Splintering decks are usually the result of neglect — occurring after a deck remains untreated and unsealed for a number of years. The lack of protection allows water to soak into the boards, eventually causing them to splinter and crack. Fortunately, all is not lost. It may be hard to get that brand new look back completely, but following a few simple steps can help you bring your neglected decking back to life.
BLEACHING SPLINTERING DECKS
Your first order of business is the easiest. 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. Finally, wait for the deck to dry before moving on to the next step.
The bleach does two things: It kills deck mold and mildew, and it bleaches the wood to a uniform color, preparing it for treatment. If you treat a deck that’s at the point of splintering without applying bleach, you’ll end up with dark, unattractive decking. Using bleach will bring out the natural wood look you’re trying to recover.
SAND IT DOWN
Once the bleach solution has dried off the deck (it’s a good idea to give it about 24 hours, just to be sure), you can move on to sanding. Since splintering decks mean lots of painful slivers for bare feet, it’s important that you sand down your deck so that you’re once again working with a smooth surface. Renting a large floor sander will certainly speed up the job, though the railings, banisters, steps and other hard-to-reach places will probably need to be done with a hand sander or sandpaper. Finally, rent a power washer and clean off the deck. It’s going to be covered in a fine layer of dust from the sanding, and you’ll need to get rid of that if you want your sealer to take properly.
TREAT THE DECK
Once the deck has dried out a second time, you’re ready to treat the deck. Using a power sprayer drastically reduces the time it takes to treat a deck, though it can be done with paint rollers and brushes if you’ve got the patience. Just be sure to watch out for drips and runs, and to brush them up quickly. Waiting until after the deck is dry to try to get rid of them is almost impossible. Finally, remember to treat your deck on a regular basis (at least every few years). It’s the only sure-fire way to prevent problems like splintering, cracking, rot and mold.
HIRING CONTRACTORS TO FIX SPLINTERING DECKS
While it’s possible to repair decking yourself, it’s a time-consuming and laborious job — especially if you don’t have the right tools. A decking contractor is experienced enough to repair decking of all sorts, and they will also have the supplies and know-how to get it done right in a fraction of the time. For this reason, many homeowners find hiring a decking pro to be worth the extra cost.
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