ALL DECKED OUT!
I’m not much of a cook, but I do love to barbecue; in fact, I’m a master at taming the flame and grilling up all sorts of goodies. But what’s as important as owning a good grill is having a nice deck to put it on.
What I’ve found is after a long winter and rainy spring, my deck can look pretty dismal– it’s a fact that staining and waterproofing don’t last forever.
To me, a dull, dirty deck is to your house what ring around the collar is to a crisp white shirt–it makes the whole thing look dingy.
Giving your deck a face-lift not only beautifies your home, it also adds value if you’re considering selling. And now is the time to tackle the project, before summer temperatures make it too hot for staining. (Stain won’t dry properly if applied during extreme conditions: when it’s over 85 degrees or below 55 degrees.)
First, wash the deck. (Why not have your family or friends jump in and help?) You can rent a power washer, or scrub it by hand using a long-handled bristle brush and warm soapy water (a cup of bleach added to two gallons of water will remove mildew and moss).
Next, rinse thoroughly using a high-pressure jet spray hose attachment. Let the deck dry completely.
Pour deck stain in the shade of your choice into a paint tray and use an extended-handle roller to apply. Spread lightly, and try not to overlap edges. Use a small brush to apply stain to railings or other decorative wood pieces.
Let the stain dry for 24 hours, and voila, you’ll be ready to enjoy a barbecue-filled summer with your family and friends on your just-like-new deck!
Don’t forget to visit my website at www.barbarak.com for more tips and advice for your home using my tools!
If I Can Do It So Can You!
Empower Yourself!
Barbara K
