Deck maintenance is the key to prolonging a deck’s structural integrity and overall appearance. It is well known that a wooden deck has to be cleaned and sealed every couple of years to deflect the major causes of water and UV damage that would otherwise occur. Board warping, cracking, splitting, UV fading, discoloring, and mold infiltration are just some of the major damaging effects that unprotected wood is subjected to.
Before now you could only purchase a wood cleaner to clean common dirt, grime, and mold from a deck surface. You would then have to purchase separately a wood brightener to level the pH of the wood and open the wood pores to prepare them for a coat of deck stain. Because of this hassle, many people would simply skip the all-important brightening step, which unknowingly, would cause the deck stain to fail prematurely. A lack of proper deck prepping is the number one reason a deck stain or sealer fails prematurely. The wood professionals, to get the most performance from a deck stain use this 2-step restoration method.
Doing an online search for Restore-A-Deck products near me will bring up one of the most innovative products for deck maintenance. RAD as it is called, contains both Step 1 Wood Cleaner and Step 2 Wood Brightener packaged in a convenient and easy to use kit. The simple instructions of mixing the concentrated powder is safe yet extremely effective in removing dirt, grime, mold, and graying from any deck or exterior wood surface followed by the wood brightener prior to staining or sealing.
Searching Restore-A-Deck products near me will give you the best buying options online, as RAD is not readily available in most local hardware stores. Wood professionals developed this unique one of a kind, 2-step wood restoration kit. Its effectiveness for prepping wood prior to staining is outstanding and can give deck owners the professional like results they have always wanted without the cost. Through searching Restore-A-Deck products near me, it is revealed that the total average cost of prepping a deck using the RAD kit is around .07 cents per square foot. That is incredibly affordable considering the amazing results this product is capable of.
Forgot the new wood.
This is my deck
Clean and brighten for prep while pressure washing: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-package-300.html
Our deck is 28 years old we have had an oil based semi transparent stain on it, we power washed it so no stain is present, should we sand it with a 40/60 grit, or just use your cleaner and brightener.
We also patched Some areas with new redwood.
Post some pics in the comments for prep tips.
Started pressuring washing my deck and this is what is happening. What should I do?
It looks like you have a solid stain on the deck. Is that correct?
Well, it was supposed to be a semi-transparent. Whoever put it on didn’t apply it correctly. It was sticky for over a year and it collected a lot of dirt stains we were unable to wash off. Now the stain will hardly come off with a 2800psi power washer.
You will need to strick with a solid stain unless you want to sand and heavy strip it off. Which do you prefer? Recoating with our solid stain is the easiest way.
Well, walk me through both options.
Semi-transparent
Strip off what you can with this:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-paint-solid-stain-stripper-5-gallon.html
Sand off the rest if needed. Stain with our semi-transparent stain:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-5-gallon.html
Solid Stain
Pressure wash to remove what is loose or peeling. Cover the intact stain with our solid stain:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-solid-stain-1-gallon.html
Wonderful! Thanks so much for your help. We ended up sanding it down and in process stumbled into a look we really liked (see photo). We would like to use a clear sealer that maintains this look, which of you products would you recommend?
That is not possible. Clear sealers will not prevent UV graying. It must be tinted otherwise the wood will gray in a matter of months.
You still have stain left in your wood that needs to come out before using a tinted semi-transparent stain.
My deck is approx 230 square feet. How many gallons of stain will I need for 1 coat?
2 gallons should work.
Hi. I have a Cedar yardistry pergola I would like to stain , we’ve had it for 7 yrs, it came with a gray wash, Would like to restain it, would you recommend restore-a-deck stain ?
Please respond back with some pics so we can offer proper prep help. Once prepped correctly, the RAD Stains would work very well for you.
Hi there, we have a large pressure treated deck, one section is a bit older & was previously stained with a transparent water based stain which I pressure washed off last summer. The newer section has aged 2 years with no product on it. I’m trying to decide between the restore a deck product or the twp oil based. What would you recommend?
