Tips And Tricks To Make Fence And Deck Repair Easy
With more time spent at home, now is the perfect time to seize the everyday and tackle tasks around the home that you may not have had the time to in the past. From D.I.Y. fence and patio repair tips to how to create your own backyard oasis for your family, Canadian Tire and Yahoo Canada are proud to help Canadians get there by bringing you everything you need for the season.
As you prepare your outdoor space for BBQ and patio season, ask yourself this: When was the last time you gave your fence and deck a refresh?
If it’s been several years, chances are some upgrades and repairs are needed. If you notice any staining and discolouration, mildew or old wood fibres collecting (which are all caused by exposed elements) after inspection, determine if it's time to replace your wooden fixtures completely or make minor updates.
While it may sound like a pricey job if left to the professionals, making repairs to your fencing and deck panels yourself can be a cost-efficient and fulfilling project you can do yourself. And with more time spent at home this year, it’s the perfect time to tackle any DIY passion projects you may have been putting off and revamp the ultimate outdoor space for your family to enjoy.
Plus, while more difficult and time-consuming tasks are of course for the adults of the house, safe tasks (even something as simple as sweeping!) are a great way to get the kids involved in a project that will leave everyone feeling like they’ve made an impact!
To help you, we’ve rounded up helpful tips for ensuring you get the job done right — and everything you need to do it.
Determine Where You Stand
Before you jump into fence or deck maintenance, it’s essential to determine whether you need to completely replace, or just restore.
According to Geno Scopelleti, who alongside his son Marino have owned and operated Sunnylea Homes, a Toronto-based general contracting company for more than 35 years, if half of the length of your fence is in poor condition, it might be time to replace the whole thing. By performing an inspection each year for any signs of decay (whether the wood is discoloured, soft, crumbling etc.) to ensure you catch problems early.
Sand It Down
Regardless of whether you’re restoring a stained or damaged fence or deck or completely starting from scratch with a new build, you’ll need to sand. All wood, except manufactured items like composite wood — need to be sanded. Start by using a sander with a heavier grit belt, using a palm sander for areas the belt sander can’t reach. Then, doing a once-over with a lighter grit belt for an ultra-smooth surface that’s ready for staining.
For precision and control, this Orbit Sander from MAXIMUM is made with a separate counterweight design that reduces vibration for improved comfort while its short height allows you to get closer to the workpiece.
Cut Away
If you’re replacing deck or fence wood, it’s essential to start with a good cut job. And when it comes to woodworking projects, a portable saw is a must-have!
With so many options, it can be tough to know which is best for your project, but you can’t go wrong with a circular saw, like this one from MAXIMUM. It’s great for everything from cutting deck boards to doing small fixes around your house to make your space more enjoyable.
Don’t Make The Stain Mistake
Any handyperson knows that cleaning and applying a protective coat of wood stain to your deck and fence can help extend the life of your hard work, while also giving it an instantly updated look.
This semi-transparent stain by Premier offers weather-repellent protection without obscuring the wood grain — resists cracking and peeling for a long-lasting, natural Cedar-like finish.
Now, Maintain!
The more time your deck and fence sit in the sun, the more damage will occur. To get rid of any mould, mildew or dust, we recommend cleaning wooden surfaces regularly — especially if you’ve recently overhauled your deck or fence. Frequent maintenance will extend the life of your deck or fence and help prevent issues down the line.
Made without bleach or any harsh chemicals that can taint the finish of wood, Thomson’s Deck Cleaner & Renewer instantly restores natural wood tone to old weathered wood while removing old wood fibres for a renewed look.
Canadian Tire and Yahoo Canada are helping Canadians seize the everyday this summer, with tips, tricks and everything you need for the season. Click here for more!
