Summer is coming to an end. With September quickly approaching, now is a great time to finish those yard projects on your to-do list. One of the most common tasks homeowners put off is sealing or staining their decks. Decks that are not cleaned and sealed will rot or warp and have a shortened life.

Step 1: Sweep Deck and Clear Cracks
To clean and properly seal a deck, first sweep the all leaves, twigs, dirt off the top. Pay particular attention to the spaces between boards. Leaves rest on the joists, eventually rotting the boards. Use a putty knife to clean the crevices.

Step 2: Scrub the Wood
Clean the surface of the wood. There are several products on the market, make sure you use a product that works with the type of wood on your deck. Scrub the deck according to the directions.
For larger areas, rent or purchase a pressure washer. Spray cleaning mixture on the boards first and let it soak in for a while before pressure washing. Make sure you cover up shrubs and plants before you start spraying bleach.

Step 3: Apply Stain or Sealer
Once your deck is clean, apply a redwood stain or a waterproofing deck sealer, which will repel water and make the deck last longer. To apply the sealer, purchase a pad with a little reservoir and brush it on. Or use a foam roller. Go over the entire deck surface with the sealer
Source: DIY Network
Photos: DIY Network