Your deck is an important part of your home, and it’s one of the first things people see when they come over. So when it starts to show its age, it can be a real eyesore. But instead of hiring a professional to do the job, why not Deck Repair it yourself?
With a little elbow grease and the right tools, you can have your deck looking like new in no time. Here’s what you need to know about repairing your deck yourself:
1. Assess the Damage
Before you start any repairs, you need to take a close look at your deck and assess the damage. This will help you determine what needs to be done and what materials you’ll need.
Look for any cracks, splinters, or nails that are sticking up. You’ll also want to check for any rot, which is common in older decks.
2. Clean the Deck
Once you’ve assessed the damage, it’s time to give your deck a good cleaning. This will help you see the full extent of the damage and also help the repair materials adhere better.
Start by sweeping the deck with a broom to remove any loose debris. Then, use a hose or pressure washer to remove any dirt or grime.
If you have any mildew or mold, you’ll need to use a special cleaner to remove it. You can find these cleaners at your local home improvement store.
3. Make the Repairs
Once your deck is clean, it’s time to start making the repairs. If you have any cracks, use a putty knife to fill them in with wood putty.
For larger cracks, you may need to use a piece of wood to reinforce the repair. Just cut a piece of wood that’s the same size as the crack and glue it in place with wood glue.
If you have any splinters, you can use a utility knife to remove them. Just be careful not to cut yourself.
For nails that are sticking up, you can use a hammer to drive them back down. If the nails are too rusted, you may need to replace them with new ones.
4. Stain or Paint the Deck
Once all the repairs are made, it’s time to stain or paint the deck. This will help protect the wood and also give it a fresh, new look.
If you’re staining the deck, you’ll need to buy a stain that’s specifically for decks. You can find these at your local home improvement store.
Before you start, make sure to read the instructions on the can so you know how to apply the stain properly.
If you’re painting the deck, you’ll need to buy a paint that’s specifically for decks. You can also find these at your local home improvement store.
Again, make sure to read the instructions on the can so you know how to apply the paint properly.
5. Protect the Deck
Once you’ve stained or painted the deck, you’ll need to protect it from the elements. You can do this by adding a deck sealer.
This will help protect the wood from the sun, rain, and snow. You can find deck sealers at your local home improvement store.
Just make sure to read the instructions on the can so you know how to apply the sealer properly.
By following these steps, you can repair your deck yourself and save money in the process.