Clean it. Regular staining lengthens the life of a wooden deck. To prepare the surface, clean it with a gentle, carbonate-based detergent, such as OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover Powder or regular Tide powder without bleach. Dissolve a quarter cup of the detergent per gallon of hot water, letting the solution sit for 15 minutes. Hose the deck down before applying the solution with a pump sprayer. Scrub the dirt off with a push broom and rinse.
Stain away. Choose a semitransparent stain with microreflectors or a full-body stain with added color: “These stains prevent cracks and blisters and block damaging UV rays.” Use a 6-inch microfiber brush and coat one board at a time to avoid overlap marks. Follow the label’s instructions about applying a second coat, and plan to wait 8 to 72 hours before using the deck again.
Source: Men’s Health
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
