Yes, You Can Refinish A Wood Deck Without Sanding - Here's How

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The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and dinner is sizzling on the grill — there's nothing like spending a gorgeous evening outside in the backyard, lounging on your deck. But if your deck is made of wood, chances are that it's in need of some repairs and maybe even a refinishing, especially if you live in a four-season climate. It's important to keep your deck in tip-top shape to avoid age- and wear-related problems — like board discoloration — that may snowball into bigger issues down the line.

Refinishing a wood deck may seem like a daunting task, especially when you factor in sanding. Sanding everything by hand seems like a chore, and renting an electric sander can be expensive. But there's a solution: If your deck is finished with a clear sealer or stain, you can easily use an oxygenated wood deck cleaner in place of sanding to remove any stains or discoloration that may have come with years of exposure to the sun. Oxygen-based wood cleaners use sodium percarbonate to tackle those tough stains, saving you time and effort. It's important, though, to realize when your wood deck is beyond repair. If the wood has rotted too severely to be fixed, this simple trick won't do much to help.

The most important part of any DIY home project? The prep. Making sure you've got the right products in your disposal before you begin working will save you any last-minute trips to the hardware store. First, you'll want to choose your deck cleaner. Kits like the Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper, Wood Brightener, Booster Thickening Gel Combo Pack make it easy to pick up multiple products in one step, while the DEFY Wood Deck Cleaner offers a more affordable one-step option.

Next, gather your supplies. You'll want a water source like a hose or pressure washer; safety equipment like gloves, goggles or glasses, and a mask; and a broom and scrub brush for removing debris and applying the wood deck cleaner. It's also not a bad idea to wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt for protection from chemicals and the sun. Finally, prep your deck and the area around your deck for cleaning and refinishing. Remove any and all furniture or decorations from the deck's surface and make sure that kids and pets won't be playing near your work area — chemicals and pressure washing don't mix well with little hands and paws!

First, you'll want to inspect the deck for any broken or missing boards, popped nails or chipped edges. Take care of those issues before moving on to the next step: cleaning. Give the deck a good sweep and, if you can, a pressure wash doesn't hurt — but try to avoid mistakes everyone makes when pressure washing, like using the wrong nozzle. Whether you've rinsed or pressure washed the wood, it's important to let the deck dry completely, for 48 hours or more.

Your next step would be to begin sanding, but this is where your oxygenated wood deck cleaner comes in. Our most important advice for this step is to test whichever product you choose on a small section of your deck before diving head-first into the project. The application and removal of the solution may differ based on which specific product you decide to use, but here are the basics: Prepare your cleaner (it may need to be diluted with water), apply to the deck using a brush or sprayer, let it sit for the recommended time, use a stuff-bristled brush to gently scrub the surface of the deck, and then rinse and let dry. Once again, let the wood dry for at least 48 hours before applying your stain and sealer. To stain your deck like a professional, consider choosing a water-based product over an oil-based one. And for year-round maintenance, check out the deck cleaning tips you should be using yourself.