How to Bring a Wood Deck Back to New

Remove planks that have rotted areas larger than 1/2 inch deep with a flat pry bar.

Install rot-resistant wood planks, using decking nails and a hammer.

Move all objects, such as grills, chairs and tables, off the deck. Sweep the deck with a broom to clear off loose debris.

Rinse the deck with a garden hose to blast off grime and wet the wood in preparation for the wood cleaner.

Combine one part biodegradable wood cleaner with one part water in a bucket. Unlike many chemical products, biodegradable wood cleaner is safe around vegetation, pets and small children. Pour the biodegradable cleaner solution into a pump sprayer.

Disperse the biodegradable cleaner solution evenly over the wet deck. Scrub each wood plank thoroughly with a long-handled brush to extract dirt and algae from the wood.

Rinse the deck to flush off the biodegradable cleaner and loose grime.

Combine five parts fresh water and one part borate in a clean bucket. Transfer the borate solution into a clean pump sprayer.

Spray the borate solution evenly over the entire deck. Let the deck surfaces dry for 48 hours. Don't rinse off the borate solution.

Combine 1 gallon of oil-based wood stain with 1/2 pint exterior wood varnish in a clean bucket.

Coat the wood deck with the combined stain and varnish, using a sponge applicator. Apply the combined stain and varnish along the length of each wood plank, using even, overlapping strokes. Let the deck air-dry for 24 hours.

Apply a second coat of the varnish and stain combination to the deck to further enhance the wood's color and provide an adequate moisture barrier. Use the exact application techniques as for the first coat.