Making Your Old Deck New Again – Part One

The first day of summer is tomorrow (June 21), which means it’s time to get your deck prepped for summer parties! Follow A Real Advantage Construction for tips on whipping your Staten Island, NY deck into shape in no time at all. Divide this project into two weekends to make sure the wood is dry before you apply stain.

Four steps for transforming your deck:

1.       Make repairs

a.       Inspect the whole deck, paying special attention to parts that are in direct contact with the ground.

b.      If the tip of a screwdriver can sink into a joist or post, you have rot—which means you have a major renovation on your hands.

c.       Inspect the deck-to-house connection, as screws and bolts can loosen and rust.

d.      Lastly, check for cosmetic damage to ensure the wood on the railings and decking are secure. You don’t want a splinter to ruin your next family bar-be-que!

2.       Clean the deck surface

a.       Your deck should be cleaned annually. Assuming your deck has been regularly maintained, it should be able to be revived using a deck cleaner.

b.      As affordable commercial contractors in Queens and surrounding areas, we always stress that you wear eye protection and gloves while working with concentrated chemicals. Be sure to protect nearby plants as well.

c.       If you have tough stains that won’t budge, use a pressure washer. You can rent one for around $70 per day. 

Stay tuned for part two later this week!

{Photo Credit: Ame Rainey}