Outdoor living & yard care
Deck Restoration in the Lake Livingston Area
Weathered, gray decks washed, stained, sealed or painted to bring them back and protect them from the sun and rain.
Bring a weathered deck back
A few summers of East Texas sun and rain turn a new deck gray, rough and blotchy. Left unprotected, the wood dries out, cracks and eventually starts to rot. Restoration brings back the color and puts a protective finish between the wood and the weather.
Onalaska Builders restores decks with our own crews.
Deck restoration includes:
- Washing the deck to prepare it
- Staining decks, stairs and railings
- Sealing
- Painting
The process
How deck restoration works
- Inspect. Look for soft, cracked or loose boards that need replacing first. See deck repair.
- Clean. Wash away dirt, mildew and the gray, weathered surface so the new finish can soak in. This is done with the finish in mind, at a pressure that will not gouge the wood.
- Dry. Let the wood dry thoroughly before any finish goes on.
- Prep. Address rough or raised grain and protect nearby surfaces.
- Apply. Stain, sealer or paint, applied evenly with attention to board ends and joints.
Choosing a finish
Stain, sealer or paint?
- Clear sealer protects against water while keeping the natural wood look, but offers little protection from sun fading.
- Semi-transparent stain adds color while letting the grain show and gives more sun protection than a clear sealer.
- Solid stain covers more like paint while still soaking into the wood, and hides weathering and mismatched boards well.
- Paint gives a uniform color and is often used on trim and railings. It forms a film on top, so preparation matters to avoid peeling, especially on walking surfaces.
The right choice depends on the look you want, the condition of the wood and how much upkeep you are willing to do.
Upkeep
How often should a deck be restained?
It depends on the product, how much sun and rain the deck gets, and how much foot traffic it sees. Decks in full sun wear faster than shaded ones, and the walking surface wears faster than the railings.
Signs it is time:
- Water soaks in instead of beading on the surface
- The color has faded or turned gray
- The finish is worn through in walking paths
- Mildew or dark spots keep coming back
Lake and timber country
Deck restoration around Lake Livingston
Humidity, shade from pines and long summers mean decks here need regular care, and lake decks and pool decks take extra punishment from water and sun. We restore decks within about 35 miles of Onalaska, including Livingston, Point Blank, Coldspring, Shepherd, Groveton, Trinity, Huntsville, Cleveland and Willis. See our full service area.
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Questions
Deck Restoration questions
Should I stain or seal my deck?
A clear sealer keeps the natural look and repels water but gives little sun protection. Semi-transparent and solid stains add color and more protection from fading. The right choice depends on the look you want and the condition of the wood.
Does the deck need to be washed before staining?
Yes. Cleaning removes dirt, mildew and weathered wood so the finish can soak in, and the wood needs to dry thoroughly before the finish goes on.
How often should I restain my deck?
It depends on the product, sun, rain and foot traffic. It is time when water soaks in instead of beading, the color has faded or the finish is worn through in walking paths.
How do I get an estimate for deck restoration?
Call (806) 480-0328 or send the estimate form with the town or ZIP code, the rough size of the deck and its current condition.
Get started
Ready to bring your deck back?
Tell us about your deck and its condition. Send the form or give us a call.