Platform Decks

What is the best way to restore my decking to its original glory?

Just bought a house and the decking outside is a bit weathered. I think it hasnt been treated for 2 years. There is a bit of moss growing in one corner too. Help!

Public Comments

1. It needs to be cleaned with a "powerwasher." You can rent one at places like Lowe's for just a few dollars. Then when your deck is nice and clean and dry put a wood sealant all over the wood to protect it so it will look good and also so you won't have to clean it like this again for a long time.
2. Rent or buy a pressure washer for the deck. Then apply a high quality wood preserver (Stain) after the deck is dry. You can buy an electric power washer for as cheap as $139.00 and it has many other uses including washing your car. It is great on patios and sidewalks. Also useful on the exterior walls of your house for knocking off loose and peeling paint before painting. It is environment friendly too as opposed to chemical products. Good luck.
3. Power washers will work but they can also do such damage to the wood's appearance if you use too much force when washing. Before using the pressure washer, try using a deck cleaner made specifically for cleaning decks (Olympia is a brand that I have used). First, get all the debris from the decks cracks and sweep clean. Now apply the cleaner with a pump-up sprayer, let sit per instructions (about 15 minutes) then scrub with a deck cleaning brush (they have stiff bristles). Rinse entirely and thoroughly when finished. If the deck is really dirty, then repeat the process again. Let it dry out for at least 24 hours, then apply a coat of wood sealer. For best results, let that coat dry and apply a 2nd coat.
4. powerwash and then seal or stain it. you need to reapply sealer once a year thereafter.
5. power wash it, sand it , stain it, seal it with thompsons water sealer every year.