Tips for Restoring and Upgrading your Deck

When we think of outdoor comforts, decking and patios immediately come to mind. It’s the ideal space for relaxing and entertaining, and few things add hard value to your home more than outdoor living areas. Most realtors agree that a deck can offer a 100% return in value. But with soaring lumber costs, how can we rejuvenate our outdoor space and keep it party-perfect every season? Here are a few ideas to consider adding style, comfort, and function to your existing space.

Wash and Refinish Your Deck with ARBORCOAT

One of the easiest ways to refresh your deck is also the most effective. Power washing your deck can bring an aging deck to life. Begin by digging out any debris with a putty knife between boards. Select a deck cleaner specifically made for a wood surface. Try Benjamin Moore Restore before you stain if your deck looks grayed out. And for previously stained decks that are peeling or flaking, Benjamin Moore Remove can help remove old stains and uncover the healthy beams beneath. Using a wide nozzle setting at a low to medium setting, spray one deck board at a time, using a gentle sweeping motion. Have a brush head for your power washer? That can save you some time as well.

After washing and letting the wood dry completely, think about staining options. Cardinal Home Center carries Benjamin Moore ARBORCOAT Stains. ARBORCOAT offers superior protection while enhancing the texture and grain of wood surfaces and is specially formulated to protect wood even in extreme weather conditions, refreshing your deck and protecting it simultaneously. Our paint experts at Cardinal Home Center can help you discover what opacity and wood stain colors are suitable for your patio and let you know how much stain to buy.

You can apply stains in many ways. Use a roller brush to stain large wood areas, but make sure to go back and work the stain in with a brush. Your newly stained deck will take about 48 hours to fully dry, so we recommend waiting a minimum of two days before opening it up to foot traffic.

Deck Boards: Flip or Replace?

If your deck is weathered but not damaged, you might try flipping your existing deck boards. If the old boards contain screws, and they don’t appear to be rusted or stripped, try removing a few, and flip a few boards over, and you’ll find out soon enough if the wood on the reverse side looks good. Old boards that are nailed will be challenging to remove without damage. It’s a tremendous job to remove boards, and it needs to be done carefully. But if the cost of lumber and composite is out of reach, this trick can extend your deck life.

If the framing on your deck is sound and you want to add a modern and stylish update, consider replacing the top boards with wood or composite.

Wood decking is beautiful and typically more economical than composite. However, after a few years, it loses its warm tone and requires regular maintenance to keep it looking great. Pressure-treated wood is the most common hardwood decking material.

Composite materials promise greater durability and less maintenance, but they might lack the natural look and color you desire. With the rising cost of lumber, composite is now an affordable alternative, requires minimal upkeep, and can last between 25 and 30 years.

Update Deck Railings

Replacing your dreary old railings is a way to add another stylish accent as part of your deck restoration, and there are a wealth of options when it comes to deck railings. The aluminum railing never goes out of style and adds a contemporary look to decking. If you do a lot of entertaining, consider adding a cocktail rail. This style of railing makes use of a deck board as the top of a railing bar and provides a color-coordinated look, matching your railing to your decking. Better yet, a cocktail rail gives you a wide, flat surface to place beverages or other items when enjoying time outdoors. With its sleek, minimalist design, cable railing has become a favorite among homeowners. Cable railing systems for decks are an affordable and convenient way to outfit your deck with style and security and allow for better views.

Consider Built-in Lighting

A great way to rejuvenate your outdoor space is built-in lighting. Solar lights are the easiest — they light up when it gets dark, their solar-powered batteries are renewed every day, and they are built to withstand all kinds of weather. LED string lights are an easy and economical alternative as well.

Add Planters

Another simple project that can help add beauty and warmth to your deck is planter boxes. You can build something attractive and functional in an afternoon that allows you to garden right outside your back door.

Install a Pergola

A pergola can provide partial shade and ambiance and turn an exposed deck into an inviting outdoor room. The angled slats shield the sun during daylight hours while maintaining an open feel.

Build an Outdoor Bar

Turn your space into a hub for entertaining guests and family by adding an outdoor bar. Build a sturdy cart or shelving unit with plenty of space for serving refreshments and storing extra glassware and cocktail-making ingredients. Consider leaving room for a small outdoor refrigerator or portable ice maker.

Want to learn more? Visit one of our three Cardinal Home Center locations for assistance, and let us know how we can help bring your old deck to life. You can also request a quote from our team, and we can help you get the materials you need!