How to Restore & Preserve Pressure-Treated Decking

Clean the pressure-treated decking on a regular basis. Use a high-pressure hose or power washer to remove surface dirt whenever you notice a buildup of dirt and debris on the wood surface. Use a quality deck washer at least once or twice a year to remove stains and protect and preserve the wood. Ask the company that built your deck for deck wash recommendations, or check with the staff at your local home improvement center.

Preserve the pressure-treated wood on your deck by applying a quality deck finishing product. You can find these products at your local home improvement center or hardware store. Preparation is the key to preserving and protecting your pressure-treated wood deck.

Sand the wood decking before you apply the finish. Many homeowners neglect to sand the wood properly before applying the finish, and that lack of sanding can reduce the effectiveness of the product. Sanding the wood provides a rough surface, and allows the preservative you use to soak into the wood and protect it from the inside. Use 80- to 100-grit sandpaper and sand gently. You do not want to heat up the wood, since that will shut down the wood fibers you want the preservative to penetrate.

Apply a primer or sealer coat to the wood decking first. Use a large paintbrush to apply the sealer or primer coat, always moving in the direction of the natural wood grain. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for drying times, and allow the primer or sealer coat to dry completely before moving on and adding the preservative.

Apply the preservative product to the pressure-treated decking according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Use a paintbrush to apply the preservative. Brush in the direction of the grain, and allow the first coat to dry completely before applying any additional coats. Check the wood decking frequently for signs of peeling or cracking. All preservatives eventually wear out, and when that happens you will need to reapply additional coats to keep the deck protected from the elements.