Decks are a great addition to your home: there is nothing like enjoying a barbecue on a summer afternoon or watching the sunset with your loved ones, all on your deck! But having a deck attached to your home means being responsible for conducting regular deck maintenance and cleaning. Here are a few top tips for deck maintenance, to make sure your outdoor living space stays functional and beautiful all year round.

Regular inspections and maintenance

The best way to take care of your deck is to conduct regular inspections and maintenance. Simply take 10 minutes every few days to walk around your deck and ensure that everything is in order. You’ll acquaint yourself with the deck’s surface and more easily notice if conditions change. Here are some tips to conduct effective maintenance and inspections of your deck:

• Wear and tear: Continually check for common wear and tear issues, like loose planks, nails, or railings. If you notice raised or exposed nails, pry them up and replace them with wood screws, and push against the railings to make sure they aren’t loose.
  • Pro tip: You can fill in a couple holes in your deck boards with exterior wood filler, followed by a simple caulk and sanding procedure. However, if there are many holes appearing in your deck over a short period of time, you might have a larger issue you need to address, like termites. 
• Avoid stains: Store empty planters in your garage, so they won’t collect moisture and cause discolorations on your deck’s surface. Also, periodically rearrange your outdoor furniture, including grills and full planters, to prevent mismatched sun patches as well as moisture accumulation.
  • Pro tip: Avoid using rugs or mats made of natural materials, as these materials can more easily trap moisture. Outdoor-friendly plastic or synthetic options are less likely to have this problem.
• Clear away debris: Just like in your gutters, built up debris can cause damage to your deck’s surface: moisture accumulation, mold, or even animals creating homes in the debris can damage your deck. On a sunny day, simply sweep away any dry debris before rainy weather sets in.
  • Pro tip: Trim nearby bushes and trees to stand at least 12 inches from the deck to avoid moss and mold build-up. 

Cleaning your deck

Outdoor living spaces are more susceptible to dirt and debris build-up. In addition to regular light cleaning and maintenance, it’s important to give your deck a thorough cleaning at least once a year (sometimes two or three times a year, depending on the type of decking you have.) Here are some tips for your annual deck cleaning session:

• Clean mildew: Leaving mold and mildew on a deck’s surface can be dangerous: it can be slippery and cause someone to fall, or it can cause health problems for anyone who frequently comes into contact with the mold. If you notice mold accumulating on your deck, clean it up right away and try to determine what is causing it.
  • Pro tip: Avoid chlorine bleach or any product containing sodium hypochlorite, if you can: chlorine bleach is toxic to trees and other vegetation in your yard. There are simple DIY deck cleaning solutions that you can make with the ingredients in your home!
• Avoid high-powered cleaners: Pressure washers are popular methods for cleaning decks, but they can potentially damage the wood. A garden hose with a hard-stream setting on the nozzle will work just fine and it is much more gentle on the wood.
  • Pro tip: Do a quick deck sweep before you break out the hose. Clear away any excess debris and dirt before diving in. 
• Apply a deck sealant: A deck sealant will protect your deck from moisture and damage. Use a long-handled paint roller or sponge applicator to apply it onto the deck boards.
  • Pro tip: Sand the deck’s surface before applying the sealant: this will smooth out any rough spots and help the sealant penetrate more deeply and evenly. 

Outdoor living spaces are built to withstand a variety of weather patterns, climate conditions, and basic wear and tear. But providing regular maintenance to your deck is essential, to keep your outdoor living space safe and enjoyable for the whole family. 

Build with the best

Whitmer Decks specializes in designing and constructing custom outdoor living spaces to meet your specific wants and needs. We have been proudly serving North Virginia for over 20 years, providing our clients with high-quality materials, innovative building techniques, and friendly customer service. 

Contact our dedicated team of experts today today and we’ll turn your decking dreams into a reality.