DIY - Refinishing

You don't have to replace your dry, warped, twisted, and flaking deck or fence! In nearly all cases it just needs to be refinished. And for hundreds to thousands of dollars less than replacing it.

That doesn't mean just wipe a coat of stain across the planks and hope for the best.

The condition of the wood is important. Wood that has been weathered is dry, splintering, and an open invitation to insects. It also doesn't absorb well.

When we refinish, we sand the planks and posts to get down to the raw wood which absorbs the stain. We seal cracks and putty holes to keep moisture from getting inside. That way we know we're sealing and protecting the material and not putting lipstick on a pig.

It takes a long time but being meticulous adds years to the life of your fence or deck.

We color match to go with your house, your yard, your garden, or your car. And we double coat each surface to ensure the best-looking, longest-lasting finish. It should last you five to seven years before you need to think about refinishing again.

If you're going the DIY route, follow the steps above for the best results. Make sure to sand evenly, especially if you're coating with a transparent stain. That really picks up grain pattern but it also showcases flaws. Be sure to let each coat of stain dry completely. This ensures the best protection and the best look.

(If you try to roll or brush over a layer that is still setting you can pull up sections of drying paint or give it a stucco/stippled texture that looks amateur.)

If you want a top-notch job done by some real swell guys, give us a shout. For more tips, subscribe to this list. Also, check out our Projects Page for all kinds of ideas on Refinishing.

And whatever you do, do NOT replace your deck or fence without talking to us. We can make it look and last like new.

Arian Harwell, Lead Designer

I grew up building custom furniture in Taos, New Mexico with my Dad. We did it all. When we moved west we liked the weather and decided to build outdoors. Over the years we met a bunch of skilled craftsmen who like making fences and gates with us.