Thanks!
Restore A Deck. Make sure to clean and brighten all wood for prep with this kit: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/best-restore-a-deck-prep-products/restore-a-deck-package-300/flypage.tpl.html
Thank you! We have approximately 1400 square feet, how much product would you recommend? And is it a one coat application always or should I prepare for 2? If I get 2 – 5 gallon pails, what is the shelf life for the leftovers? Thanks again, appreciate the feedback.
Two of each of the RAD Cleaner and Brighteners for prep. About 10-15 gallons of stain for the two coats applied wet on wet: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application.html
Opened containers have a shelf life of 12 months. Unopened 3 years.
Thanks, Are you recommending 2 coats then?
Correct
I have a 4year old pressure treated hemlock/fir deck that has been stained with Arm Strong Clark oil based semitransparent rustic brown stain. Can I apply your water based semitransparent stain on my deck and what preparation is required
thanks Bob
After you remove the AC stain by stripping and brightening the wood you can then use the RAD Stains.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/order-restore-a-deck/rad-kits-best-price/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit/flypage.tpl.html
I have a 12×16 deck that I am preparing to stain with your products. A few weeks ago, I attempted to start the process with a different product and was unhappy with the color. It was an oil based product. I didn’t get much of the stain down before changing mind. Do I need to strip it off or use your cleaner and brighter?
It needs to come off. Post a picture for prep help.
It’s a very light color.
Strip and brighten all for prep.
What precautions are needed to protect the plants and painted concrete and home exterior below the the deck which is to be stripped? I have sanded half of the deck which is about 10′ X 40′, not including the stairs. You recommend not sanding, why? What impact will the sanding have on the completed project if I finish by using the stripping method?
No issues with concrete but cover plants while stripping. Remove covers as soon as you are done. Sadnng reduces the stains’ ability to penetrate.
From you answer I do not need to cover the painted concrete below the deck. Nor do I need to cover the stucco walls below the deck.
HelloWe live in Winnipeg Manitoba and have a pressure treated deck built in 2008 that has never been stained or sealed. We want to stain the deck grey and the railing white. The deck has been washed/scrubbed and rinsed 3 times over the last 2 days with deck cleaners, wax and grease removers and vinegar/water solution. Algae still persists Questions:- how do we get rid of the algae? Do your deck cleaners work on algae and are they harmful to nearby plants?- what is the best deck grey stain – solid or semi- translucent? – will a solid white stain work on the railing?Thanks so much for your help.
Use our RAD Cleaner and then pressure wash off. RAD Brightener after. Stain with the RAD Solid stain in both the White and gray colors for a two-toned look.
Hello
I have a 5 year old deck.(10’x17’)
No coating on the deck as of now.
I’m in Toronto.
Deck has turned grey in color now.
I’m planning to refinish it , can you please guide me through the process and type of stain to be used ..
My questions :
+Which type of sander I need use ?as I will be renting one.
+Stain -taking into consideration the geographic location and would not like to have a frequent maintenance..?
+Do we need to put a sealer after stain???
+ which stores in Canada ?
Looking forward to Your expert Advice .
-Do not sand. Clean and then brighten with the RAD Prep kits.-Use the RAD Semi-Transparent stain-Never apply a sealer on a deck stain, it will peel if you do.-We sell online from our website.
how long will it take to ship the restore a deck packages etc. to Toronto, Ontario Canada
2-4 business days.
Hi, used your products (Steps 1, 2…) and stained the deck and fences 4 years ago. I need to re-stain using same stain color. Q; Do I sand first ( grit 220 or 150) then start step 1, 2.. OR steps 1 and 2 before sanding OR no sanding to both deck and fences – Pls advice
Do not sand. Just use the prep kits.
Used a Sico Stain and lasted not even a year after after following all their instructions. Now left after a power washing a shabby sheik look. Would stripper , cleaner and stain do the job??
