If your wood deck looks more like a pile of wood than an inviting setting for an afternoon barbeque, chances are it could use a little rejuvenating. Start by washing the deck with a solution of one cup of powdered laundry detergent in a gallon of hot water. Add a cup of liquid chlorine bleach if mildew is present. Severely neglected decks will require a more potent commercial deck bleaching product. Look for one which contains oxalyic acid. Use this in combination with a power washer which can be rented from your local tool rental outlet or paint store. Finish the job with a coat of high-quality oil-base deck stain or clear wood finish. A product that contains UV inhibitors will offer added protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
You can get more tips at our website at www.onthehouse.com or pick up a copy of our book, “Home Maintenance For Dummies 2nd Edition’
