Get Ready to Rejuvenate Your Deck – Learn How to Properly Prepare for Deck Staining

Preparing your deck for deck staining is an important step in making sure the stains will adhere properly and keep your deck looking beautiful and durable for many years to come. Taking the time to properly clean and prepare your deck surface before applying a wood deck sealer or stain will prolong the life of your deck and prevent damage and time-consuming repair work that can come as a result of skipping this important step. Here is a guide to help you prepare your deck for deck staining.

1. Before beginning, make sure you have the proper supplies and tools on hand. You will need a broom, mop, scrub brush, deck cleaner, and a pressure cleaner. Make sure the deck cleaner is specifically designed for outdoor wood surfaces, as other general cleaners may contain harsh chemicals that can damage the wood and leave residue behind.

2. Clear your deck of all furniture, potted plants, and items of décor. If your deck doubles as an outdoor seating area, move chairs, tables, and storage bins to a nearby area.

3. Sweep your deck thoroughly with a broom to clear away dust, dirt, and debris. Make sure you clean away any cobwebs and sweep deeply into the tight spaces between the deck planks.

4. Vacuum your deck with a wet/dry vac and long hose attachment to reach into the cracks between planks. This will help to remove any dirt and debris that was not picked up with the broom.

5. Wet the deck with warm soapy water and mop it thoroughly. This will help loosen any deep-set dirt and stains.

6. Apply a Professional Deck Cleaner to the deck, paying special attention to areas of the decking that have become discolored. Work the cleaner into the wood and make sure to get it in all of the corners, nooks, and crannies.

7. Rinse off the deck cleaner with a pressure cleaner set at 1500 to 1750 PSI. If your deck is made of cedar or redwood, use a pressure cleaner setting of 1500 PSI or less to avoid peeling the wood. Start pressure cleaning at the opposite corner of the deck and make your way across the entire surface in a smooth and even pattern, paying special attention to the edges and cracks.

8. Allow your deck to dry for a day before moving on to the deck staining process.

By following these steps, you can ensure a thorough cleaning of your deck for staining and prolong the life of your outdoor space. Cleaning your deck surface before beginning the staining process may take some time, but it will pay off in the end with beautiful, long-lasting deck staining results.