You may need to sand as well after the stripping as the stain looks like a solid stain in areas. Use both additives when stripping: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Meant shipping fees
WhAt am I looking st for shopping fees to Ontario Canada!!
Add product(s) to cart and enter your shipping info for the cost.
We are building a new deck with pressure treated boards, what do you recommend we use to protect it? We live in Ontario where our winters are harsh. Thank you!
See here for new wood tips: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
HiThis deck is going to be 3 years old this summer and we would like to treat/protect it. What stain would you recommend. I don’t like anything too orange or too dark. Which product and process would you recommend? Does it need to be power washed first?Thank youSally
Prep with the Restore A Deck Cleaner and then the Brightener while pressure washing. Stain with the Restore A Deck Stain. Any color that you like. You can try samples. https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-stain-samples.html
Hi, this is our 4 year old deck & stain job. Would you recommend washing this first and then sanding? We’re wondering if its a good idea to skip the wash and simply sand, then brighten before applying the stain? Thanks for the info!
For this, you need to strip and brighten as you have an old coating that needs to come off.
I bought rough sawn lumber from a local mill for a pergola in my backyard. I would like to keep the natural grain and look of the wood. Which product would you recommend for this project and wood?
Sorry, but it is impossible to retain the current color and look. The stain must be tinted for U.V. protection from graying and that means you will enhance the color based on the color you choose. Natural is the lighted tint. Similar to a “wet” look.
Thank you. If I read correctly one coat should be enough? Are there any dealers in the Idaho Falls, Idaho area or do i need to order direct from the company?
Online only. Rough sawn is pretty absorbent so you could apply two coats wet on wet.
How much stain would I need for a 8×12 pergola if I do the wet on wet application?
We would need a total of all wood sides that will be stained added up for the sq footage.
(4)6x6x10 post
(4)2x12x12
(10)2x12x16
(14)2.5×2.5×16
Thank you for responding so quickly!
Please total up all sides into one total sq footage amount for all sides that will be stained.
Do you sell RAD stripper booster in the Chicago area.
Online only.
do you have retailers in Canada
Online orders only that ship from the US.
This is what I need to match…
See this about new wood tips: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/restore-a-deck-stain-for-new-wood.html
I need a stain in a dark chocolate brown or espresso color. Does your semi transparent come in a dark brown?
I would be willing to use a solid as long as it wouldn’t chip or peel, AND if to reapply it wouldn’t need to be sanded down or have old layer removed first…
I understand that it would need to be cleaned in order to reapply when needed, and that would be fine, just don’t want to have to strip it or anything that involved..
the semi transparent color choices dont seem dark enough to match what we need…
what would you suggest?
Dark Walnut is the darkest semi-transparent color we have. If you go with a solid stain then use the Espresso.
Does your product stain or damage concrete?
Not the prep products. The stains will.
I need solid stain for your fast. Where can I get it I live in Troy New York.
Only sold online.
It’s about 500 sq feet plus railings and 10 stairs
Is there anyone in Rhode Island or nearby Ma. that carries your product?
No, there are not.
I’m in SW Virginia and need this product by end of day Friday. Where does it ship from ?
Thank You
I am sorry but that will not be possible to have by Friday at this time.
Interested in your product. I need to restore my deck. I looked at Cabot, but it’s so thick and colors are awful! I have lattice all around my deck that has previous staining as well. It’s not in too bad of shape in some spots, but what is your suggestion to take care of that in my project?
I have about 650 sq ft of deck. I assume I will be needing to strip the old stuff from my deck. Where can I see pics of your stains? (samples without having them shipped to me? Do you have an online gallery?)
Thanks in advance.
CBSC
How to remove the current stain depends on the brand and type it is? Pictures would help.
As for stain pictures, you can find some in our past contests:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-prep-stain-contest-2019.html
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-prep-wood-stain-contest-2018.html
Sorry, I thought the pics were in the first post. Here are some .
Strip with both additives and then brighten for the prep.
