As warmer weather rolls in, your tenants will find themselves gravitating to deck and outdoor areas. Whether your property is a residential, commercial, or a restaurant building, act now to ensure that your deck areas are in good shape before the hot days of summer hit. Here’s what to know.
Repainting Your Deck: Why and When?
A freshly painted deck doesn’t just look great. A new coat of paint protects your deck from heat, UV rays, and humidity – and also keeps tenants safe from splinters and problem areas. Deck repainting also allows you to examine your deck for any structural issues and replace damaged boards, railing, or hardware before they become a problem.
So, when should you look at repainting your deck? Basically, if you’ve noticed cracking, peeling, chipping, or rot, it’s time to freshen up your deck. The best time of year is late spring when temperatures are still mild and nights aren’t too cold. Allow a few days for prep, painting, and any other repairs.
Tips for Prepping and Restoring Your Deck
If your deck is looking worse for wear, it’s time to act. Here’s what to think about when it comes to restoring or repainting your deck.
- Assess the health of your deck. Are you dealing with peeling paint or more serious issues? Some decks might need replacement boards, railing, or hardware, while others might only need a fresh coat of paint.
- Repairs come first! There’s no point painting over bad wood. If there are signs of rot or decay, replace those boards or railing to prevent further damage and reduce the possibility of safety hazards. If longevity is your priority, there are maintenance-free vinyl options available that can significantly extend the lifespan of your deck.
- Thoroughly prep your deck! Don’t just race ahead with your paint roller. Scrape peeling paint, scrub/pressure wash away mold or grime, sand back any rough or uneven areas, and fill holes and cracks. The better the prep work, the better – and more long-lasting – the end result. Don’t forget to protect nearby plants with a tarp or plastic sheeting.
- Decide on paint vs. stain. Deck paint is thicker and offers more protection against the elements, while deck stain is thinner and allows the original wood to show through. The right choice depends on your design preferences as well as the use and location of your deck. Test a small amount of your chosen paint or stain before proceeding; store samples might not be a true indicator of the color.
- Wait for the right weather. Don’t apply your stain or paint on an ultra-hot or rainy day. A cooler, shady day is ideal so that you can prep and paint without your materials drying out too quickly.
Need Some Help with Your Deck?
At Manders, we have experience prepping, painting, and restoring decks of all types and sizes. A recent example is this project where we inspected, repaired, pressure washed, and sealed the deck area, ensuring long-lasting results. If your deck needs some TLC, talk to the team at Manders. We’ll help you achieve a result that will keep your tenants happy this summer – and beyond.
