Ep 30: The Definitive Guide to Deck Refinishing (And Why Paint is a Sin!) 🪵🎨
Welcome back to another episode of How To Handyma'am!
This week, we're diving into one of the most requested outdoor home improvement projects: deck refinishing.
If your deck is looking weathered, faded, or you're debating whether to paint or stain it, this episode walks you through the entire refinishing process—from inspecting your deck for damage to choosing the right stain and applying it correctly. We also explain why painting a deck almost always creates more problems than it solves.
Whether you're refinishing an old deck or maintaining a newer one, this episode is packed with practical tips that can help your hard work last for years.
Tune in on Spotify or Apple Podcasts now!
Here is a breakdown of what we discussed this week:
A Dedication to Maya ❤️
This week's episode is dedicated to Maya Frances Simpson, one of Arly's lifelong friends.
Arly shared that Maya is the kind of friend everyone hopes to have—someone you can go months or even years without seeing, only to pick right back up where you left off. She's always there to celebrate life's little victories, offer encouragement, and make every conversation feel effortless.
To illustrate their friendship, Arly reminisced about collecting spare change together in high school, cashing it in at the local Coinstar, and treating themselves to cheesecake bites at Buffalo Wild Wings.
Our challenge this week? Be a little more like Maya. Celebrate the little things, cherish your longtime friendships, and don't forget to make time for the people who have always been there for you.
Please... Don't Paint Your Deck
If you only remember one thing from this episode, let it be this:
Don't paint your deck.
While paint may seem like a quick way to refresh tired wood, it traps moisture inside the boards. Over time, that trapped moisture leads to peeling, cracking, and accelerated rot.
Instead, we recommend using a deck stain, which allows the wood to breathe while still protecting it from the elements.
The good news? If you love the look of paint, solid-color stains can give you a similar appearance without many of the long-term problems.
Step One: Check Your Deck's Structural Health
Before cleaning or staining anything, inspect your deck carefully.
We recommend replacing boards that:
Feel soft or rotten when tested with a flathead screwdriver.
Have large cracks running through them.
Have loose or missing knots.
Feel unstable or excessively flexible when you walk across them.
There's no point staining wood that's already reached the end of its life.
Skip the Pressure Washer
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is blasting their deck with a pressure washer.
Instead, we recommend soft washing using deck cleaning products designed to remove dirt, mildew, and algae without damaging the wood fibers.
After cleaning, use a deck brightener to restore the wood's natural appearance before staining.
Most importantly, give the deck time to dry thoroughly. Depending on the weather, that could mean waiting several days before moving on to the next step.
Choosing the Right Stain
Not all stains are created equal.
We explained the differences between:
Transparent stains for newer decks that showcase the natural wood grain.
Semi-transparent stains that add a touch of color while still revealing the wood.
Semi-solid stains for a little more coverage.
Solid stains for older decks that need to hide imperfections.
The best choice depends on the condition of your deck and the final look you're hoping to achieve.
Application Is All About Patience
Deck staining isn't a one-day project.
We discussed why timing matters, including:
Waiting for the deck to dry completely before staining.
Avoiding rainy weather during the curing process.
Applying stain evenly to prevent lap marks.
Working your way toward the stairs so you don't accidentally stain yourself into a corner.
Sometimes the hardest part of refinishing a deck is simply waiting for the right weather.
Our Favorite Deck Stains (And One We'd Skip)
Over the years, we've tried a lot of deck products, and two brands continue to stand out:
Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck
Cabot deck stains
Both offer a variety of stain opacities and have produced consistently good results for us.
One product we don't recommend?
Cabot DeckCorrect.
Although it's marketed as a thick resurfacing coating, we've found that it tends to peel in large sheets over time because it traps moisture much like paint.
Don't Forget This Important Safety Tip
One of the most important reminders from this episode had nothing to do with staining technique—it was about safety.
Oil-based stain products can create a spontaneous combustion hazard if stain-soaked rags are crumpled together or sealed in a bag.
Instead, soak used rags in water and allow them to dry safely before disposing of them. It's a simple precaution that can prevent a devastating fire.
Our Biggest Takeaway
A beautiful deck isn't created with shortcuts—it's built through careful preparation, patience, and using the right products.
By inspecting your deck before you begin, cleaning it properly, choosing the appropriate stain, and allowing plenty of time for drying and curing, you'll end up with a finish that not only looks great but lasts longer too.
And if you tackle a deck refinishing project after listening to this episode, we'd love to see it! Be sure to snap some before-and-after photos and tag How To Handyma'am so we can celebrate your hard work.
