Thursday, August 23, 2007 4:51 PM
Time to stain your deck?
I?m not much of a cook but whether I am in the city or the country I love barbequing. In fact, I am a master at taming the flame and grilling up all sorts of goodies. That?s why it?s so important that my barbeque sits on a nice deck. It can look pretty dismal after a wet and cold winter and spring. Deck stain and waterproofing doesn?t last forever.
A dirty, dull deck is to your house like ring around the collar is to a crisp white shirt: it makes the whole thing look dingy. Now is the time for a deck re-do, before summer temperatures skyrocket, making it too hot for staining (stain won?t dry properly if done in extreme temperatures ? over 85 or less than 55 degrees). A great looking deck is also an asset to homebuyers. If you are thinking of putting a For Sale sign up, a great deck adds curb appeal and value.
First, wash the deck. You can rent a power washer at a home rental center, but you can also do it by hand (get the kids involved). Use a long handled bristle brush and warm, soapy water (a cup of bleach added to two gallons of water will remove mildew and moss). After you?ve scrubbed the deck, rinse it off using the jet setting on a hose sprayer attachment. Let the deck dry completely. Pour deck stain in the shade of your choice into a paint tray and use a long handled roller to apply the stain to the deck. Apply it lightly, and try not to overlap edges. Use a brush on railings.
Let the stain dry for 24 hours ? and then enjoy a long, cool drink with your friends on your just-like-new deck!