How To Fix A Splintered Deck
Nobody wants to walk on a splintered deck when they’re grilling or soaking up the sun. However, that is part of owning a wooden deck, especially if you don’t keep up with maintenance. That’s why so many homeowners wonder how to fix a splintered deck.
Treat your wood deck with a mixture of bleach and water to help fix the splintered surface. Next, put 100-120-grit sandpaper on an orbital sander and sand the surface. Seal the surface with a stain or restoration coating to prevent the deck from splintering for the next 1-3 years. Power washing can also remove splinters.
However, you must follow the directions when you use a power washer to avoid damaging the surface. Deep clean your deck once per year to keep it in great shape. Follow along as we explore how to fix a splintered deck.
How To Repair Splintered Wood On A Deck
1. Bleach The Wood
Is your deck splintered and also chronically moist? If so, your deck may have a mold and mildew problem that will only get worse with time. You can fix both of these problems if you bleach your deck.
Mix a solution of bleach and water and run it through a power washer. Spray your deck section by section until you’ve soaked every inch of it. Be patient, as this can take a while if you want the best results.
You can also bleach your deck by hand if you scrub it carefully. Mix ½ cup of bleach per gallon of water in a bucket. Wear gloves, soak a sponge in the solution, and scrub the deck by hand.
2. Sand The Surface
It’s a great idea to sand your deck after you’ve bleached it. This will remove any uneven grooves and remaining splints that make your deck uncomfortable to walk on. Ideally, you should use an orbital sander to cover as much ground as quickly as possible.
Use 100-120-grit sandpaper for the best results. You can expect to spend between $30 and $70 to rent an orbital sander, but some places charge more. Otherwise, you can use a belt sander, but that doesn’t cover as much of the surface at once.
3. Power Wash It
Some people choose not to bleach or sand their splintered decks. That’s fine, but you must use an alternative to fix the surface, such as using a power washer on it. This is a great idea if your deck has an old stain or seal that has worn away and looks bad.
The pressure will not only help fix the splintered surface but will also make it easier to add a new coating. It costs as little as $40 to rent a power washer for a day. Follow the instructions and use as much of the cleaning solution as they recommend.
Don’t put the power washer nozzle too close to the deck, or else you may damage the surface. Avoid going over 2,000 psi, as that can also strip your deck. Let the deck dry for 1-2 days before you add a seal or coating.
4. Add A Coating
It’s a great idea to protect your deck after you’ve gone to so much trouble treating the surface. Whether it be a seal, stain, or restoration coating, you can protect the surface if you treat the wood. Your best bet is to use a restoration coating to prevent the wood from splintering.
You can get enough acrylic coating to cover your deck for $25 on average, or up to $50. Stains are also effective and can make your deck look even better. However, they don’t offer the same durability as acrylic, which is hard to penetrate.
The trick is to follow the directions regarding how much to use, how many layers, and how long it takes to cure. Otherwise, you may ruin the coating and make your deck look bad. Don’t step foot on your deck until the coating has cured.
How To Prevent Splinters From Forming On A Deck
It’s easier to prevent splintering than it is to fix a splintered deck. You can take several preventative steps to stop your deck from splintering, such as:
Seal It
Sealing your deck is essential if you want to protect the surface and prevent splinters. This can also make your deck look much better and protect it from the sun, rain, ice, and salt. Ideally, you should reseal your deck every 1-3 years to stop it from splintering.
Routine Maintenance
Your deck is more likely to become splintered if you don’t clean it regularly. Luckily, it’s easy to clean a deck with household items like mild dish soap or vinegar. Regularly sweep your deck and scrub it with a solution of your choice to prevent splinters.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bucket, then soak a mop in the solution. Keep in mind that you don’t need to soak your deck, or else it will take longer to dry. That can increase the chances of mold and mildew from growing if your deck doesn’t sit in the sun.
Clean your deck with chemicals or vinegar a few times per year, and sweep it regularly. However, it’s a great idea to deep clean your deck at least once per year.
Switch To Composite Decking
Wood decks may look great, but they are prone to many problems. You must worry about the sealant cracking and eventually looking bad. It’s also hard to protect a wood deck from the elements, and it can easily become splintered and rot over time.
You can avoid each of these problems if you switch to a composite deck. Composite decks last between 25 and 50 years, and they don’t splinter. It costs as little as $5,400 to upgrade to a composite deck.
Summing It Up
The best way to fix a splintered deck is to clean it with a solution of bleach and water. Sand it with 100-120-grit sandpaper when the deck is dry to smooth the surface. You can also power wash your deck to remove splinters, but don’t increase the pressure past 2,000 psi or you may damage it.
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Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.
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