REDWOOD Deck restoration

Cleaning, repairing, and staining a deck and loungers in Trendwood Park Neighborhood, Lincoln, NE

This custom-built redwood deck has seen two decades go by -

Inspecting a redwood deck in preparation for staining.

Meantime, the wood has grayed out -

Inspecting a redwood deck in preparation for staining - alt view.

The crevices between boards have collected debris -

Inspecting decking boards in preparation for staining.

Mildew has taken over in shaded areas -

Inspecting a bench on a deck in preparation for staining.

especially in between boards -

Mildew on bench on a deck in Lincoln, NE

And squirrels have done their best to round off the corners of rail caps -

Rodent damaged railings on a deck.

Is it possible to shed twenty years off this deck and bring back its original beauty?

Let's find out...

After the application of a mildew-neutralizing solution, the next step is pressure washing -

Removing mildew from a deck in Lincoln, NE

The difference it makes is quite dramatic -

Deck furniture before and after cleaning.

Further, a solution of oxalic acid brings out the color -

Brightening a deck in preparation for staining.

Some spots require scrubbing -

Cleaning a deck in preparation for staining.

After a final rinse, the deck is hardly recognizable -

Cleaned deck in preparation for staining.

Now it's time to relax and get dry -

Allowing a deck to dry before staining.

A few days later, I came back to replace a few boards -

Replacing decking boards and repairing a deck in Lincoln, NE

like so... -

Replaced decking boards.

one support under the bench -

Repaired bench on a deck.

and two short rail caps-

Replaced rail cap on a deck.

After discussing some options with the owners, we agreed that the rest of the "work" done by squirrels can be improved with wood putty.

Hardly any sanding is required this time.

A semi-transparent oil finish is my recommendation and the owner's choice.

I keep a blower by my side to make sure that the surfaces are free of any debris as I apply stain -

Staining a deck in Lincoln, NE

The loungers are finished “off-site” -

Stained deck furniture in Lincoln, NE

A light sprinkle in the early morning of the next day puts the waterproofing quality of the stain to the test. Water beads up on the surface. The stain passes with an A+! -

Inspecting newly stained deck for quality.

Now it's time to give the deck a good overall look -

Inspecting a newly stained deck for quality - alt view.

Under the rails as well -

Inspecting a newly stained deck railings for quality.

Touch up a few spots -

Inspecting a newly stained bench on a deck for quality - alt view.

And give it back to the owners to enjoy -

A newly stained deck - Lincoln, NE.

Lincoln, NE | May 2012