The Only Guide You Need to Refresh Your Deck This Weekend

Nothing brings an outdoor space together like a well-built deck. A deck is a versatile exterior space that can increase your home's value and functionality. It can be a place for family gatherings, barbecues, cookouts, or a quiet spot to read a book or practice yoga. A deck can also be a shaded reprieve from the summer’s heat. The uses are endless! Yet, no matter how well-built your deck is, routine maintenance is necessary for its longevity.

For more information on deck maintenance, our team at Wood Country Building Services is happy to help.

The Importance of Deck Maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps your deck safe and clean. Maintenance also saves you money in the long term by addressing minor issues before they become costly.

The extent of your maintenance needs will depend on the materials used in the deck’s construction. Higher-quality materials like composite decking, metal posts and railings, and glass panels will reduce maintenance costs but require a higher upfront investment.

Regardless of the materials used, there are a few simple steps to ensure your deck is in tip-top shape each year.

What You’ll Need

The extent of deck maintenance will dictate what tools and supplies you need. For example, if your deck is new (a season or two old) or built with composite materials, you may only need to sweep and give it a light wash. On the other hand, you'll require more tools and supplies if you have an aging wood deck.

Safety First!

• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Dust mask

Tools and Supplies

• Broom, leaf blower, or air compressor with blower tip
• Pressure washer
• Sanding block, orbital sander, drum sander, floor sander
• Stain or sealer, brush or roller, rags

6 Steps to Deck Maintenance

Step 1: Inspect

Give the deck a good once-over to assess the extent of the maintenance needed. What is the state of the decking? Was it painted, stained, or sealed in the past? If so, how is this holding up to the elements? Once treated with a stain or sealant, exterior wood surfaces must be recoated regularly.

Check the foundation and structure, if possible. Inspect railing assemblies, stairs, and significant connection points.

Make notes of your assessment and create a list of what you need.

Step 2: Clear Debris

Remove all furniture and appliances that are not built-in. Use a broom, a leaf blower, or an air compressor to remove loose debris from the deck's surface. A leaf blower or another air-powered tool will help get stubborn debris from between the boards and out of any nooks and crannies.

Step 3: Clean/Pressure Wash

A pressure washer is a good household tool for deck maintenance, and you can rent one if you don't own one. Using a pressure washer to clean your deck saves time and delivers the best job. Work your way across the surface, spraying with the grain of the decking material. Make sure you adjust the pressure setting for your desired outcome. If your deck has composite decking, it only needs a wash. If it's an old wood deck with fading stain, peeling paint, or flaking sealant, the pressure washer will remove this.

Step 4: Repair/Restore

Make any necessary repairs. Add extra screws to loose boards, safety railings, and connection points in the framing. Replace rotten or damaged deck boards or other components. Fill any considerable surface damage with exterior wood filler. Apply an end-treater to any cut ends to prevent rot and to keep bugs from damaging the lumber.

Step 5: Sand

Depending on how old your wood decking is and how aggressive the pressure washing was, you may need to sand the surface. Pressure washing can raise the wood grain and roughen the surface, especially after applying the top coat. Use an orbital sander or drum sander to smooth down any rough boards. Use a floor sander to sand the deck surface efficiently for large projects.

Step 6: Stain/Seal

Apply your stain or sealer. It is best not to paint a deck, as direct exposure to the sun and weather can break down the paint, quickly causing wear, cracking, and peeling. A solid or opaque stain is the better choice for a paint-like appearance. Stains penetrate the wood, protecting it from within, while paint sits on top. Visit us for more guidance on the best sealing product for your deck.

Step 7: Wait and Enjoy

We know it can be hard to wait to enjoy that new-looking deck! Remember to follow the product guidelines before allowing foot traffic and returning your outdoor furniture to its rightful place. Last, but not least, ENJOY!

Happy deck season!