How to Refinish Walpole Woodwork Redwood Deck Furniture

Remove cushions and metal hardware from the deck furniture. If it can be done easily, take the furniture apart. If there are brass or steel accents that can't be removed, these should be taped and wrapped in plastic before you begin refinishing the furniture.

Sand the original finish away with a handheld sander fitted with a 100-grit sanding pad. If you have trouble getting the sander into narrow areas, sand these parts of the furniture by hand.

Wipe the excess dust from the furniture, then sand it again with a 200-grit sanding pad. The first sanding process will get rid of the original finish and stain, and the second will make the wood smooth.

Wipe the wood with a damp cloth to remove all of the dust. Allow the wood to dry, then wipe it again to ensure you get any stray bits of dust.

Stir the wood stain until it is well-incorporated. Dip a paintbrush or clean cloth into the stain, then wipe off the excess on the lip of the can. Spread the stain on the surface of the wood using even strokes that go with the grain of the wood. Wipe each piece of furniture with a fresh cloth to absorb excess stain before allowing it to dry.

Stir the polyurethane carefully to avoid creating small bubbles in the liquid. Dip a foam or lamb's wool applicator in the polyurethane and spread it evenly over the furniture -- move the applicator with the grain of the wood. Allow the polyurethane to dry.

Sand the furniture by hand with 400-grit sandpaper. Sand just enough to scuff up the polyurethane -- do not remove the finish. Wipe the furniture with a damp cloth, and then allow it to dry. Apply two or three more coats of polyurethane using this method.