How to Repair & Resurface Wood Decks
- 1). Check the entire surface of your wooden deck to determine the level of damage. The damage might include small and large cracks, discoloration, dents or rotting wood. Note that you should make the repairs starting with the worst damage first, then moving to the more minor damage.
- 2). Replace the decayed and rotten wooden boards in your deck. First, remove the damaged board from the deck with a pry tool. Then measure the hole and cut a new board to replace the old one. Use a tape measure, a power saw, then sandpaper to treat the sides of the replacement board. Do not worry if the color is slightly different and the new piece stands out. When the process of resurfacing is done, the difference will not be noticeable.
- 3). Fill any major cracks in the wooden deck with wood putty, using a putty knife. Fill the small cracks as well, but be precise and careful to fill them all the way, not just to create a thin layer on the crack surface.
- 4). Smooth the top surface of all the cracks with a putty knife so they are all even with the deck. Allow the putty to dry and harden for 24 hours before starting the resurfacing process.
- 5). Treat the whole surface of your wooden deck with a drum sander. First, use coarse sandpaper, then medium and finally fine sandpaper for the finishing touch. Use the drum sander carefully, moving it slowly over the deck, following the wood grain and making sure to go along the length of the boards. Never keep a powered-on sander in one place for too long. Dust off and wipe the surface of the deck before the next step.
- 6). Apply a layer of stain to your wood deck using a cloth or a sponge. Again, make sure to follow the wood grain and move along the length of the boards in the deck. Go back and forth over the whole surface of the deck, starting from one end and finishing on the other.
- 7). Wipe off the excess wood stain with a dry towel, then leave the whole deck to dry for 24 hours.
- 8). Apply a finishing layer of your choice to the wooden deck. Use the same movements as described in Step 6, but use a brush this time. Choose a wood lacquer or another type of a water-resistant finish and make sure to apply an even and smooth coat.
