How To: Prepare Your Deck for Stain

[@Zumaray]

Blows my mind that people can make videos like this with so much information for free. Free if you don’t mind 5 seconds of an add here and there. Thanks this helped me heaps.

[@TightWadDIY]

yeoclegin I’m glad you found it helpful. I’ve posted a few more videos concerning cleaning and staining since this one. I will make sure they are linked in the description so you can find them easily.

[@benjaminhaase7223]

I've probably watched about 10 "how to" videos in how to clean, prepare and stain a deck. This one makes the most sense and is the most detailed. Winner. Now I just have to get started. :)

[@TightWadDIY]

Benjamin Haase Thank you for the kind comment. I try my best to stick to the details and provide easy to follow instructions. Be sure to subscribe!

[@benjaminhaase7223]

Hey brother, if I still have you, (I'm at the hardwood store now)can you tell me if I'm on the right track? I've gotten the presure washer, the heavy-duty deck brush, and the wood sprayer. What is the solutuon that I need to add with water into thesprayer? I keep searching through your video butcan't find it.

[@benjaminhaase7223]

(I've got the Thompson's Water seal after I've properly cleaned and prepared the deck)

[@TightWadDIY]

Benjamin Haase I used a product called Restore A Deck. I think you may have to order it online. It’s better than the stuff you can buy in the stores.

[@benjaminhaase7223]

TightWadRepairs Thanks a lot, man. I'd buy you a beer if I lived closer!

[@alexnicoles5575]

Thank you! I'm moving into an apartment with a very dirty untreated balcony so this was very very helpful!!

[@TightWadDIY]

Alexandria Nicole I’m glad you found it helpful. Hopefully you can get it cleaned up!

[@backdraft808]

Best deck prep vid on YT. Thanks for the share.

[@lynn4164]

I enjoyed how you did the comparisons. I was thinking about just replacing my boards but this gives me hope in restoring them.

[@TightWadDIY]

Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. I still haven’t had to replace any boards but they’re getting close.

[@robertbrenner4268]

Thanks so much for the detail information you provided. So helpful as I am beginning to work on a large 1000 sq foot deck that needs a lot of work. Your video makes this look doable.

[@TightWadDIY]

My pleasure. I’m glad you found it helpful.

[@shoehorny6844]

This is one of the nicest pine deck cleaning projects I have ever seen. Good work!

[@TightWadDIY]

shoehorny Thank you. I appreciate you taking time to leave a pleasant reply.

[@H.DotNet]

I really like your way to experiment first, find a best way and apply it everywhere. Smart way. Thanks

[@TightWadDIY]

Han M Thanks. You should subscribe! I think you would enjoy a lot of my content. I will be recording a follow up to this video soon also.

[@meredithrodick9815]

Thank you for showing the results of both power washing and washing with only water! I don't own a power washer and I have a deck I'm trying to restore. I'm hoping with a good was and a scrubbed cleaner, I can get it looking better. :) Very informative!

[@TightWadDIY]

Meredith Rodick You are welcome. You may have to scrub a little more but you can definitely do it with a regular garden hose.

[@jamesledzepplin7839]

you might be able to rent one

[@vinannya]

First of all thank you for the clear instructive video. I bought the cleaner kit along with Armstrong Clark semi-transparent stain 3 years ago. They have been sitting in the garage on the shelves since then. The garage never reaches freezing point . Do you think it is still effective if I use the kit this spring? Also, most importantly, will this product harm any vegetation around the deck and fence? We have spend quite a bit planting some nice trees along the fence, don't want to harm them with unnecessary chemicals?

[@TightWadDIY]

Vi Bh I highly recommend you reach out to Restore A Deck and Armstrong Clark. They are both very responsive to questions. They will be able to give you exactly the right answers.

[@olben1095]

Good video. Another thought may be to set all raised nails/screws then rent a deck sander from the home center for about $60/day --- no chemicals and a smooth surface.

[@TightWadDIY]

Ol' Ben That would definitely work. If I ever add new deck boards I will use screws and sink them a little so I can use a sander in the future.

[@JohnSmith-yn8pl]

Power sanding is much better than using all those bad chemicals....

[@terilachonce280]

@@JohnSmith-yn8pl depends on the condition of the deck. Sanding just goes along the top. Washing gets down in the grooves.

[@SantaFe5811]

Awesome work!!! Thanks so much for posting this.

