Restore a Deck Instead of Replacing It: Best Deck Resurfacing Products

A deck is an extension of your home. An inviting outdoor living and entertaining space can increase its value. Over time, weather and heavy use damage the surface of wood decks but when fading, cracks, mold, mildew, warping, or other damage impacts the beauty or functionality of your deck; hiring a contractor or paying the cost of replacement is not the only option. The thick coating a deck resurfacer product provides improves and extends the life of wood that has developed imperfections over time. Because they are several times thicker than paint, a deck resurfacer will fill cracks and provide a smooth finish to even the most weathered surfaces.

The wide variance in quality and results from the numerous wood deck resurfacing options available may make choosing the right product for your project seem like a daunting task— so let our deck resurfacer guide help you make the best choice for your DIY deck refinishing project. If you are hoping to restore a deck rather than replace it, these are our favorite wood deck resurfacing options.

When considering options for wood deck resurfacing, there are some important factors to consider. Cost, durability, weather impacts on outdoor spaces in your location, and color options need to be considered; along with the degree of difficulty of application and total time required for the project. Here is a breakdown of variables to analyze when determining the best deck resurfacer for your needs:

• Price- Consider the price per gallon and the number of coats needed for the optimal finish while keeping in mind that a larger initial investment may save money over time by preventing the need for touch-ups, repair, or reapplication. The total cost of the product will depend on the size of the space and the number of coats required to achieve the desired outcome. Most deck refinishing options are sold by the gallon, cover around 75 square feet, and require two coats for optimal results. Factor in the cost of other supplies needed for the application and keep in mind that for severely weathered wood, proper surface preparation may require the purchase of deck cleaners to ensure the best result.
• Durability- Any deck resurfacer provides improved weather resistance but restoring the finish and improving the look of your deck should also prolong the life of your deck. The best deck resurfacer will provide weatherproof, fade-resistant coverage without peeling or cracking. A durable product will provide impressive— and most importantly—long-lasting results.
• Coverage- How the product coats the surface following the manufacturer’s guidelines for application depending on the degree of damage to the surface, the desired look, and the level of weather protection needed in a particular climate.
• Drying Time- The amount of time needed to wait between coats recommended by the product manufacturer determines how long the project will take from start to finish and weather conditions must be carefully considered.
• Features- Other features to consider about a deck resurfacing option:
• Color options are available in many products with some even offering custom matching.
• Ease of application including necessary tools and any steps unique to a particular product.
• Required surface preparation in order to achieve the best results from a deck resurfacer. While all products encourage you to closely follow the instructions for proper preparation, some surfaces require more preparation than others due to the nature of damage to the wood. A severely weathered surface will benefit from filling in deep cracks before applying the product to the entire area.

KEY TERMS:

• Permeable: Allowing moisture to enter and evaporate rather than sealing it out completely or trapping it inside.
• Adhesion: The degree to which the wood surface retains the product and how well the product bonds to the surface
• Viscosity: a fluid’s resistance to flow or how thin or thick (higher viscosity = thicker)
• VOCs: (Volatile Organic Compounds) Chemicals found in many home maintenance products

DECK REVIVE BY GULF SYNTHETICS

Who this product is good for:

Our pick for best overall, Deck Revive, is the best deck resurfacer option for anyone hoping to restore a deck and extend the life of weathered wood. While increasing the beauty, durability, and functionality of even a severely weathered wood deck, Deck Revive saves homeowners from paying the high cost of replacing their deck. The amount of coverage provided by the product makes it ideal for homeowners resurfacing a large deck or tackling numerous wood deck resurfacing projects.. Although extremely easy to apply, Deck Revive uses a multi-step application process best for an intermediate level DIYer.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Superior adhesion results in excellent durability
• Long-lasting coverage for even large wood deck surfaces
• Extremely fast drying
• Most environmentally friendly- zero VOC
• No or low maintenance required

Cons:

• Price- Although the cost per square foot is very cost effective, the kit is currently only sold in a size large enough to cover 200 sq. ft., requires the additional purchase of their PermaBond primer, and must be mixed with a gallon of exterior paint purchased separately.
• DeckRevive is for wood only so if a buyer hopes to match a walkway or concrete surface, an additional concrete kit must be purchased.
• Multi-Step application that although simple requires mixing, using primer purchased separately, and must be combined with exterior paint.

More Details:

Our best ranked deck resurfacer provides the coverage and durability of an industrial strength coating on a DIY budget. With a one of a kind polymer formula, Deck Revive combines with exterior paint to form a long-lasting finish requiring very little maintenance. Unlike most deck resurfacing options that create an impenetrable waterproof barrier, Deck Revive is permeable. Its unique ability to allow moisture in that then evaporates back out— rather than getting trapped inside— prevents peeling, enables excellent product adhesion, and results in durability superior to other wood deck resurfacing options. Easy to apply, cost-effective coverage that is extremely durable makes Deck Revive our best overall.

