Q&A: How can we get a new area of our wood deck to match the existing part?

We need to replace a section of our pressure-treated deck, and I'm concerned the old wood and new planks won't look good together. How can we get the two sections to match?

Once you lay down the new deck, a thorough cleaning of the old section should help to even out any shade differences between the lumber.

• With a stiff-bristle brush attached to a long handle, apply a cleaning solution across the entire deck. Use a store-bought product or make your own by carefully adding 1 quart of bleach to a large bucket filled with 3 quarts of water. The cleaning solution will remove built-up dirt while the bleach solution will help rid the deck of mold and mildew.

• Use a pressure washer as an alternative to or in addition to a cleaner for dirt removal. Check out our advice for choosing a pressure washer and watch our video on using this equipment safely (above right).

• Using the wide spray pattern on the pressure washer, begin with the nozzle 2 feet away from the surface and move closer as needed but no closer than 6 inches to avoid damaging the wood fibers. If you don't have a pressure washer, use a garden hose with a sprayer attachment.

You could leave your deck unfinished, as the passage of time will finish the job of evening out the appearance between the two sections. But in your particular case, staining the deck will improve its appearance and unify the two sections visually. Plus, since your deck likely contains wood infused with chromated copper arsenate, staining it will have another payout. CCA, intended to make lumber resistant to insects and rot, contains known carcinogens. The penetrating stain will prevent water from saturating the wood and help to prevent arsenic from leaching out of your older lumber.

Our recent report on deck stains found some excellent solid (opaque) and penetrating stains to consider. After you buy the best stain for your deck (Ratings are available to subscribers), here's how to apply it.

• Let the deck dry out for a few days after you wash it before staining it, then follow the instructions printed on the can of stain. Typically, instructions recommend brushing deck boards one at a time following the grain. Be careful to not allow any pools of stain to form.

• If you use a roller, follow up with a brush to work in the treatment between the planks.

• Apply as many coats as the manufacturer recommends and wait for the indicated time between coats. Some finishes, including Sikkens Cetol SRD 1708902 semitransparent stain, $27 per gallon, can provide one-coat protection.

A final point to consider. The wood preservative ACQ (alkaline copper quaternary) can corrode some low-quality fasteners. If the planks you'll install are treated with ACQ, you might need to upgrade the fasteners you'll use.

Essential information: You'll find more information on deck materials, deck stains, and other outdoor-living essentials on our decks and deck stains product page. And don't forget to clean under your deck.