Deck Maintenance

[Michael S.]

I have a house in South Carolina with 150 sqft of decking that needs to be refinished. The house is 8 years old, and I don't think the decking has ever been touched.

I have gotten one quote to clean and seal the deck: $400. That seems a little steep, but I don't really know the first thing about refinishing decks. I could do the job myself, but the websites I have been reading tell you to let the deck dry 48 hours after power washing it and before staining, then another 48 hours before sealing. I live a 5 hour drive away, so I if I do this myself I am trying to get it done in a single weekend.

Do any of you have advice regarding deck maintenance? The deck is about the height of a standard step. It is very gray in color and starting to splinter off if you walk on it in bare feet. There are no railings. I apologize but I don't have any pictures.

Thanks in advance for any replies,

Mike