Prepping Our Porch for Fall

As summer fades and the crisp air of fall settles in, I partnered with Purdy to give our pond house porch some much needed attention. The changing seasons bring a new set of challenges for outdoor spaces, especially wood surfaces. To ensure our porch remains in good condition throughout the fall and beyond, I followed these steps…

1. Clean Thoroughly

Before diving into any maintenance tasks, start with a clean slate. Sweep away leaves, dust, and debris that have accumulated on your porch. Use a broom or a leaf blower for larger debris and a dustpan for the finer particles. Once the bulk of the debris is cleared, it’s time to wash the porch.

I love using Cabot’s wood cleaner to help remove grime without damaging the wood. It’s easy to apply the solution, let it dry, and then wash it off with a water hose. However, since our porch hadn’t been cleaned in a couple of years and is under a lot of trees down by our pond, it had some extra built up grime. I used a soft-bristle scrub brush to reach into crevices and remove the stubborn dirt.

Rinse and repeat until wood is clean, then let it dry over night.

2. Inspect for Damage

With your porch cleaned, it’s time to inspect for any damage. Look for signs of rot, loose boards, or nails that have popped up. Check for cracks or splits in the wood. Pay special attention to areas where moisture might have accumulated, as these are more likely to show signs of damage. Addressing these issues early can prevent more extensive damage down the road.

3. Repair and Replace

If you’ve found any damaged boards or structural issues, now is the time to make repairs. Replace any rotting or broken boards to ensure safety and maintain the aesthetic appeal of your porch. Tighten any loose nails or screws, and consider using wood filler to patch small holes or cracks. Once repairs are made, sand down any rough spots to create a smooth surface.

Luckily, our porch is only a couple years old, so it did not have any damage that I needed to address. 👏🏻

4. Protect with Stain and Sealant

Here are the tools I used to seal our pond house front porch:

1. Cabot’s Semi-Transparent Stain + Sealer (Desert Sand)
2. Purdy paint tray
3. Purdy 9″ Roller Frame
4. Purdy Power Lock Extension Pole
5. Purdy Marathon Roller Cover in 1/2 ” Nap
6. Purdy White Bristle Paint Brush

Wood is particularly vulnerable to moisture, especially in the fall when rain and dew are common. To protect your porch, apply a high-quality wood sealant or stain. Choose a product that’s designed for exterior use and suitable for the type of wood on your porch. Sealant acts as a barrier against moisture, preventing it from penetrating the wood and causing damage. If you’re applying stain, make sure it’s designed for exterior wood and offers protection against UV rays and moisture.

We loved using Cabot’s product because is was a stain AND sealer in one! 👏🏻

REMINDERS:

• Stir the Stain: Gently stir the stain to ensure even consistency. Avoid shaking, as this can create bubbles.
• Apply Evenly: Work in small sections, applying the sealant in even strokes. Be sure to follow the grain of the wood for a smooth application.

I used Purdy’s White Bristle brush to apply the stain on the wood boards next to the house and the smaller areas around the sides of the steps. Purdy’s Marathon roller was perfect for applying the stain evenly over the rest of the porch. The Purdy Revolution 9” Frame and Purdy’s Power Lock Extension Pole secured the roller and allowed me to easily apply the stain while standing.

Lastly, let the stain dry for the period recommended on the can. (I let my stain dry over night.)

5. Add Seasonal Touches

With your porch prepped and protected, it’s time to embrace the fall season with some stylish decorations. Add cozy touches like outdoor rugs, cushions, and throws in autumnal colors. Pumpkins, mums, and other seasonal plants can add a festive touch. These elements not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your porch but also create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Prepping our pond house porch for fall also inspired me to landscape around it as well! I collected rocks from around our property to create a border for our landscape, then filled it with plants from Lowes.

I look forward to all the wonderful fall evenings at our pond house, and it feels so good to know our porch is now prepared to face the winter months.

You can see the before and after below! I love how much cleaner and fresh our pond house porch looks now.

Final Thoughts

Sealing your wood porch for winter is a vital step in protecting it from the elements and extending its lifespan. By following the above steps with the recommended Purdy products, you can enjoy a beautiful and functional outdoor space throughout the fall season and beyond. Embrace the season with a well-maintained porch that’s ready for autumn gatherings and cozy evenings. Happy prepping!

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A post shared by Traci Hutcherson (@beneathmyheart)