Stain / Sealer for Deck in Crisis

[KCJeep]

My deck is structurally sound for the most part, but the platform is in very bad condition due to weather and sun damage. I’ve treated it a couple times since we have lived here with mediocre results. I don’t remember what I used and it has been years anyway.

I need this to make at least another 5 years. Flooring is slightly warped, badly cracked and weathered. On line searching has only made me dizzy, AI engines contradict each other although it sounds like I want an oil based penetrating stain.

If I get under the deck the bottoms look new, so it is not completely shot, but it is close.

Any real world experiences and suggestions for a deck in crisis?

Thanks!

 

[Pablo]

Concrete

 

[hemitom]

put up some pics so we can have a look

 

[JohnnyG]

You might be able to sand the surface with a floor (belt) sander, then coat it with that oil based stain. Splinters are not good for kids or bare feet!

 

[KCJeep]

First pic is next to the house, less sun damage.

 

[KCJeep]

This pic is outer, most sun exposure.

 

[KCJeep]

And this is under the outdoor rug, I had no idea.

 

[KCJeep]

There’s been some failed putty work by PO, I forgot about that.

We’ve had a lot of rain so it’s way too moist to treat right now but we’ll are heading for a hot dry streak.

 

[JohnnyG]

Yeah, that deck has been in service for a long time! Time for replacement, but you already knew that.
Sanding might make it passable for a while. I'd personally tighten all those screws a little first, since sanding will now will likely take the heads off.

 

[hemitom]

The stain looks like a water based product which is garbage !
Long in the tooth for sure some of the boards are done . If the bottom is sound and will last another five years maybe replace the deck boards that are really bad or bite the bullet and do it now not going to get any cheaper ?
Also use an oil based stain, unfortunately even the oil based stain has been dumbed down by gov regs and not as good as it used to be.

 

[JeffKeryk]

How big is your deck? Are you willing to do the work? Start with a thourogh cleaning, sanding, tighten/replace/add deck screws, replace wood where necessary and then finish with a quality stain.

It just might look beautiful when you are done. Perhaps consider hiring someone who knows what they are doing?

 

[Elkins45]

Our deck is just as bad. I bought a five gallon bucket of boiled linseed oil and it helped for a few years. i think I cut it with mineral spirits when I applied it, but that was a while ago.

If I knew someone wouldn't rat me out I would just douse it in used motor oil every couple of years.

 

[Nukeman7]

Use the solid color acrylic stain by BEHR Premium at Home Depot. It holds up 10X better than any semi-transparent stain due to a magnitude level more particulate content. It will last 10 years if applied correctly. My deck is 16 years old and is only now showing signs that it needs re-staining on some areas.

 

[Pablo]

Concrete

I'm sticking with this. How high is this deck?

 

[KCJeep]

I'm sticking with this. How high is this deck?

About head high from the ground. Kitchen French doors walk out to the back.

Due to ability not to mention finances I need to get 5 years or more out of this as cheaply and easily as possible.

Man it’s hot. Not helping.

 

[Pablo]

About head high from the ground. Kitchen French doors walk out to the back.

Due to ability not to mention finances I need to get 5 years or more out of this as cheaply and easily as possible.

Man it’s hot. Not helping.

Plastic decking breaks the bank but I’m sticking with a steel landing and stairs to a concrete pad

People don’t want to deal with wood decking no matter what you do when sale time comes