[@TightWadDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sthpac69]

I used a hard bristle scrub brush, a little muscle and an all in one deck cleaner and got the same results as you in about 2 hours on a 16X24 deck.

[@TightWadDIY]

sthpac69 Nice work.

[@TryThisDIYFix]

Great job. This was super helpful!

[@snapperkc9317]

Very good video! I added a Restore-A-Deck link in my notes and will be ordering for this spring. Thanks

[@TightWadDIY]

SnapperKC It really does work great. I actually just got a second batch to clean and restain my deck.

[@BlaiseSavageMusic]

Did the whole deck need re-stained after two years? Or was this a different deck?@@TightWadDIY

[@TightWadDIY]

Blaise Cordero It needs a maintenance coat every couple of years on the surface areas. The spindles and low traffic areas still look great.

[@BlaiseSavageMusic]

TightWadDIY Thank you! I’m redoing my deck but was concerned that it had an issue so I thought I’d check! Thanks for the very informative video!

[@ScientistPrepper]

Good video. Great scientific comments such as # of scrubs and also advising that the video author is not receiving financial benefit from the product. So hard to trust product reviews when the reviewer is financially benefitting from the product. Great job and thanks for the info.

[@louchavelli]

Thanks man. I'm trying to do as much on my own at home and this is going to help with my deck.

[@oglahai]

Thanks for this! I'm in the middle of stripping ours to prep it for staining. Nice to see how a properly clean deck looks to compare to mine.

[@TightWadDIY]

oglahai I'm always happy to help!

[@jackieparseghian2738]

Great work! Such a helpful video. Did you do any light sanding on the deck itself?

[@miket.3248]

looks really nice! what is the psi are you spraying?

[@TightWadDIY]

I don’t recall. Each tip is a different PSI. I think I used white.

[@branddann]

Question. ive pressure washed my deck real good.. the stain that was used isnt coming off. Am I good to just put new stain on top of the old? Its a large deck and I would rather not have to completely strip the deck, if I dont have to. .

[@TightWadDIY]

Brandon Dan There are too many variables to answer this. It all depends on the type of stain used previously and the stain you plan to use. It’s always best to strip prior to applying new stain.

[@missyadelantar3548]

Thank you so much for this video. I am planning to restore our old deck and I have no experience on painting it so this is really helpful. My problem is, our deck already has some splinters and looks like brown stains before we bought it. How do you suggest I should approach this? Pressure wash the whole deck/use the restore a deck product then sand the areas where there are splinters? Thanks for the reply in advance

[@TightWadDIY]

Missy Adelantar I would pressure wash, sand areas that need it, and then use the restore a deck cleaner then brightener.

[@missyadelantar3548]

TightWadDIY Perfect! Thank you so much! ☺️

[@missyadelantar3548]

TightWadDIY Also, do I have to use a brightener if I wanted to paint it over or I can skip that?

[@TightWadDIY]

Missy Adelantar I don’t think it’s necessary but I highly discourage painting. It will start to flake off after about a year and look really bad. I recommend a transparent or semi solid stain instead.

[@stormlight1553]

So what was the final result ? Deck did not need the pressure washer at all the the deck restore was good enough ?

[@TightWadDIY]

Storm Light I like a combination of the two. However, if you want to scrub more, you can do it without a pressure washer.

[@trespasser121]

For me, the only way to get a good result is sanding the deck, haven't found any miracle cleaning product and power washing imho shouldn't be done too often or too forcefully with a soft wood like cedar - so the deck never gets clean enough to apply stain after just power wash. Problem is, all semi-transparent oil stains I used contain linseed oil which gets black with time (I believe it's mildew), so sanding every 2-3 years is a pain. So what I want to try is to use mineral oil (expensive!) and add stain to it myself, so looking for instructions on how to do it. Any ideas?

[@TightWadDIY]

Trespasser I do not have any experiences with cedar decks or mineral oil. This method worked great for me and still looks great 2 years later. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

[@googleuser7126]

Omg thank you so much for this video! My deck is almost exactly the same!

[@TightWadDIY]

Google User You are welcome! I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@Roadz38009]

I’m going re-stain my deck but can’t I just use a power washer to get the small layer of mold off and then stain it? Do I absolutely have to sand it too?

[@TightWadDIY]

You can. It may cause alot of splintering because you will remove the soft wood and the hard wood will be exposed and will become brittle.

