An outdoor deck is one of the best places to spend your time on during the summer.
But having a deck full of splintering wood is a sure way to dampen your outdoor fun. Take care of your deck – and your feet – this summer by maintaining your deck and avoiding wooden splinters.
Wooden decks can splinter when homeowners neglect their decks for a few years. If homeowners put off treating their decks with stain and a water sealant, water will begin seeping into the boards causing them to crack and splinter over time. The result is a deck that is more of a hazardous obstacle course for bare feet than an enjoyable place to spend time!
If you have a splintering deck, not all hope is lost. Start by spraying a bleach solution (half bleach and half water) on the entire deck. Make sure to pay special attention to any moldy areas and scrub those spots with a scrub brush. Not only does the bleach kill any mold or mildew on the deck, but it also bleaches the wood to a uniform color which better prepares it for treatment.
Give the deck about 24 hours to ensure the bleach solution has fully dried. Next, sand the deck smooth to get rid of any splinters. Renting a large floor sander can speed up the process for a large deck, but you will need to use a smaller hand sander on deck railings and handrails.
Finally, treat the deck by staining and sealing it with a waterproof sealant. Regular maintenance will help you avoid having to bleach and sand it in the future!