It seems every post I write makes me seem like the laziest being ever, how did I manage to let everything slide for the past 6 years? Babies. I blame it on the babies sucking up all my free time. But now that they can manage themselves for the most part I’ve been ticking things off the list like crazy this summer. New laundry room done, bedroom furniture done, master bedroom makeover done, and now washing and staining the deck done!
Looks fresh, eh?! You have to see where it came from…
eeeew
Blah, like really blah. You never realize how bad something is until you see the before and after photos.
The first step to creating our beautiful deck was cleaning the weathered boards, so we could get maximum stain penetration into the dry wood.
I didn’t have a sprayer (which is recommended) so I used a sponge mop to apply it. I’m quite sure I used double the amount I would have with a sprayer. I was totally amazed how quickly it cleaned the wood, with no scrubbing! Just apply, let sit for a few minutes, rinse away with the hose and allow to dry. Wham, bam, deck back looking like year 1, not year 6. (top is the old, bottom is the treated)
The deck treating dream team
Once the deck had dried after cleaning it was time to get right into the staining. I chose a Semi-Transparent stain from Olympic (in Black Oak). There is an amazing assortment of colors to choose from, you can see them all here. I chose a dark color to give a nice contrast to the pillars.
aaaaahhhh
I had initially intended to do the entire deck one color, but after a little step back I decided painting the stair risers and the deck trim was the way to go. I had to match the existing color on the trim so I chose Delicate White from Voice of Color in flat exterior SunProof.
I’m very happy with my decision! However, it did make what I thought was going to take a few hours into a whole day job, seriously I was still painting as the sun went down.
I let the deck dry for about 48 hours before we used it, or placed any furniture back (not recommended, just to be sure).
Amazing transformation for just one day of work, if I do say so myself! I can’t believe I waited so long to tackle this little project that added a so much curb appeal to our home, now if I could just get some gardening done… a project to add to the list!
Check out these other painting projects
Okay – I had I no idea that you could clean the deck with just a mop. I think my brain just exploded! Ours is terrible (borderline embarrassing) and we decided to wait until next year to use the power washer.
Maybe now, we’ll just clean it up with a bucket and cleaner! I love that you painted the risers – it boosts the ‘charm’ factor for sure 🙂
oh my goodness V, this looks amazing!! AND is perfect timing – we are in desperate need of this for our back deck but I’ve been dreading the task, not at more this looks totally doable now. Thanks!! 🙂
It looks gorgeous! We power washed ours this year but it seems the stain will wait til next year…or maybe 5 years from now 😉
ha, ha you never know, 5 years slips away… blame it on the kids
Wow! Great job doing the deck….it looks amazing! I love the painted risers….great call on that….it really makes the front “pop!”
Nancy
wildoakdesigns.blogpsot.com
Thanks Nancy, I appreciate you stopping by!
I think it looks great! I love that you painted the risers to match the columns! We need to get on our patio/deck addition ourselves lol 🙂
Wow…what a difference! It looks fantastic and I’m so glad you shared your project with Share The Wealth Sunday.
xoxo
Lisa
What a really pretty house you have. We have all Trex decking and rails so easy to maintain. Just mop and go.
oh that would be lovely! lucky you, thanks for visitnig
Gorgeous! I can’t believe how much it has transformed. And I think painting the risers was the right choice. Just amazing 🙂
It looks great! Your house is so adorable! Thanks for sharing on my Friday Favorites link-up!
What a transformation! It’s amazing what stain and paint will do. Lovely job!
I’m featuring this at our weekly link party. http://www.thelifeofjenniferdawn.com/2015/09/a-little-bird-told-me-link-party-154.html
Very awesome sign in the bedroom. Great work on the deck also. Pinned.