The seasons take their toll on a porch, especially one as harsh as winter. With the snow melting and the flowers beginning to bloom, you may start to notice just how dull your porch looks in comparison. Now that it is finally warm outside, it may be time to make your porch shine again. Luckily for you, Fred is here to help you do just that.
Pressure Clean
If you are going to make your porch look brand new, you first will need to remove all the grime and dirt stuck to the floor boards. The easiest way to do this is by pressure cleaning your porch, which will require a pressure washer. If you don’t have a pressure washer, it is possible to rent from places like Home Depot. Add some professional wood cleaner to it for an even better clean.
Sanding
Pressure cleaning can only go so far in cleaning the floor boards, but sanding can go even further. Sanding the wooden boards will help remove the top layer that is left over, as well as any deeper stains. In addition, you can get rid of any splinters, replacing the rough surface with smooth new wood. For this job, we highly recommend using an electronic sander instead of sand paper. Not only will it save you a significant amount of time, but it’s a worthwhile investment if you have a wooden porch.
To Paint or To Stain?
Now that your porch is cleaned up and sanded down, it’s time to return it to its former glory. When renewing a wooden porch, you can either paint or stain the wood. Painting adds a protection layer to keep your wood out of the sun, which prevents it from fading. Staining soaks into the wood, complementing its color rather than replacing it. Both are great for many reasons, but it all comes down to preference.
Decorate It!
Besides refreshing your porch, there are several additions that you can decorate the area with to really create a pleasant atmosphere. First, take a look at your current furniture. Check whether it can be fixed or if you should replace it. After all, you don’t want your furniture distracting from all the hard work you have put in.
Consider adding some greenery to your porch. This will help tie your porch in with its surroundings while also filling in any gaps. Finally, take a look at your light fixtures, as it may be time to install new ones. You many want to enjoy the porch at night as well as during the day, and lighting can do a lot to highlight your porch’s best features. If you need any assistance, schedule Fred today!