[@cookinitmax]

Ps I'm doing a deck I'm ordering some of that restore a deck do you think you had to scrub with brush or just used power washer after using cleaner and brightener you showed the 3 boards with the different steps but wasn't sure how you finely did whole deck. 1. Sprayed with cleaner then scrub with brush then power wash then brightener then power washed. 2. Sprayed with cleaner then power wash then sprayed with brightener then power washed .

[@TightWadDIY]

You could get by with #2 if it's not too bad. Just be careful not to pressure wash too close to the boards because it will remove the softwood and cause splintering.

[@markm75]

I thought i had read that its not necessary to strip off the old stain before putting a new one down, as long as the new color is slightly darker?

[@TightWadDIY]

That can be true. You still need to thoroughly clean it though.

[@mauriceball4608]

This was a well put together video. It looks good. Inspired

[@Val-ee4hd]

Nice job! To add to your do the job right the first time....... I would like to suggest that you sand and seal the boards on all sides BEFORE you put them on. Those rails are a pain to sand and you wont get them fully sanded when assembled. The one thing that messes up a deck is water and time. Once those boards are down you can't get to the underside to seal them. When it rains it runs down and will go between the top boards and the beams and sit there in the shade and soak in that wood. Most decks are too low to the ground to get under them also and paint on sealer and you can't get to the parts that are touching the beams. Just wanted to point that out.

[@TightWadDIY]

You are correct. I always try to paint or stain before assembly with all projects.

[@fredfloyd68]

What tip are you using on the pressure wash wand?

[@elcordobes-i1h]

Do I need to remove all of the old stain ? Some old stain can be removed, but some is so tightly entrenched into the wood, it's not easy to remove. Can I not apply new stain of same color on top of the tightly packed old stain ?

[@TightWadDIY]

If you are installing the same color stain you don’t need to remove the old. Just clean it well and reapply.

[@elcordobes-i1h]

@@TightWadDIY Thank You, responses like this can save me a lot of time, effort and expense

[@TightWadDIY]

@@elcordobes-i1h You’re welcome! I do my best to respond to all comments.

[@bethanykay7380]

Is there a best time of the year for staining?

[@TightWadDIY]

Bethany Kay I would say spring or fall so it’s not so hot. Above 95° gets to be too hot for stain.

[@vvalasek]

Looks great

[@TightWadDIY]

Thanks!

[@toniepaiva]

Great video 👍👍 I was planning to use just the restore the deck and the scrubber combination cos I am not very confident on the pressure washer. Did you use the swivel scrubber or the sander in the process !! Or where to use which one !! Thanks

[@TightWadDIY]

I only used the sander to knock off the rough corners of the new wood. I didn’t touch any old wood with the sander. I used the scrub brush on everything else.

[@billcoley8520]

That’s some nice carpentry work.

[@cookinitmax]

You had people put stair case in should of had them replace the new cracked board 1 or 2 step from main deck ?

[@TightWadDIY]

They really could all use replacing in the next two years. It's not a split, it's just the heart of the tree so the heart wood is crumbling. I will replace the deck boards in a couple of years when it is time to reapply the stain. Didn't want to mess with measuring and cutting the stringers so that is why I paid someone for the stairs.

[@pemfiri]

does the deck has to be completely dry before applying the stain ?

[@TightWadDIY]

It needs to be dry for this Armstrong Clark oil based stain. Restore A Deck now sells a stain that goes on wet wood.

[@ramaporiver803]

What if the deck has a transparent stain on it already?

[@TightWadDIY]

Ramapo River Here is the video I made when I restrained my deck after a few years. I used the same process and it worked great! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHnGap9sodljfrs

[@andysmith9140]

fantastic video, sent me on the right path for restoring my own

[@TightWadDIY]

andy smith I’m glad you found it helpful.

[@maverickperson5443]

Thanks for your helpful video, very detailed. I have a few questions: 1-Can I use laundry powder(or dish detergent) and scrub brush and then use power washer, by keeping the nozzle away from the wood? 2-Use laundry detergent, scrub brush and thoroughly clean it? 3-Just use power wash and then stain it later? Thanks for the help.

[@TightWadDIY]

Maverick Person I wouldn't recommend using laundry powder. It may appear to clean your deck well but isn't formulated for that purpose so it could potentially cause adverse affects to your wood. Laundry detergent also isn't made to remove the exterior elements that are present on your deck wood.

