How To Give Your Composite Deck a Second Life

Although composite decks are some of the lowest maintenance and best quality deck systems available, they still aren’t wear and tear proof. Composite decks fade over time and receive damage from the abrasive elements in Maryland.

With composite deck, you can get by without an annual staining, but after the material is 2 to 3 years old, a simple staining or repainting can go a long way in beautifying your deck.

Here is an easy 4-step process that will surely freshen and bring your deck back to life.

1. Remove mildew.

• Make a solution of one part bleach to three parts water and apply it to the entire deck surface. Wait 20 minutes and scrub the deck thoroughly to remove all mildew. After you’ve scrubbed the deck, rinse it thoroughly to remove all the solution and mildew residue.

2. Remove gloss.

• Gently sand the entire deck surface with a fine #220 sandpaper. When you are finished, wash the deck with an all-purpose detergent or deck-cleaner to remove all dust and debris, and then rinse it away thoroughly.

3. Take a quick break and let the deck surface dry completely.

4. Decide whether you want to paint or stain your deck and finish up the job.

• If you want to paint your deck: First apply a quality exterior latex primer. Then apply a good quality latex deck paint (a higher-gloss finish is recommended because it will be easier to clean and will have better mildew resistance).
• If you want to stain your deck: Simply apply whatever stain you wish to use. The PQI recommends a quality acrylic latex solid color stain for composite decking. 

One last tip: make note of whatever type of paint or stain you use. Since this process should be repeated every 3 to 5 years to keep your deck fresh, the results will be much better if you use the same type of finish.

If you have any questions, or would like any help with this project, give Hallco Enterprises a call at: 301-831-3679.