Good Neighbor NetworkRequest a Contractor
Deck, Fence, Patio
Completed project - refinished twiceModerate / Handy

How I Refinished My Deck Twice

My experience refinishing my deck twice and the planning considerations that matter when restoring an outdoor finish.

OutcomeCompleted project - refinished twice
Worn deck boards before refinishing
Before: the worn deck surface.
Deck boards being recoated near the stairs
During: the refinishing work.
Deck surface after refinishing
After: the refinished deck.
Refinished deck stairs and walkway
The refinished stairs and walkway.
Refinished deck and original spindle railing
Another view of the finished deck.
Furnished deck with table and chairs
The deck set up to enjoy.

I refinished my deck twice. These photos show one of those projects: the worn deck, the refinished surface, and the deck ready to enjoy.

What I used

  • Ryobi 3,200 PSI, 2.3 GPM pressure washer
  • Wire brush and paint scraper
  • Palm sander
  • DeckOver deck coating

What I did

I prepared the deck using my pressure washer, wire brush, paint scraper and palm sander, then finished it with DeckOver. The photos show the worn surface and the deck after the coating was applied. I liked how it looked after this project, and later refinished the deck again.

The photos and my notes don't establish the exact settings, preparation sequence, drying times, number of coats or materials used on the later refinish, so I have not filled those details in from memory.

What to consider

Before refinishing, assess the deck material and the existing coating, and check for loose boards, rot or damaged fasteners. Follow the finish manufacturer's instructions for cleaning, preparation, moisture, temperature and drying time; methods that suit one finish may damage another material.

Know your limits

A fresh coating cannot repair structural damage. Have questionable framing, connections or severely deteriorated boards assessed before refinishing.

How to adapt this to your project

Measure the deck and railing surfaces to estimate coating quantity using the product's coverage and number of coats. Inspect the existing finish and follow the specific coating's preparation and drying instructions; pressure and sanding technique depend on the wood and coating.

Keep learning

Related guides