Furniture

By Christine Tusher

Learn about finishes, weathering, care and that age-old oil debate to get the teak furnishings that suit you best

BEFORE AND AFTERS Kitchen of the Week: Classic White Farmhouse Style Restored

By Sarah Greenman

A couple remodel their kitchen to better match their 19th-century Oregon home’s style

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: A Boston Brownstone Is Restored to Glory and Then Some

By Becky Harris

Victorian-era architectural details create a strong base for an eclectic mix of furniture, accessories and modern art

REMODELING GUIDES Major Remodel: Restoring a Queen Anne to Glory

By Becky Harris

Misguided 1970s changes marred this Victorian-era home in Portland, until a dedicated family moved in

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Restoration Revives a Historic Italianate Home

By Becky Harris

Painstaking work on a 3-bedroom in St. Louis results in a home that marries modern conveniences and respect for the past

CRAFTSMAN DESIGN My Houzz: Small-Space Living in a Restored Bungalow

By Bonnie McCarthy

See how this homeowner celebrates his personal style, his flea market finds and the heritage of his 1919 Long Beach home

TRADITIONAL HOMES Houzz Tour: Historic Charm Restored to a Dilapidated Coastal Home

By Becky Harris

Along the waterfront in Annapolis, Maryland, a couple gain space but preserve their 1800s home’s period looks

DOORS 5 Questions to Ask Before Installing a Barn Door

By Apartment 46 for the Home

Find out whether that barn door you love is the right solution for your space

THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE Experience Your New Home — Before You Build It

By Dylan Chappell Architects

Photorealistic renderings can give you a clearer picture of the house you're planning before you take the leap

Sponsored

More Discussions

Any one used Panoramic Doors - please share your opinion

4

Advice on sliding pocket patio doors - La Cantina or other

5

hello Houzzers!

0

Looking for design ideas to restore/facelift our front house.

10

Need a Stylish & Safe Front Porch: Non-Slip / Stamped Concrete Inspo

3