Your deck is there to be used! Oil it regularly to keep it not only barefoot-friendly but also resistant to the weather. Our step-by-step guide will help you work efficiently and achieve lasting results.
Preparation
Protect delicate surfaces
Cover your house foundations, plants, and other delicate surfaces with protective plastic to shield them from deck cleaning agents. This is because some agents can corrode glass and aluminum and affect other sensitive surfaces.
The next step is cleaning the deck.
Cleaning the deck
Rinse with water
Rinse the deck thoroughly with water. Are you using a pressure washer?
Be careful not to hold the nozzle too close to the wood. The surface can be damaged if the pressure is too strong.
Washing away dirt
Apply deck cleaner evenly to the wet wood. The approach may differ, so read the packaging for the manufacturer's recommendations. Then wash away all dirt and old oil with a deck brush.
Rinse and let dry
Rinse with water and let the wood dry thoroughly. Then it's time to sand.
Sanding the deck
Sand away unevenness
Attach sandpaper to the deck tool. Sand away sharp edges, knots, and irregularities. Sandpaper comes in different grits, and a grit of 120 is usually sufficient for decks. Use sanding pads for edges and smaller surfaces.
Finishing and cleaning
Go over the surface one more time to make the wood especially good for bare feet. Finish by brushing off the sanding dust. The next step is to apply the oil.
Treating the deck
Pour oil and attach the deck pad.
Pour the oil into a tray to make the job easier. Remove the sandpaper and attach the deck pad to the deck tool.
Dip the pad into the oil and gently press off any excess oil. Then apply in the direction of the wood grain. The deck tool helps you work faster and provides a smooth, thin coat without overlapping marks.
The perfect brush
Use a brush to complete the work in cracks and hard-to-reach details. Remember to finish a few boards at a time for the best result.
Done! Now you have a barefoot-friendly deck that withstands various weather conditions well.