[@maverickperson5443]

Thanks, what about dish liquid? If not, what option do you think I choose from all 3?

[@TightWadDIY]

Maverick Person I always say do it right the first time, especially on big jobs like this. I highly recommend Restore-A-Deck cleaner and brightener if you want great results without damaging the wood.

[@maverickperson5443]

I am with you, sounds good. BTW, how much the cleaner and brightener?

[@TightWadDIY]

Maverick Person I don't remember. I think I put a link in the video description though.

[@Hallelukalyke]

Awesome video! Very detailed. Do you think the brightener (step 2) is necessary? I'm asking because someone gave me some RAD Step 1 but I don't have 2. I would love to get started right away but I know that the product isn't sold locally.

[@TightWadDIY]

Hallelukalyke Brightener is said to be a vital part of preparing the wood to take the stain. I highly recommend using it.

[@Thepearlcapture]

What kind of pressure washer is that ?

[@TightWadDIY]

It’s a Honda.

[@BillyBob_McSanchez]

Which is better for a deck? A solid stain or a semi transparent stain? And why? Because I'm going to stain my deck and I'm not sure which one to go with

[@TightWadDIY]

Crypto I prefer a semi solid or semi transparent stain. Solid stains tend to flake and chip because they sit on top of the wood instead of soaking into the wood. I used semi solid on my deck.

[@BillyBob_McSanchez]

Flaking you say? But I thought a solid stain penetrates the wood just like a semi transparent. So you're telling me that a solid stain is just as bad as putting regular paint on the deck? I'm just curious since I don't know much about painting a house, or in this case, staining

[@TightWadDIY]

Crypto Yes. A solid stain will typically flake or peel off. I highly recommend a high quality semi solid or semi transparent stain. I used Armstrong Clark semi solid and my deck still looks great after two years. Make sure you do the prep work properly.

[@slvrearview]

Thanks for making the video. I too have had good results with restore a deck, cleaner and brightener. However, I must warn everyone to not use restore a deck stain! It is a water-based stain that doesn't last any longer than other stains. The worst part about it is when you go to restain after one year or 2 years you have to completely strip The deck and start over. I switched to mesmer's UV plus natural cedar and while it only lasts the same amount of time, you can restain over the top of the existing stain every year or two without having to completely strip the stain off. So in summary, do not use restore a deck stain !

[@TightWadDIY]

Does the Restore A Deck stain say it needs to be stripped? I’ve stained over the top of my retaining wall that I stained with it.

[@slvrearview]

@@TightWadDIY When I tried to stain over the top of my deck (I'm in Denver, CO) it was way too uneven and looked like absolute crud. To be fair, the UV here in Denver is absolutely BRUTAL!

[@supra2k8]

Can't you sand lightly after you pressure wash your deck to get rid of the splinters?

[@wiseguy6620]

Your really should clean the deck and sand it last before pressure washing. Pressure washing can damage and roughen the wood alone. Im no scientist but i would say. Put on cleaner, PRessure wash it off doing a bit of deck at a time to do a good job. When it dries sand then paint.

[@supra2k8]

@@wiseguy6620 thanks for the reply

[@terrymckann5594]

The pressure could leave dips in wood where water could pool up and age deck fastet

[@TightWadDIY]

Terry McKann Correct. That is why I take a “light” pass and then use the cleaner. You can properly use a pressure washer without causing damage.

[@funkybasstrix]

that was a great video good stuff! Definitely going to take your advice on how to restore my deck

[@TightWadDIY]

Dave Groove Master Gore Thank you, Dave. Let us know how it goes.

[@Jessica_Cat_Mama]

Hi, my mom and I liked your video. We are preparing to stain my deck. I want to buy the yellow angle pad that you used on the spindles. Could you please let me know what it is called and possibly where you bought it? Thank you, Jessica

[@TightWadDIY]

Jessica White Im glad to hear you found the video helpful. Here is a link to the staining pad I used. amzn.to/2XhI0aK

[@rmartin1006]

good video but i wish you would have shown HOW you "scrubbed" the deck. were you down on your hands and knees? or did you have an upright scrubber? what did the scrubber look like? lots of questions left unanswered about the scrubbing.....which is probably the hardest and most labor intensive part of the process.

[@TightWadDIY]

Rick Martin Sorry I left that out. I didn't have a camera mount when I recorded this video. The scrubbing is pretty straight forward. Any technique with a scrub brush would work as long as you scrub enough to cut through the grime. I used a scrubber with an extension pole so I could stand and scrub.