Ok, so if I have approx 575 sf, will the following order be sufficient? Thank you for your time.
NAME QUANTITY TOTAL
RESTORE-A-DECK SEMI-TRANSPARENT WOOD STAIN 5 GALLONS AND STRIPPER/BRIGHTENER COMBO KIT
Stain Color Light Walnut Semi-Transparent
Price:: $235.00
SKU: RADStain_5Gallon_Stripper_Brightener_Kit
1
$235.00
RESTORE-A-DECK BOOSTER ADDITIVE
Price:: $19.99
SKU: RADStripperBooster
1
$19.99
RESTORE-A-DECK THICKENING GEL ADDITIVE
Price:: $19.99
SKU: RADThickeningGel
1
$19.99
RESTORE A DECK WOOD STAINING BRUSH
Price:: $19.99
SKU: RAD_Staining_Brush
You may need an extra gallon or two. Otherwise, it all looks good.
Are your products available at any retailers in Alabama or Orlando, FL?
No, they are not.
can you buy restore a deck and get it shipped to canada ? how come you don’t sell your product in canada ?
We ship to Canada, yes.
Is restore a deck available in canada
No, it is not.
I used this 2 years ago
now my deck looks like this, more ugly where the 60lb dogs run out. I power washed the filth. What can I do?
Strip off what you can and then add the solid stain on top: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
No way to prevent the dog scratches.
Strip of with what? I was thinking of sanding everything with a deck sander.
If you sand you do not need to strip.
So here’s the deck-
all sanded. What’s my next step with your
products? And how long does it take to ship to Illinois?
Let it sit for 1-2 months, use the RAD Cleaner/Brightener kit for final prep, apply one coat of stain. About 2-5 days to ship.
Let it sit like this? Unstained for 1 month? Why?
To open up the wood grain after sanding so the stain can absorb in better.
Will Restore-A-Deck solid stain work on a boat dock.? Where Can your products be purchased in north central Ohio, (near Norwalk)
Yes on a dock, we only sell online.
Where can I find RAD in west Atlanta
Sorry but only online.
Are Restore A Deck products available at any retailers in Minnesota? Thanks!
No there are not.
I purchased RAD striper and brightener last year. We also stained our deck. Deck turned out great! I would now like to clean the deck to remove leaf stains, dirt, and mildew without damaging the existing stain. What RAD products should I purchase and how should I apply?
You cannot use the RAD prep products for just cleaning the dirt, etc. They are only to be useed when recoating. Try some warm water with dish soap and lightly wash down with a car wash brush and then rinse.
Is this available in the Boston area or an online dealer? Your website says you are not taking new orders due to the virus.
Only online. Orders will resume next week.
Is this available in WV
No it is not.
Can I get RAD in Philadelphia? I note you are not shipping right now. Old deck painted gray last year with Cabot solid stain– now badly peeling. I am scraping and sanding. Do I need to strip, too?
Sorry, not sold there. A stripper will not remove the paint.
Is RAD available in northern Kentucky or the greater Cincinnati area?
No, it is not. We replied earlier to your question.
Product available in Cincinnati?
Only online for your area.
Hi. We are near Gulf Shores AL. Bought a 3yr. Old house with 2 decks & a small porch. Looks like it was stained with Olympic Maximum stain & sealant in one. We need to recoat. What steps & products do you recommend? Thanks, Pat
Post a picture of the current condition.
Here are some pics
Use this kit to remove the Olympic: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/order-restore-a-deck/rad-kits-best-price/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit/flypage.tpl.html
and both additives for the stripper: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/rad-stain-stripper-additives.html
Who in Canada carries your products?
Only available for shipping from our location in Michigan to Canada.
Are your products available in the UK?
They are not.
Any place to buy Restore a Deck products near St. Petersburg, FL?
Sorry but no, we ship directly from our website to your door.
Any place to buy cleaner near Naples, FL?
No. Shipping takes about 3 days.