Hello Folks,

I bought a house (condo unit) about 2 months ago whose deck has been neglected for too long (many years). I powerwashed the deck, I tried to avoid spike on the wood due to water pressure but sometimes it was difficult to avoid; anyway I minimized such spikes and was aware of it and had my orbital sander ready once done with pressurewashing part ot it.

After having powerwashing it many cracks and grooves that were previously covered with the mold, mildew and dirt were then clear. After doing some research I went with woold filler (elmer's wood filler). But I am not sure if any small groove in the should be filled with wood filler, and if that is the case I would have to fill almost the entire deck with wood filler. I am attaching some pics to better show the problem:

www.flickr.com/photos/53287866@N04/4920191457/

www.flickr.com/photos/53287866@N04/4920191479/in/photostream/

www.flickr.com/photos/53287866@N04/4920191461/in/photostream/

www.flickr.com/photos/53287866@N04/4920191485/

I realized that I may have used excess of wood filler in some parts, but there were lots of small cracks and grooves. Also since the wood filler has a different color than that of the wood wood stain still work, or would I need to paint it.

Thanks for any help.

tk3000

Wood filler does not work on outside wood! It will crack and chip out of the wood.

Having cracks and grooves is normal for outside wood. It is not supposed to be completely smooth. You would be better off just sanding the deck to have a smoother appearance if desired.

At this point you cannot use a semi or transparent stain. I would go with a high quality solid/opaque stain to mask your filler.

Thanks for you feedback. I have heard mixed up opinions about wood filler, but I believe that the manufacturer and brand should be held responsible and accountable for their product and their publicity. And such product is stated as been suitable for use on external wood, besides I have heard some reviews of people who have used it with some degree of success before deciding on using it myself. But I am trying to minimize the use of wood filler only where it seems really necessary (big grooves or cracks). Some of the cracks have some depth to them, so sanding them would not work.

And some parts of the wood seem to be almost rotten, like the following:

www.flickr.com/photos/53287866@N04/4935603602/


And some carriage bolts seems to be popping out:

www.flickr.com/photos/53287866@N04/4935603582/


Would a solid stain do it, or should I go with paint? Any primer maybe would make it easier for the paint to adhere the wood filler. Would you know what type of wood is that.
Sorry for the many questions I am new to that deck thing.

tk3000

I would replace the rotten spindles and screw in the bolts better.

Solid stain is the way to go as it penetrates better then paints into exterior wood.

Looks like pressure treated pine.