Refresh and Repair Your Porch or Deck for Summer

When summer finally rolls around, our porch becomes more than just an entryway. It turns into the room where we spend a lot of time. The porch doesn’t have four walls and isn’t really a room. But it sure feels like a room, the way we use it. It’s where we sip our coffee early in the morning, where we take our laptops out to work. It’s also where we get together with friends and family for casual dinners that turn into long evenings just hanging out and talking. 

Whether we’re hosting, relaxing, or just enjoying watching the sailboats pass by, our porch sets the tone for summer living. That’s why now is the perfect time to give your porch or deck a little refresh, so it’s ready to welcome every moment of the short summer season.

A special thanks to Lowe’s Home Improvements for collaborating with us on this project. For staining the porch floor, we used Valspar Neutral Black Solid Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer in One. It’s on sale 40% off July 3-9. We also used Valspar 3/8″ nap paint rollers and a Purdy Clearcut Reusable Nylon/polyester blend Angle General purpose brush.

For the railings, we used Valspar SeasonFlex Satin Base 4 Tintable Latex Exterior Paint + Primer.

You can shop all of these products in my Lowe’s storefront right here. (Post includes commissionable links; see my full disclosure statement {here} for details)

Equipment you’ll need to refresh and repair your porch

• Leaf blower (optional)
• Bucket
• Mop
• Squeegee
• Mild dish soap
• Patch & Fill
• Medium grit sandpaper
• Small wire brush
• Painter’s tape
• Paint roller
• Rolling pan
• Paint brush

The repair and refresh your porch project

The size and scope of your refresh really depend on the condition of your porch or deck. We typically stain our deck floor every year, but the brand we’d been using never held up. It always looked good on day one, but within a few days of regular use, it scuffed easily and left us feeling disappointed after all that effort. This year, we decided to switch brands of stain. And we’re so glad we did.

It had been a few years since we last painted our porch railings, and it showed. There was visible wear, chipping paint, a few loose railings, and the usual toll that several East Coast summers and winters can take on outdoor woodwork. So this year’s refresh turned into a slightly bigger project than usual. But now that it’s done, we’re thrilled with the results and enjoying every minute we spend in the space.

Step 1: deep clean

We always start with a thorough cleaning of the entire porch—windows, floors, railings, and all.

• Use a leaf blower to clear away debris and pollen
• Wash windows and window sills inside and out
• Mop the floor using mild dish soap and warm water (you can use a pressure washer if you prefer)
• Rinse with a hose, squeegee off excess water, and let everything dry completely.

Step 2: repairs

Once the porch is clean and dry, we tackle the necessary repairs.

• Sand any peeling or chipped paint on railings
• Use a small wire brush to remove any mold, mildew, or grime buildup, especially near the bottom of railings
• Patch damaged areas, let them dry, and sand them until they’re smooth
• Lightly sand the porch floor where needed (we had areas where the stain had worn off and some drippings from holiday wreaths had hardened)
• Blow off the floor and mop again with just water, then let dry
• Use painter’s tape to mask off edges, posts, or any spots where you want a clean, professional line

Step 3: paint the railings

Painting the railings is definitely the most time-consuming part of the refresh. It’s also one of the most rewarding. A fresh coat of paint not only makes everything look clean, it also protects the wood from heat, sun, cold, UV rays, and moisture

We always start at the top of the railing and work our way down the slats to the base. It’s tedious, yes, but well worth it.

Step 4: stain or paint the floor

Our porch floor is stained solid black, which means it shows everything: dust, footprints, pollen, and more. In the past, the brand of stain we used made it look constantly dirty, no matter how often we cleaned. This year, we switched to Valspar Neutral Base Solid Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer in One, and it’s made a huge difference.

The subtle sheen not only looks beautiful, but it also hides scuff marks much better. And when we do need to clean the floor, a quick damp mop does the trick.

• Use a brush to trim edges and tight spaces
• Pour stain into a rolling pan and apply using a 3/8″ nap roller
• Start at the far end and work toward the porch steps so you don’t paint yourself into a corner
• Once finished, tape off the entrance with painter’s tape to avoid deliveries from landing on the freshly stained porch

Step 5: let it dry completely 

I’m not the most patient person in the world. In the past, I’ve been known to start putting things back as soon as the floor feels dry to the touch. But this time, I waited a full two days before putting everything back again. And it made all the difference. The finish is more durable, and the floor still looks great weeks later.

Now the fun part: putting it all back together

Once everything is dry, it’s time for the best part—bringing the porch back to life. We start by moving the furniture back into place, giving each piece a quick wipe-down as we go. Next, the finishing touches: cushions, throw pillows, maybe an outdoor rug, the potted ferns, and maybe a few lanterns or candles for those cozy summer evenings. 

This is where your personal touch comes through. Whether you love a casual beach cottage vibe or something a little more refined, a few thoughtful touches can make all the difference. As soon as it’s set up, it instantly feels like summer again.

A porch ready for summer

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a clean and refreshed porch. It’s an outdoor space that invites you to slow down and enjoy the summer. Whether it’s your morning coffee spot, a cozy work-from-home space, or a place for relaxed dinners with friends, a refreshed porch is the perfect summer hangout spot. 

Make the time to do the work, and then enjoy. Because summer always goes by too fast.Shop

Shop for all the products we used from Lowe’s by clicking here.

You might also be interested in these other projects for your home and garden

• How to make the most of a backyard shed
• How to create a simple garden party
• How to build a portico