Have you ever wanted the backyard of your dreams? The outdoor living space that will make your house the go-to spot for parties and celebrations? There are a few great ways to do this. One way to make your outdoor living dreams into a reality is to transform your old deck into an awesome retreat.
Decks are a great way to add value to your home and extend your living space into your back yard. This is easier to do when your deck is a place you actually want to spend your time. If your old deck is splintering, sagging or just looks worn out, some good old-fashioned elbow grease can make it look brand new and give you a great place for family meals in the summer or a hot cup of coffee on a crisp autumn morning.
No matter how much work your deck needs, you’ll want to start by cleaning all the materials, both old and new. This gives you a clean slate to start with, and any glaze that is put on at the mill will be removed before you start your project.
If your deck has rough spots or splinters, sand them down and make the wood look as good as new. If you use 100 grit, it can cause the wood grain to close, making it difficult for the stain to penetrate the wood, so opt for a different grade. Once your deck is ready for its color facelift, start by staining the rails and benches first. If you have someone staining each side of the picket at the same time, you will be able to keep a wet edge. When the pickets are done, apply two coats to the top railing before moving on to the flooring.
Working on three boards at a time from start to finish will help achieve a more even stain color. For ease and speed, you can apply a second coat with a roller. This will also help cover up and even the brush marks from the first coat.
Once the second coat has dried, you’ll be able to add pops of color and life to your deck space by adding outdoor furniture, bright and fun pillows and cushions and great plants. Try using both hanging plants and potted greenery that sits on the deck itself as this makes several visual options at different heights. Last but not least: enjoy! Your outdoor living space isn’t complete until you have your first family dinner or birthday party.
At ESP Painting, we turn your outdoor living space dream into reality!
