Whether you're grilling out or just relaxing, your deck is a great way to enjoy the outdoors.  Unfortunately this hot and dry summer has left some of our decks in poor shape.  I have noticed a lot of dried out, faded and weathered decks as I've looked at homes throughout the summer.

No finish is completely weather-proof.  The same UV-rays that give us sunburn will give your deck its own "sunburn" over time, leading to fading and cracking.  Also, moisture can work its way in where wood is worn down in the high traffic areas, potentially leading to rotting.  Renewing your deck is an easy do-it-yourself weekend project, and now is a great time to get-er done before winter sets in.

If your deck needs a little revitalization, you'll need to watch the weather forecast for 3 dry and sunny days.  On day one, don't worry about doing anything besides letting the deck dry.

On day two, you'll want to clean the surface.  A thorough scrubbing with a household cleaning solution of 50/50 bleach and water will do the trick of removing the mold, mildew & discolorations.  This might be all it takes to make your deck look like new!

But don't stop there. On day three, apply a stain or sealer to give it nice color. Semitransparent stains hide the gray color and let the wood grain to show through, and usually last around 3 years. Solid stains are helpful on aging wood.  They cover the grain can add a few years to a deck's life. If you go with a clear sealer on top of the stain, choose one with an ultraviolet inhibitor that will protect against fading.

Now just sit back, relax, and enjoy it this fall.