If a deck is left untreated for too long the wood looses its natural oils and begins to split if this splitting if left untreated it can mean great expense due to the cost of replacing the timber boards and re-staining.

Maintaining your deck should be like the maintenance we do on our cars so as to keep them in working order. Decks should be re-stained every 2-4 years.

Here is how it is done

• Sweep your deck clear of all visible debris.
• Use a wire brush and wood cleaner (available at hardware and home improvement stores) to clean up any rust marks or other stains. Rinse thoroughly with water and let the deck dry completely.
• If badly mouldy pressure clean.
  
• Sand any rough wood, gouges or deep splinters with a hand sander. Wipe away all of the dust with a clean shop cloth.
• Start in one corner and use a natural bristle brush to apply the stain in long, even strokes. Do one board at a time, working all the way to the end before moving on to the next board.
• Add new stain to the old batch before you run out. Mix them together for a more consistent colour, and stir the stain often while working, to avoid settling.
• Let the deck dry overnight, then add another coat of stain or a good deck sealer.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean your brushes if you stop for the night--use mineral spirits for oil-based stains and soap and water for water-based.
  
  
• Re-stain your deck every two to four years to maintain its beauty and protect the wood.
  
  
• Do not use Cabot's deck stains on raw wood until the wood has weathered for at least three months.