DC Homeowners: Bring Your Deck To Life With Stain

With the cherry blossoms in all their glory, spring is in full force in Washington, DC. If you're lucky enough to have a deck at home, it's the perfect place to spend more time outdoors. But looking at outdated stain and exposed nails is no way to relax.

Instead, take advantage of extra time on your hands and re-stain your deck. Luckily, the job is pretty easy for anyone to do on their own if you're willing to spend the time. Rather hire a pro? We can help with that, too.

Need a professional to stain your deck? Find a contractor in your area.

How to Seal and Stain Your Deck

The goal of stain is to lock out moisture and prevent sun damage. Most commercial deck stains and sealants can do just that with one or two coats. You just need a stiff broom, a pump sprayer, a deck cleaner, safety mask and gloves, a garden hose, sandpaper, drop cloths, paint brushes, a paint roller and tray, and lastly, the stain of your choice. Here’s what to do.

1. Remove all furniture and stray objects from the deck. Sand down any splintered boards with 80-grit sandpaper. Replace any rotted boards. Finally, sweep for debris.
2. Wet and cover live vegetation surrounding your deck before applying cleaner. Then follow the manufacturer's directions to apply cleaner using a garden sprayer. Allow to sit for the instructed time and spray with a high-pressure nozzle.
3. Once complete, allow the deck to dry for at least 48 hours.
4. Prepare the sealer or stain according to the manufacturer’s instructions and mix thoroughly.
5. Use a roller with an extension pole to apply to two to three boards at a time. Smooth out any pools of stain that form.
6. Continue this process, using a paintbrush to apply sealer in corners and on railings.
7. Allow to dry and add a second coat.
8. Allow to dry completely. Once it is thoroughly dry, re-rinse the surrounding vegetation and remove the protective sheet.

How Much to Hire a Pro?

If that sounds like a lot of work, don’t worry; there are professionals who can help at an affordable rate. The cost is about $2 per square foot of deck space. Most homeowners can expect to pay between $500 and $1,000.

If you decide to go with a pro, be sure to ask them about contingency plans for bad weather, covering vegetation, and what cleaning products they will use.

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