KILZ OVER ARMOR WOOD AND CONCRETE RESURFACER

Who this product is good for:

Kilz Over Armor wood and concrete resurfacer works well on decks, sidewalks, and concrete patio spaces and is available in a range of colors to complement or blend with other spaces. It is available in smooth finish as well as a textured finish that is well suited for more weathered or cracked wood and may also provide a bit more slip resistance than the smooth finish.

Because of the thick consistency, OverArmor requires a bit of effort to apply and is best for an intermediate level DIYer.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Affordable price per square foot
• Great coverage and durability
• Works well on a range of surfaces (wood, concrete, composite)
• Available in smooth and textured finishes
• Low VOC: less than 50g/L

Cons:

• Fewer color options than other deck refinishing products
• Six-hour drying time required between coats

More Details:

Excellent coverage on a range of surfaces, makes Kilz Over Armor an excellent deck resurfacer. Factors including mold and mildew resistance, few reports of peeling and cracking, and its ability to be used on both horizontal and vertical surfaces combine to make Over Armor one of our top choices. With a very affordable price tag and easy application this is a pick that even a beginner level DIYer on a tight budget will be thrilled with.

READY SEAL STAIN AND SEALER FOR WOOD

Who this product is good for:

Best for those looking to restore a deck stain rather than completely resurface their weathered wood, Ready Seal Stain and Sealer for Wood boasts a “goof proof” application, finished result that resists mildew, and can be applied under any temperature conditions. With an extremely fast drying time, Ready Seal can be used by even a novice DIYer.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Fast drying time (45 minutes)
• “Goof-Proof” drip-free application
• Even Coverage
• Low VOC: less than 250g/L

Cons:

• Durability- fading occurs continuously over time
• Coverage and durability not equal to other wood deck resurfacing products

More Details:

Because Ready Seal is an exterior wood stain, rather than a deck resurfacer, homeowners with minimal wear or damage to their wood surfaces can consider it a great option to transform the appearance of and protect their deck. From the easy, “goof-proof” and dripless application to the extremely fast drying time, Ready Seal is an excellent choice for both horizontal and vertical exterior wood surfaces. No priming is required and Ready Seal works well for a wide variety of project types. A very affordable cost and excellent mold and mildew prevention round out the reasons why Ready Seal Stain and Sealer for Wood is one of our top choices for homeowners hoping to restore a deck rather than replace it.

BEHR PREMIUM ADVANCED DECKOVER

Who this product is good for:

Behr Premium Advanced DeckOver is a great choice for an intermediate level DIYer looking for the best deck resurfacer for weathered wood or concrete, especially in the most mold and mildew-prone areas. One gallon of this acrylic formula will cover a 75 sq. ft. area and fill cracks up to ¼ inch, creating a waterproof coating and rejuvenated appearance on a variety of surfaces.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Coverage- Smooth finish levels cracks very well on variety of surfaces
• Price- Budget-friendly cost
• Excellent mildew resistance and prevention
• 54 color options and three levels of texture
• Low VOC: less than 50g/L

Cons:

• Durability- Relatively new formula makes durability more difficult to determine
• Drying Time- Although this formula has a shortened drying time, 4-6 hours are still required between coats

More Details:

Behr Premium Advanced DeckOver replaced their former DeckOver product that earned mixed reviews. With the new formula, Advanced DeckOver produces a better result than its predecessor. This more viscous solution boasts better adhesion, better cracking resistance, a faster drying time, better flaw coverage, and fade resistance; while offering the same outstanding mold and mildew protection of the prior version. The 54 color options and custom color matching capability are available in three finishes—from smooth to extra textured—and all create a waterproof, slip-resistant surface. Applied with the recommended roller, it has a simple, splatter-resistant application process. Advanced DeckOver can be used on both horizontal and vertical surfaces, making it a great option for wooden deck rails and even porch ceilings.

From a weathered wood deck resurfacing project to a concrete patio in need of a makeover, Behr Premium Advanced DeckOver is a great choice.

TIPS TO REMEMBER

Although there are numerous options for most deck refinishing needs, we think our picks for wood deck resurfacing options are the best for any budget or project size. All products chosen met our most important criteria for a high rating: affordable price, great coverage, durability, ease of application, and fast drying time. Some products appeared to meet all of our criteria and were considered, such as Rustoleum deck resurfacer, but were not included in this guide because of numerous reports of user dissatisfaction.

Depending on the nature and severity of damage to the wood or level of wear, our top choices for deck refinishing produce a dramatic transformation for any DIY budget. Whether you choose one of our favorites or discover one of your own, keep in mind the important factors to consider outlined in this guide to find the best choice to keep your deck sturdy, secure, and looking great!