There’s nothing like sipping a cold drink on your backyard deck, soaking up the sunshine or hosting a summer barbecue with friends. But before you roll out the grill and string up the lights, it’s time to show your deck a little love. Whether it’s blazing sun, pouring rain, heavy snow, or constant foot traffic, your deck weathers it all—and proper maintenance is the key to keeping it safe, sturdy, and looking its best. Ready to give your deck the TLC it deserves? Let’s dive in!
Know Your Type of Deck
Before you start, it’s important to know what kind of deck you have. Different materials require different levels of care.
- Wood Decks: These are traditional and beautiful but need the most maintenance. Hardwoods like cedar, redwood, and teak are more durable than softwoods like pine and fir.
- Composite Decks: Made from wood fibers and plastic, these are lower-maintenance and usually come with UV protection built in. However, they still require periodic cleaning and inspection.
Summer Deck Maintenance
Now is the perfect time to inspect, clean, and reseal your deck as part of summer home maintenance. Here’s your seasonal to-do list:
1. Inspect and Repair
Your first step should be a thorough inspection:
- Check for damage such as cracked, warped, or splintering boards.
- Look for discoloration, rot, and peeling. Soft, spongy areas or visible decay could mean the wood is rotting.
- Inspect fasteners. Tighten loose screws and replace any that are rusty.
- Examine the flashing—the water barrier where your deck attaches to the house. Damaged or missing flashing can lead to major water issues.
- Ensure that stairs and handrails are stable and secure.
Warning signs your deck may need replacing:
- Severe rot or decay
- Multiple loose or broken boards
- Deep discoloration or widespread splintering
- Rusty or failing hardware
Make minor repairs now to prevent costly fixes later.
2. Clean Your Deck the Right Way
Before you clean, protect nearby plants by covering them with a breathable tarp. Many deck cleaning products contain chemicals that can harm vegetation.
- Remove all furniture, plants, and décor.
- Sweep off leaves, dirt, and debris.
- Spray down the deck with a garden hose using a strong stream.
- Apply a wood-safe cleaner or a composite-safe cleaner according to the product instructions. You can also use warm soapy water.
- Scrub using a stiff-bristled brush.
- Rinse thoroughly and let dry completely before applying any sealant or stain.
Pro Tip: Avoid using chlorine bleach—it can damage wood and composite decks. For stubborn stains on a wood deck, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, let it sit, then scrub and rinse. For composite decks, try a composite-safe cleaner.
Power washing caution: You can power wash occasionally, but not every year. Used incorrectly, a pressure washer can gouge wood and composite decks, and cause more harm than good. When in doubt, a hose with a hard spray setting often does the trick.
3. Seal and Stain (for Wood Decks)
Sealing and staining are critical to protect your wood deck from sun, moisture, and wear. (Composite decks do not need to be stained or sealed.)
- Frequency: Seal every 1–2 years, depending on the product and your climate.
- Timing: Make sure your deck is clean and completely dry. Sand any splintered or rough areas before you begin.
- Product selection:
- Choose a UV-protective stain that complements your home’s exterior.
- Use a clear or semi-transparent sealant with strong water resistance.
- Avoid paint—while it may look good initially, it tends to crack, peel, and deteriorate quickly on deck surfaces.
- Application tips:
- Follow the wood grain to prevent streaks.
- Use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply an even coat.
- Apply in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid direct sun, which can cause uneven drying.
4. Deck-Safe Furnishings and Accessories
Your furniture and décor choices can impact your deck’s longevity.
- Skip natural fiber rugs (like jute or bamboo). These absorb moisture and promote mildew. Opt for synthetic, quick-drying outdoor rugs instead.
- Protect your deck from grill heat. Place grills on a nonflammable grill pad or mat to prevent grease stains and fire risks. Practice grill safety.
- Use furniture with rubber or plastic feet to prevent scratching or gouging the surface.
Year-Round Deck Care Tips
While summer is deck maintenance season, a few habits year-round can help preserve your investment:
- Sweep regularly to prevent leaves and debris buildup, which can cause staining and mildew.
- Shovel snow carefully in winter using a plastic shovel and always with the grain of the boards.
- Trim nearby trees and bushes to reduce moisture buildup and leaf litter.
Your deck is an extension of your home—and like any living space, it deserves care and attention. By inspecting it annually, cleaning it regularly, and sealing it as needed, you can enjoy a beautiful, safe, and functional outdoor retreat for years to come.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
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