[@TightWadDIY]

Rick Martin The scrubber was a standard 8" scrub brush with a pivoting head. I wouldn't recommend the pivoting head though. A fixed head would work best.

[@KundelCrane]

Porter Cable makes a multi surface tool called the Restorer for that type job with no chemicals

[@TightWadDIY]

KundelCranes I’ve seen the tool and it’s a little more aggressive that I prefer to use on my deck. It also wouldn’t get down in the cracks very well.

[@KundelCrane]

There is 120 grit that comes with the tool

[@romarisewilliams7429]

Wow this is nice thanks for the video

[@TightWadDIY]

Romarise Williams You are welcome. Good luck on your project. Subscribe so you can see the new video I’m working on next month with my deck.

[@louneumeyer4589]

Thanks much from backyard neighbor.

[@TightWadDIY]

You are very welcome.

[@bethanykay7380]

What a difference!

[@robertkat]

My deck has 3 coats of paint on it. What to do?

[@TightWadDIY]

Robert Kattner You will need to use a stripper or sander to remove all of the previous coats of stain. Restore a Deck sells a stripper. I have never used it personally but all of their other products are great. You can also contact them via email and they are very responsive.

[@JohnnyReverse]

Do you need a pressure washer to use this product?

[@TightWadDIY]

JohnnyReverse It’s not a requirement but it makes things easier.

[@pedropadilla686]

what quimical did you use for the cleaning?

[@TightWadDIY]

Pedro Padilla it's called Restore-A- Deck

[@michaelb1748]

Is there any particular reason you did not use Restore a Deck Stain for staining the deck?

[@TightWadDIY]

Michael B Not at all. Restore A Deck stain is a newer product that wasn’t available when I completed this project. I am actually going to try it out on a retaining wall I built. It has great reviews and can even be applied to damp wood which sounds great to me.

[@samerfk]

Did you need to sand your deck boards?

[@TightWadDIY]

samerfk No. I don’t recommend it unless you need to remove old stain.

[@Shaneybaney4u2nv]

Why not tightwad

[@TightWadDIY]

Shaneybaney4u2nv Freshly sanded boards do not take stain as good. If you do sand, don’t use a fine grit sand paper.

[@Afgboi2]

Good video. Thank you

[@TightWadDIY]

FRz GRG I’m glad you found it helpful. Check out the links in the description. I have several related videos.

[@saulgoodman2018]

Restore a Deck seems good if you don't have a pressure washer.

[@jamiebalser]

TSP and or oxyclean will work great at a lower price.

[@chainasandhu]

Good stuff

[@TightWadDIY]

Chaina Sandhu I’m glad you found it helpful. Be sure to subscribe. I’m making a follow up video this spring. I will be cleaning and adding a maintenance coat.

[@opm1300]

I like your deck.

[@TightWadDIY]

Mr Egg Thank you. My wife agrees!

[@franzliszt8090]

TightWadRepairs chikachiakaaaaa

[@TightWadDIY]

Franz Liszt haha!

[@uberhumphrey5055]

OMG the cleaned deck almost looks new.

[@TightWadDIY]

Uber Humphrey I was honestly shocked! I just did my retaining wall too and had the same great results.

[@uberhumphrey5055]

@@TightWadDIY Thank you for responding. I am trying to get info on staining an 8 month old pressure treated pine deck. Do you recommend any specific stain? I just realized this pine is the cheap stuff that builders use. I have been in my home about 6 months, but I know the deck wood has been out since about 8 months ago.

[@TightWadDIY]

Uber Humphrey I used Armstrong Clark which is an oil based stain. Since then, Restore A Deck has released a new water based stain. I just applied it to my retaining wall but won’t be able to provide a full review for a year. Here is some info about the stain www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html

[@kristinwade2095]

So is power washing more environmentally friendly?!?!?!

