Resurfaced Redwood Deck, Pacific Heights, SF, September, 2025

This redwood deck sits on the roof of a multi-unit building in Pacific Heights, and the job was for a friend. It was built during the lockdown as a play area for what was then a toddler. It’s L-shaped with a view-through glass railing, and the view is beautiful: across the north end of the peninsula and over the bay to Sausalito and Marin County. With that railing and that setting, it was a significant investment, and it deserved better than the weathered gray it had faded to.

The deck had never been stained or sealed, likely for environmental reasons. I believe it was finished with an oil originally, so we went with something similar: an oil rather than a stain and sealant. Oil soaks into the wood instead of forming a film on top, so it won’t peel or flake. It brings out the grain and color of the redwood, and it’s easy to refresh down the road.

The first step was the screws. Some of the T-10 deck screws had worked up proud of the boards, so I drove them back down below the surface. Wood moves with the weather, and screws on a deck tend to back out over time. Doing this first also meant the pressure washer and scrub brush wouldn’t catch on raised screw heads.

Next came the cleaning. Pressure washing alone brought back the wood’s color, changing it from gray to a warm beige. Then I scrubbed the boards with an industrial Simple Green cleaner and lightly washed them again, so the wood was as clean and open as possible for maximum oil penetration. I try to avoid toxic or harsh chemicals whenever I can, especially on a deck where kids play.

Once the deck dried, I filled irregular areas and cracks with Durham’s water putty, and sanded the patches and any splintered spots smooth. On a play deck, that’s about safety as much as looks: no splinters for small hands and bare feet.

Last, I sealed it with oil, applied generously. The results were amazing: the deck actually changed color, from washed-out beige to a rich, deep redwood tone. It looks closer to new than it has in years, and it’s protected again against sun and weather.

It’s a good example of how much life a deck has left when the wood is sound. Before you think about replacing boards, a few repairs, a thorough cleaning, and the right finish can bring it most of the way back.