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Repair and Extend the Life of Weathered Wood Railing

This will result in extending the life of a...

iFixit Library Fast Fix Easy 1 - 2 hours Guide 162568

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Guide overview

Before you begin

This will result in extending the life of a product known to succumb to the elements, often needing replacement when not either protected or maintained. Wood is highly vulnerable to the elements, and instead of replacing a wood railing that is in decent condition, (something to be more of an eye sore) it can be nailed back into place if falling, sanded down to a healthier layer of wood, and stained/painted to protect it from weather for years to come.

Step 1

Repair step

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First, you will want to prep the wood railing and surrounding area.
You can use a hose to rinse, followed by a cloth if needed. Let the wood dry before proceeding to next step.

Step 2

Repair step

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PART USED ON THIS STEP Nails Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Next, you will want to secure the wood railing and its structure.
Hammer any nails that are loose.
For missing nails, you should replace with similar nails. It doesn't matter too much what nails are being used, as you will cover it with wood filler in the next step.

Step 3

Repair step

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PART USED ON THIS STEP Nails Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Fill in holes for both nails and wood imprfections/damage.
You can fill holes with an exterior wood filler. Simply just use your finger or a putty knife. Fill space completely. It is okay to have excess, as you will sand it in the next step.
Why fill in holes? Filling in holes can protect imperfections in wood where weather may decay the integrity of the wood faster. Additionally, filing in the holes provides a cleaner look when finished.

Step 4

Repair step

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Sand the wood and the areas where you used wood filler.
Take your sanding paper or sanding block as shown, and sand the wood in a circular motion.
You do not need it perfectly smooth, but ensure any wood filler is flush with the wood itself.

Step 5

Repair step

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Once sanded, you will want to clean the entire wood railing with a damp cloth, or hose and cloth again if needed.
By wiping after you sand, this will remove wood particles that have been sanded away and left on the surface. Cleaning the area will yield better quality results when staining or painting.

Step 6

Repair step

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PART USED ON THIS STEP Paint/stain Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Before staining or painting, tape off any areas that need protection.
Areas that you may want to protect are areas where the railing meets a wall or planter box, metal hinges, or anywhere you do not want paint/stain to get onto. By taking the time now to prep for paint and stain, it will save you time in the cleanup after the project is complete.

Step 7

Repair step

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PART USED ON THIS STEP Paint/stain Referenced by the iFixit guide

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Lastly, it is time to paint or stain your railing.
You will want to pour your paint or stain into a paint pail. This will make it easier and more efficient when using a paint brush.
Take your brush and do short-to-medium strokes in the direction of the wood grain. This will provide a smooth application. Your paint strokes should go from left to right, or right to left.
Please note, paint and stains can be toxic. Do not consumer or ingest.
Paint and stains can be difficult to clean up if spilled or you get on a surface not indented to receive the paint or stain. Take your time.
You can always do another layer of paint or stain. It is best to apply a light coat of paint or stain first. You can always go back to areas needing better coverage if needed.
Once all of the wood railing has either been painted or stained, you are done! Let dry for a couple of hours before touching.