[@DreStreetz]

Yup

[@metametazonezone]

Is the power washer, then, needed? Here's what I understood to be the steps (my questions are there, too): Pre: Test pressure washer (PW) on inconspicuous area w/ fan tip (40-60 degrees), 12" above deck, start w/ 600 psi and increase until you see effective. 1. Use Power Washer for a 'light single pass' over deck. QUESTIONS: Do we even need to do this step? What constitutes a 'light, single pass'? 2. Add Restore-A-Deck (RAD) to deck using spray canister & let sit for 15 minutes (only apply to a few boards at a time). QUESTIONS: Do you want to make sure you don't keep it on too long? 3. Scrub deck with deck scrubber until clean (e.g. 20 back-and-forth) 4. Rinse with power washer. QUESTIONS: Is this necessary (did you rinse with it?). Or just use a garden hose? 5. Apply the brightener in the same way as the cleaner: apply brightener, let sit for 15 minutes, do a light scrub, rinse it. QUESTION: Is this correct? I assume you don't have to wait for the deck to dry after the cleaner is rinsed off before applying the brightener? Other questions: I saw another video that didn't use a pressure washer; do you think it's necessary? Is the right way to do this to do the deck in sections where you apply the cleaner to the section, let sit & then scrub & then rinse it, then.....apply brightener to this section, etc. In other words, did you do the brightener after each section or did you do the brightener after completing the entire cleaning step for the deck?

[@prassler]

Did not clearly show how / if sanding Between posts is accomplished.. just rely on remover?

[@TightWadDIY]

Sartair I only sanded the new wood and just knocked off the rough corners. The rest of the surface is fine and ready for stain. Sanding too much actually hinders the stain from penetrating the surface.

[@50hellkat2]

I put it on full strength and even with that did not do a good job. Used pressure washer before applying. Disappointed. May try brightener. My deck was not as bad as yours...not nearly. I did not use this deck cleaner ...but ....none that good.

[@TightWadDIY]

50hellkat2 So you didn’t use Restore-A-Deck cleaner? I can’t weigh in on your results then. It’s the only product I’ve used and it has worked very well for me twice. Spray it on, let it sit for 15 min, scrub with a scrub brush, and rinse it off.

[@kilabeez0]

Great video thank you. So you're not affiliated with this product yet they put your video right on their home page.....

[@TightWadDIY]

rodney bananahammock Correct. I emailed them about 6 months after I posted the video and told them they could use it on their site. It gets my KZbin channel more exposure and the video shows how well their product works. Mutually beneficial with no money changing hands.

[@kilabeez0]

Well I hope they send you something

[@TightWadDIY]

rodney bananahammock Haha. They help me get viewers and subscribers! That is enough for me.

[@driveman6490]

My 3-step process: 1) Com 2) Pos 3) It

[@TightWadDIY]

Haha. I’m planning to switch to composite also. When I made this video, composite was 3-4 times the cost of PtP.

[@pedropadilla686]

ok thanks

[@markolsen7438]

I have been pressure washing my deck every year for the past three years and by accident I spilled some Clorox Bleach the other day when we returned from shopping, the entire bottle broke open and one gallon washed over the deck. I found that it did a better job of cleaning the deck than my pressure washer and any cleaner. I went out and bought two more gallons and used a stiff push broom and scrubbed the deck. In all it took 15 minutes to clean it and it cost less than a gallon of gas for the pressure washer. It looked better and I was not dripping wet with sweat

[@TightWadDIY]

Mark Olsen There is no doubt bleach will clean the deck, however it is harsh on the wood fibers and can permanently damage it decreasing the life.

[@markolsen7438]

Common laundry bleach or chlorine will effectively remove stain or dye color from wood, but will not affect the wood's natural color. ... Oxalic acid will remove water and rust stains, plus teak stain, and can be used to lighten the graying effect of weather-exposed wood. So using it indoors would not be a good idea where you are concerned about the fine color wood stains

[@Kiddro22]

Yeah but what about if you have plants around the deck in mulch beds like I do.

[@TheAndrewJames156]

Great video. I'm going to check out restore a deck. I swear they used the picture of your deck as a background on their website. I know you're not affiliated but I hope they got your permission haha

[@TightWadDIY]

buckeye156 Thanks. Here is how it happened. I bought their products and made the video. Once the video became popular I reached out to Restore-A-Deck and told them they could use the video on their site. It was mutually beneficial because I got more views and they had a great non-biased demo of their product. Currently, they do send me products when needed for personal projects but I am not compensated in any other ways.

[@anton1949]

Decking should be stained on all sides BEFORE its built. Cut to size, stain, then build.

[@TightWadDIY]

anton1949 I do think that would improve the longevity of the wood but I have never seen anyone take the time to do that.

[@elvism684]

Some people are too lazy or are not willing to pay to have that done.

