Two-Level Pool Deck Restored in Uxbridge

The deck: two levels of grey, weathered wood by the pool

This Uxbridge backyard has a large two-level deck: a raised upper deck off the main floor with a long staircase down to the pool, and a lower walk-out deck underneath with its own railings, wide steps and wood skirting. Years of sun, pool splash and rain had stripped the old finish. The boards, railings, stairs and skirting had all turned grey, with dark stains and dirt ground into the wood.

Wood cleaner and power washing

Because of the size of the deck and how much grime and old finish was in the wood, we started with a wood cleaner and power washing on both levels, the staircase, railings and skirting. That lifted the dirt, the grey surface fibres and what was left of the old coating, and brought back the colour of the wood.

Sanding the deck boards

Once the wood was dry, we sanded the deck boards to open the grain and smooth out the raised fibres that washing leaves behind. The sanding photo shows the clean, bright boards on the lower deck before any stain went on.

Staining both levels a natural cedar tone

We then stained the upper and lower decks, the staircase, all the wood railings and spindles, the steps and the skirting in a warm natural cedar tone. The colour brings out the grain, matches the beige brick of the house and looks warm against the blue of the pool.

The result

A two-level deck that looks fresh from the top landing down to the pool deck, with even colour on every board, rail and step, and the wood protected from sun and water again.

Deck restoration: questions homeowners ask

Can a grey, weathered deck be restored, or does it need replacing?

Most grey decks can be restored. The grey is the surface layer of wood fibres broken down by UV. If the boards and framing are still solid, cleaning, sanding and staining bring the wood back, as on this Uxbridge deck. Boards that are rotten or badly split can be replaced before staining.

Do you always pressure wash a deck before staining?

No. We decide on every job. Depending on the size of the deck, its style, the weather in the forecast and the result the homeowner wants, we either use wood cleaner and pressure washing followed by sanding, or sand only. This large two-level deck had a lot of ground-in dirt and old finish, so it got wood cleaner, power washing and sanding.

Why use a wood cleaner and not just water?

A wood cleaner breaks down dirt, mildew and grey surface fibres so they rinse out at lower pressure. That means a cleaner result with less risk of gouging or furring the wood.

Can you stain a deck next to a pool?

Yes. Pool decks see a lot of water and sun, so a penetrating exterior stain is a good choice. We keep the work area protected and let the wood dry fully before staining so the stain soaks in properly.

Do you stain the railings, stairs and skirting too?

We can do the whole structure: deck boards, stairs, railings, spindles, posts and skirting. On this deck every wood surface on both levels was stained so the colour matches everywhere.

Will the stain peel?

Peeling usually comes from stain applied over a failing old coat or put on too thick. We prepare the wood first and our deck and fence staining comes with a 3-year non-peeling stain warranty.

How much does it cost to restore a two-level deck?

It depends on the size, the number of stairs and railings, the condition of the wood and whether it needs washing and sanding or sanding only. We come out, look at the deck and give you a written quote.

Deck staining in Uxbridge and Durham Region

UCO Construction Group cleans, sands and stains decks, fences and pergolas in Uxbridge, Stouffville, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and across the GTA. See our deck and fence staining service and book an on-site estimate.