How to Repair a Weathered Split Deck

A wooden deck can add a handsome finish to the exterior of any home. While durable for a number of years, the deck can split and become weathered due to the constant exposure to the elements. With a deck sealant and wood filler, however, you can repair the splits in the deck and protect it from further abuse. Even those unfamiliar with the project can complete the task in just two days of work.

Drop cloths
Garden hose
Wood deck cleaner (biodegradable)
Pump sprayer
Nylon push broom
120-grit sandpaper
Wood filler
Putty knife
Cloth
Wood sealant

Instructions

- 1
  Cover surrounding bushes near the deck with drop cloths.
- 2
  Spray the deck with an even coating of water from a garden hose to help the cleaner spread easily.
- 3
  Fill a pump sprayer with wood cleaner and water in equal parts and then spray it over the wet deck using even sweeps of the sprayer. Have a friend scrub down the deck vigorously with a nylon push broom to remove debris and mildew from the surface as you apply the cleaner.
- 4
  Rinse the deck with the garden hose to remove the cleaner.
- 5
  Wait three to four hours for the wood to dry completely before continuing.
- 6
  Sand down the inside rough edges and surrounding sections of the splintered wood of the deck with 120-grit sandpaper.
- 7
  Stir a wood filler until it reaches a uniform consistency, scoop it up with a putty knife and pack it into the splintered wood sections. Hold the knife at a 45-degree angle and use the tip of the knife to level the wood filler with the surrounding deck. Clean up any stray filler on the deck with a damp cloth. Allow the filler to dry overnight before continuing.
- 8
  Spray a waterproof deck sealant onto the wood with a pump sprayer using even and slightly overlapping strokes. Wait 24 hours for the sealant to dry before using the deck.

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