[@houseofbows]

I need a sander I've been outside doing it by hand. Maybe I'll lose some weight lol

[@TightWadDIY]

Jay Dee A little bit of Everything That is a very tough sanding job to do by hand! Surely you have a neighbor with a palm sander you can borrow.

[@billcoley8520]

Stop, stop stopcock not pressure wash like that, you will leave cut marks every time you change directions

[@megaartd]

it looks like just pressure washing the deck dose better then adding the cleaner

[@TightWadDIY]

megaartd I will have to disagree with you. With the cleaner, the dirt and grime came off easily allowing for less passes with the pressure washer. The pressure washer can easily destroy the soft deck wood so less passes and lower pressure is always better. Step 2 - Brightener is a crucial step as well.

[@paulness8352]

Pretty sure its not recommended to sand treated wood. I appreciate the need but that flimsy dust mask isnt going to help and sanding is a no no.

[@williamhenry1934]

This is a royal pain in the ass. I leave mine gray naturally. The hell with it. Then I use joe max deck wash every 2 or three years . I spray it on and use a low pressure power washer to wash it off . It takes hours. It blows. You could do it every year honestly. It’s time consuming and wastes a whole day. A few days later I seal it with natural water sealer. I don’t know who has time to work on a deck every year for two weekends? It’s beyond frustrating, with kids grass a full time job . I hate the maintenance with my deck!

[@TightWadDIY]

When I rebuild my deck, I will use composite for sure. It’s definitely a pain to maintain.

[@calandranicole]

10:26

[@ronrat1290]

N

[@richardb7093]

20 stokes per board? Its better to learn how to safely use a power washer!

[@bryanwilson8396]

Hector Bueno Agree. Almost a waste of time applying all those cleaners.

[@JohnSmith-yn8pl]

For get all them bad chemicals …..use a power sander. Sand by hand were needed...…...

[@tomekapompey563]

You can use WoodPriX instructions to build it yourself guys.

[@emmasim8355]

I love this !

[@giovannidepetris6335]

use electric or battery tools: better

[@TightWadDIY]

Ehhhh. Debatable. Do you realize the cost of building the battery?

[@50hellkat2]

Deck cleaners do not work very well. Need a pressure washer and some strong chemical. Like javex.

[@TightWadDIY]

50hellkat2 I disagree. I just used this product again on my deck three years later with the same great results.

[@ranger5572]

"I have my hose hooked up ritecheer which is the green thingy and the wand dillio is this here gray doohickey."

[@ranger5572]

Oohhhhh now it's a how to start a GC 190 pressure washer video. I'm done. You suck

[@TightWadDIY]

ranger5572 I’m sorry you’re having such a bad day. I hope it gets better.

[@saulgoodman2018]

You're not affiliated with them, but being that they are using this video on their site. They should pay you perpetuity.

[@TightWadDIY]

Lord baal I offered the video to them for no money. It’s mutually beneficial.

[@fisherman3720]

Next time just use regular bleach diluted in some water and put it in a spray bottle spraying on and leave it sit for the same amount of time as you would have regular deck cleaner bleach works just as well as deck cleaner does and it's a hell of a lot cheaper.

[@TightWadDIY]

Eyesoftheworld2029 Eyesoftheworld2029 I did a lot of research and bleach is not the same as this product. Bleach permanently damages the wood. The results may appear to be the same but they are not.

[@battlestargalactica3593]

That sander suck arse. Dewalt way better. Completely waste of time to sand first. Sand after....

[@MJFAN666]

ooh thats loud

[@TightWadDIY]

Karan Trivedi Turn it down. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@MJFAN666]

@@TightWadDIY cant turn down the real thing!!!

[@taurus66]

dude just do it you explain things like people are stupid

[@TightWadDIY]

Fred Taj Thank you! That is the purpose of a “how to” or tutorial video after all.

[@perrybaker9777]

let me tell you,there is a lot of stupid people everywhere ,spend a half day driving around in any city,just saying

[@macielvlogs918]

Thanks for explaining the way you do, great video!!

[@TightWadDIY]

Olga Sánchez You are very welcome. I’m a teacher trainer so I try to apply those skills here.

[@stbam1965]

Too much talky

[@TightWadDIY]

D S I’m sorry you didn’t find the video helpful.

[@vvalasek]

What did you use as a brightener

[@TightWadDIY]

There are links to the products I used in the description. Reatore-A-Deck is the name of the products I used.

[@calandranicole]

10:19