How We Repainted Our Porch in One Day with Behr Premium DeckOver

Our old porch had definitely seen better days—cracked boards, chipped paint, and that slippery feel whenever it rained. We wanted a fast, durable, and budget-friendly way to revive it without tearing everything out. After a little research, we decided to try Behr Premium DeckOver, and honestly, it was a game-changer.

For about $300, we picked up the big bucket, and it turned out to be more than enough to cover the entire porch. By the end of the day, the wood looked brand new, textured, and safe to walk on—even when wet. The product is perfectly thick, fills cracks as you go, and leaves a slip-resistant finish.

Why Behr Premium DeckOver Worked for Us

• Thick coverage: Instead of sinking into the wood like a traditional stain, DeckOver coats the surface and fills small cracks and splinters.
• Non-slip texture: The finish has a subtle grit, which makes it safer for kids, pets, or anyone walking around with wet shoes.
• One-day transformation: From sanding to painting, we wrapped up the entire project in a single day.

How We Prepped the Porch

The official instructions on the bucket suggest stripping your wood completely. We took a slightly different route:

1. Clear the porch – Removed all furniture, mats, and planters.
2. Sweep & wash – Got rid of dirt, dust, and debris with a good broom and a hose rinse.
3. Sand it down – Instead of chemical stripping, we used a sander to smooth out the boards and remove all the old paint and flaking pieces.
4. Let it dry – Moisture is the enemy of adhesion, so we gave it enough time to dry before painting.

How to Apply DeckOver

1. Stir thoroughly – The texture settles in the bucket, so give it a strong mix.
2. Cut in edges – Start with a brush to get along the railings, edges, and corners.
3. Roll it on – Use a roller for the larger areas. DeckOver is thick, so a standard roller with a ⅜” nap works best.
4. Fill the cracks – As you roll, you’ll see it fill in chips and gaps. Go over problem spots with a brush if needed.
5. Second coat (optional) – For heavy-traffic areas, a second coat adds durability, though one thick coat was enough for us.
6. Drying time – It dries to the touch within hours, but give it a full day before moving furniture back.

The Finished Look

By the evening, our porch looked completely refreshed. The old chips and cracks were gone, the boards felt solid underfoot, and the rich finish tied everything together beautifully. What used to be an eyesore is now a space we actually love to sit on again.

For about $300 and a day’s work, Behr Premium DeckOver gave us the results of a full porch makeover without the cost or hassle of replacing boards. We picked our bucket up at Home Depot but I’m sure you can find this product at most hardware stores. If your deck or porch is tired, rough, or slippery, this product might be exactly what you need.