Wood decks can start looking bad fast without proper care. Exposure to the elements and UV damage can fade the wood and make it look dry and old. If you want to bring your deck back to its original luster, there is a specific set of steps you need to follow.

Basic Deck Repair

Before you begin with any of the wood deck restoration treatments, you need to complete some basic deck repair steps. Depending on the amount of wood restoration that is necessary, you may need to take care of some basic deck repair jobs first, such as:

• Leveling nails
• Repairing boards
• Taking care of deck rot.

Nails can sometimes begin to protrude from the surface of the deck as the wood shrinks from the elements. Use a drip pin and a hammer to embed the nails into the surface of the wood. Repair any boards that have splintered or that are starting to rot. You should also scrape away any signs of deck rot and repair the area with wood putty.

Deck Cleaning Steps

Before you begin deck refinishing, you need to complete a thorough deck cleaning. This step will remove dirt that sweeping and plain water can’t get to. Apply a commercially available deck cleaner with a pump sprayer. Then use a push broom to apply the cleaner. Once you rinse it off with a spray washer, you’re ready for the next step in wood deck restoration.

Wood Brightener for Wood Restoration

Deck cleaning will make your deck look great, but if you want to bring it back to its original luster you can use a wood brightener. You can find this type of wood restoration product at home improvement stores. Spray the wood brightener on just like during the deck cleaning, and use a long handled brush to agitate the solution. Work it into a small area at a time, and rinse off the deck refinishing solution with a power washer.

Waterproofers for Deck Repair

Finally, you should apply a waterproofing sealer to your deck in to complete your wood deck restoration. A waterproofer will add color to the deck and prevent future mildew growth. You’ll need to wait a few days after applying the brightening wood restoration solution before adding the waterproofer. Follow the directions on the bottle of the waterproofer product that you choose. Normally, you’ll be applying it with a large “floor pad”, which is a flat painting surface used like a push broom. You can use a small paint brush on the railing. Let the deck dry for 48 hours before continuing with normal use.