Is your deck starting to look weathered, faded, or damaged from all that time in the sun, standing up to weather, and entertaining your family and guests? If so, it may be time for a deck refinishing project. A well-maintained deck not only boosts your home’s curb appeal, but also extends the life of your outdoor living space. But how do you know when it’s time to restain or refinish a wood deck? In this blog post, we’ll cover the top signs your deck needs refinishing as well as walk you through how to refinish a wood deck for different materials. We’ll help you estimate the cost to restain or refinish a deck so you can plan your deck refresh with confidence.
In This Post
Signs Your Deck Needs Refinishing
Raleigh’s hot summers, heavy rain, and humid conditions can be tough on both wood and composite decking.
Here are the most common signs that it’s time to restain the deck or refinish it completely:
- Faded, dull, or sun-damaged boards that have lost their rich color.
- Peeling or flaking stain, which means the finish has reached the end of its lifetime.
- Warped or cracked wood that requires repairs before staining.
- Mold, mildew, or rot.
- Areas needing wood repair or reinforcement.
If your deck has more than one of these signs, you most likely need a full deck refinishing rather than just a quick touch-up with a fresh coat of stain.
How to Refinish a Wood Deck
Not all decks are created equal. There are different materials out there, all of which require different techniques for refinishing and maintenance in order to achieve long-lasting results.
The three main types of wood decking material are:
- Pressure-treated pine.
- IPE hardwood.
- Composite materials.
Let’s dive into how to refinish a wood deck, depending on the type of material you have on your existing deck.
1. Pressure-Treated Pine (Most Common in Raleigh)
Pressure-treated pine is the most common decking material we see across the Raleigh area. It’s durable and affordable, making it the go-to choice for many homeowners.
Bare Wood
If your deck is bare wood, start by cleaning it with a wood cleaner like SuperDeck Revive. Once dry, apply a semi-transparent or solid stain, depending on your desired look. A semi-transparent stain will give a more natural look, allowing the natural wood grain to shine through. A solid stain will give maximum coverage.
Peeling Water-Based Stain
If your deck has been previously stained and the water-based stain is peeling, proper prep is key. Strip or sand away as much of the old finish as possible before applying the new stain. This will ensure you have a clean base to refinish on top of.
Oil-Based Stain in Good Condition
A gentle, soft wash and a fresh coat of high-quality oil-based semi-transparent stain will revive the deck’s appearance.
Solid Stain or Heavy Wear
If the deck has a solid stain or heavy wear and is cracking, discolored, or patchy, you’ll want to clean it thoroughly and do some sanding before applying two coats of a solid stain to restore a clean, even finish.
Curious which stains are best for pressure-treated wood decks? Find out in this blog post.
2. IPE (Exotic Hardwood)
IPE is a beautiful, dense, and long-lasting stain that is known for its natural look and longevity, but it does require special care to keep it looking great.
To refinish a deck with IPE:
- Avoid aggressive pressure washing to prevent surface damage. We’ve seen beautiful IPE decks get scarred by contractors using the wrong pressure tip.
- Use a stain and seal remover or lightly sand the surface to prep it before refinishing.
- Apply a stain made specifically for exotic hardwoods.
- Wipe off any excess stain that doesn’t absorb to avoid a sticky finish, as this type of wood won’t soak it up like softer wood materials.
3. Composite Decks (like Trex)
While composite decks are low maintenance, they can still fade and show wear over time. After years of use, they’re bound to look a little tired and worn.
Here’s how to revive them with a deck refinishing:
- Clean it thoroughly with a composite-safe cleaner and ensure it is completely dry before moving on.
- Use a solid stain specifically designed for composite materials.
- Only apply products approved for synthetic decking to avoid damage.
For a more in-depth guide on how to restain the deck, check out this guide.
How to Restain a Deck | Professional Tips for Restaining a Previously Stained Deck
Cost to Restain or Refinish a Deck
The cost to restain a deck or refinish a deck varies from home to home and in different areas.
It depends on factors such as:
- Deck size: Larger decks require more time and materials.
- Condition: Extensive prep or repairs increase labor costs.
- Type of stain: Oil-based, semi-transparent, and solid stains vary in price.
On average in the Raleigh area, a DIY deck restaining project costs between $150-$500 for stain, cleaner, brushes, and rollers.
A professional deck refinishing costs roughly $2-$5 per square foot, including prep, repairs, and stain application.
If your deck has significant damage, you’ll want to budget for deck repair costs that will add to the total. Investing in professional work may be more costly up front, but it often extends the life of your deck and ensures long-lasting results, which could save you money and time in the long-run.
Book Your Free Estimate for Deck Refinishing Today
While some homeowners opt for DIYing their deck refresh, investing in professional deck refinishing has its perks.
It ensures you get:
- Proper surface prep for longer-lasting results.
- The right stain choice for your specific deck material.
- Safe, even application without damage to your deck boards.
A freshly refinished deck not only enhances the beauty of your outdoor living space, but also protects your investment from Raleigh’s weather extremes. Whether you choose to restain the deck yourself or hire a pro, knowing the proper process for your deck material, and understanding the costs involved, will help you get the best results.
If you’re ready to upgrade your deck and get it looking beautiful again, our team at Oak City Coatings is here to help! We provide expert deck refinishing services for pressure-treated wood, IPE hardwood, and composite decks.
Contact us today to book your free estimate and bring your deck back to life.
