Everyone knows deck restore is cheaper and faster than the other option, which is replacing this fun and functional living area. Analyzing the problem is the first step to solving this dilemma. The next step is deciding what to do and the final step is making the corrections. Either way, the repair or replacement is soon done and this fresh air, outdoor living space is ready to be used again.

Analyzing the Problem

A contractor’s rule of thumb is local damage can be repaired while structural issues require replacement. Many problems are simple like a dingy, dirty surface or small problem areas like an over watered planter. If the issue is a spongy surface, large soft spots, loose nails, screws and railings or problems with joists and posts, the only option is to rebuild the deck.

Deciding What To Do

Deck Restore
A deck restore can be as easy as cleaning and sealing the surface while replacing decks requires an investment in time and money. By using a high-pressure power washing machine, water is sprayed on the wood and quickly removes years of dirt and grime. After the surface dries, applying stainng products brings vibrant life to tired wood. A special water protective product extends the life and looks of this wooden surface. If adverse weather caused the wood boards to warp or splinter, refinishing floors is an option. Special equipment sands the top making it smooth and level. Just as the process used for hardwood floor restoration in homes to bring ugly, rough boards back to gleaming beauty, the deck’s surface can be refurbished if it is made from pine, redwood, cedar or hardwood.

Deck Replacement
Replacing decks can be a do-it-yourself project or turned over to a contractor. Costs vary depending on the style, size, materials and location of the project. According to a survey done by Remodeling Magazine, the cost of a new 16′ x 20′ pressure treated wood deck ranged from $9000-$12,750 depending on the location. Pressure treated wood like southern yellow pine is less expensive while redwood, cedar, plastic and vinyl systems are more costly but have a life expectancy of 20 years or longer.

Outdoor living spaces make life exciting and easy. Whether it is a deck restore or replacement project, the time and expense to make this area safe and beautiful are wise investments. By investigating the issues and considering the different options, the homeowner will choose the best way to revitalizing this valuable area.

The Benefits of Power Washing

When working on a deck restoration project, one of the hardest steps is to get the wood completely clean. Unlike indoor hardwood flooring restoration, where the boards can usually be swept or brushed clean, outdoor decks can have dirt, grit and stains ground deep into the top layer of the wood. Power washing, or pressure washing, is one way to clean a deck completely and can show you spots that need to be repaired before you restore or refinish the wood. Only once the deck is clean and damaged areas have been fixed can staining products and sealants be applied.

What Tools Are Needed?

Whether you are doing it yourself or calling a professional, pressure washing equipment is all relatively similar. The machines themselves have a number of different nozzles to choose from that determine the strength of the water pressure. Most power washers even come with a nozzle specifically made for cleaning decks.

Besides the washer, chemical deck treatments and cleaning fluids are available anywhere that rents power washing machines. Because the chemicals can be toxic, it is a good idea to also have gloves and protective eye wear to avoid injury to your eyes or hands.

Should I Hire a Professional?

There are pros and cons to hiring a professional to power wash your deck. The biggest benefit is convenience. You do not have to worry about finding a washer, choosing a cleaning fluid or washing the deck itself. Additionally, you can have confidence that the person has the experience and expertise to make sure that your deck ends up clean and without damage. Professionals can be expensive, however, costing an average of $165 per cleaning, and most people prefer to either rent or buy their own pressure washing machine.

On average, a new pressure washer costs between $200-300, plus the cost of supplies. For those who like to wash their deck each year as part of their spring cleaning regimen, this can be a good option as it can save money in the long run. Many hardware and home supply stores also offer rentals that cost, on average, $50-60 per day, plus the cost of supplies. In the short term, this is definitely the most affordable option, although the cost will add up over the years and, while still more affordable than hiring a professional, will end up being more expensive than buying a power washing machine.

High quality wood can be very beautiful, but all too often a good deck or hardwood floor is left to deteriorate over time. Restoring this wood can return it to its former beauty, but doing so correctly is not quite as easy as it may seem at first. There are a few different ways to accomplish a refurbishing job like this, including power washing, refinishing and others, and when done correctly the results can be fantastic, resulting in a home that looks brand-new. Whether you want to improve the quality of your home for yourself or for increased market value, floor and deck restoration are great places to start.

Different Methods

Sometimes a thorough power washing is all that is needed. With a high-pressure water system, you can blast away a good deal of the grime that has dulled the surface. Underneath, you may find that the wood is still in excellent condition. Sometimes, however, a more extensive job is required. You might want to attempt a complete hardwood floor refinishing, for example, which will require removing the old varnish and stain and starting from scratch. This is a lot of work but can achieve the most impressive results.

Doing a Good Job

If you are attempting a more thorough job and performing an extensive deck restoration or hardwood floor refinishing, it is important to use the best-quality finishing products you can find. Not all the technique in the world can compensate for poor quality products. A good-quality stain will both make the finishing process easier and greatly increase the quality of the end result. If you are careful about your technique and you use good sealers, stains and varnishes then you are guaranteed a good result and it will definitely improve the quality of your home and its desirability to anyone on the property market.