To fix splintered and cracked wood, you will have to sand it and then stain or paint it to ensure that the same issues do not happen again. Proper deck maintenance is imperative to make sure that your deck lasts for many years. Putting a great sanding job on your wood deck can bring it back to life.
Can you sand a splintered deck?
To resurface splintered wood, you almost always have to sand it first . Don’t worry, though ‒ no one is suggesting you get down on your hands and knees and resurface your deck with a pad sander or a belt sander.
How do you fix a splintered deck?
Use a chisel to scrape out any remaining rough edges of the splinter. Sand the area lightly with a rough grit of sandpaper. Place some wood filler, slightly darker than the color of the wood, in the hole and feather out the edges with a putty knife. Allow the area to dry for 24 hours.
How do you seal wood splinters?
Sealer can be applied with a brush, sprayer or roller, or another option that some prefer is a large painting pad attached to a long handle . The bristles on the pad work the sealer well into the wood’s surface. Without this nominal bit of attention, though, wood decks can develop splinters.
How can I make my deck less splintery?
Bleaching splintering decks
Mix up a solution of half bleach, half water and spray down your entire decking . If you see areas of deck mold (not unlikely if it’s been a while since your deck’s been treated), hit those especially hard and work at them with a scrub brush until the mold has been removed.
What can I cover my old deck with?
There are many ways to cover an old deck, such as using decking tiles, carpets, rugs, and vinyl membranes . However, if you had your deck for a long time or can’t be covered with any of these, it’s best to consider a replacement.
What is the best treatment for old decking?
To treat old existing decking, you need to remove previous finishes like paint and varnish . You need to strip the deck back to its bare wood before oiling. We will recommend using a pressure washer to remove flaking or peeling coatings. This process will also help create better and even coverage.
How do you refurbish a deck board?
- SCRAPE OFF LOOSE FINISH. Remove loose paint or opaque deck stain with a paint scraper. ...
- SCRUB THE SURFACE. Use a stiff bristle brush to remove flaking stain or dirt. ...
- APPLY CLEANER. Apply a deck brightener/refinisher product to wood surfaces. ...
- POWER WASH DECK. ...
- APPLY FINISH. ...
- USE A BRUSH.
How long does it take to resurface a deck?
A deck rejuvenation project like this can be done in two days , but it’s best to spread the work over two weekends to ensure the wood is completely dry before you apply stain.
How do you seal wood so it doesn’t splinter?
Lightly sand any rough spots, or areas that will be touched often, with medium-grit sandpaper until they are smooth. Apply a coat of outdoor penetrating wood sealant , like the kind used on wood decks, to protect the wood and prevent future splintering.
What causes wood to splinter?
Moisture that comes in contact with the hardwood planks , whether at the time of installation or later on, can cause the edges to splinter as the wood swells. ... Excess moisture can also come from spills, water leaks and excess humidity in your home. Check the planks for any signs of water damage, mold or rot.
Can you use an orbital sander on a deck?
A random orbital sander is a specialized tool that sands wood in an elliptical pattern and it’s the most efficient sander to use when refinishing a deck. Random orbital sanders are easy to use and are effective for this task.
Is my deck too far gone?
If your deck is structurally sound underneath, but the decking and rails are warped or splintering, all is not lost. ... If Mother Nature has taken her full toll on you deck and the damage is too far gone, it may be time to rebuild.
How long should a deck last?
A deck made of untreated wood can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years . Decks made of treated wood and composite materials can last as long as 50 years. Many composite decks come with a 20-year warranty – and often a lifetime guarantee.
