Reimagine Your Deck from Dilapidated to Stunning
Our back deck had seen better days. After years of neglect, it was an eyesore of splinters, warped boards, huge gaps and rot. Bringing guests outside made us cringe. We faced a choice - tear it out entirely or restore it to glory. We opted for the latter, and set out on a dramatic deck restoration journey. What we achieved went beyond our wildest dreams.
In this blog post, we'll walk through how we transformed our deck from dilapidated to downright stunning. You'll see just how powerful restoration can be.
Assessing Our Deck's Sad Condition
Our first step was assessing the current condition of the deck. Years of improper maintenance, difficult weather and simple aging took their toll. Photos of the damage tell the story best.
See the splinters sticking up everywhere? You couldn't walk barefoot out here. And in some spots, you could poke right through where rot set in. Rainstorms brought gallons of water pouring through the gaps between boards too.
While we fantasyed about tearing it all out for a sleek new deck, costs were prohibitive. Restoration offered hope of reviving the good bones beneath the surface flaws.
Developing Our Restoration Plan
With restoration chosen, it was time for in-depth planning...
Prep Work: Deep Cleaning and Repairs
- Power washed years of ground-in grim away
- Sanded every inch to remove splinters and roughness
- Filled holes and gaps wider than a dime
Our prep work took 2 full weekends and lots of elbow grease. But the resulting blank canvas got us excited for the possibilities.
Applying the Restoration Product
Choosing the right restoration product was crucial. We weighed factors like durability, cost, application method and reviews...
| Product | Price | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Behr Deckover | $30/gal | 100-150 sq ft/gal |
| Rustoleum Restore | $25/gal | 100-150 sq ft/gal |
Ultimately, we selected Behr Deckover for its reputation and gray tone. With rollers and sprayer in hand, we got to work...
Showing Off the Dramatic Difference
After letting the deck cure fully, we just stood back in awe. The transformation was jaw-dropping. Where once stood an eyesore of gray, splintering wood now lived a gorgeous sanctuary.
The richness of tone, seamless coverage and lustrous finish went beyond our expectations. Friends and family were stunned at the restoration we achieved on a modest budget. Their "deck envy" thrilled us!
Maintaining Our Stunning Deck
To keep our deck looking phenomenal year after year, we commit to regular maintenance:
- Quick cleanings with soap and water as needed
- Annual pressure washing to prevent buildup
- Reapplying restoration product every 2-3 years
Compared to traditional deck stain, our chosen restoration product will retain its vibrancy 3X longer. We're prepared to put in the effort - because the payoff is so very worth it.
If your deck has seen better days, don't give up hope. Ours was plagued by splinters, large gaps and significant rot. Still, we reimagined it into a true backyard oasis. Throughout the process, we gained firsthand experience on best practices for restoration success:
- Assess the full scope of damage - understand what you're working with
- Weigh rebuild vs. restoration costs to make the right choice
- Research products thoroughly and consult experts as needed
- Invest ample time into proper surface prep before applying product
- Choose a durable restoration product tailored to your specific deck issues
- Expect an arduous application process - but breathtaking results
We hope our deck restoration journey inspires you to reimagine your own outdoor living space. With some sweat equity, dedication and the right product, you too can achieve stunning transformation.