A deck is the place where you unwind, cook a BBQ, and entertain guests. It can also be subjected to sun, rain and snow throughout the year. Even the best-built deck may fade, crack or rot if it is not properly cared for.
This is a helpful guide to help you maintain your deck without having to hire a professional for each and every task. You’ll know what you need to check, how to clean, when to seal, and when to call in the professionals.
Why DIY Deck Maintenance Tips for Homeowners Matter
Problems escalate rapidly outside the house. A loose screw can easily become a wobbly railing. Muddy corners can become decayed wood.
Most decks’ number one enemy is water. It penetrates wood, feeds mold and mildew and warps and splits boards over time.
When you follow some steps that you can do at home to maintain your deck, you can catch these problems in the early stages. It allows you to save on costly repairs, protect your family and enjoy your deck for years.
Gather the Right Tools and Supplies
To make basic deck maintenance easy, you don’t need fancy equipment. Simple tools can be used for most jobs and are in most cases things you already have.
A stiff-bristle brush or Deck scrubber
Garden hose with spray nozzle attached.
A deck cleaning company experienced in your type of decking
A putty knife to squeeze out gaps.
Screwdriver or drill
Deck-rated screws
Pole sander or sand paper
Bark is used to make stain or sealer for decks.
Gloves, safety glasses, and old clothes
Preparation can make it easier for homeowners to follow these tips for doing their own deck maintenance.
Step 1: Inspect Your Deck Twice a Year
Always inspect before beginning any maintenance. This is a good time to do in spring OR fall.
Inspect the entire deck and pay special attention to the following areas:
Boards: Check for cupping, soft spots, splinters and cracks.
Fasteners: Inspect for rust, loose screws and popped nails.
Railings and stairs: Push to make sure there is no movement or weakness.
Leder board: This is the board which fastens the deck to your house. Inspect for gaps, rot or damaged flashing.
Under posts and footings: Check for rot, leaning and shifting.
To test for rot, press a screwdriver tip into the wood. If it sinks in quickly, the area is likely to be decayed.
The first of homeowners’ DIY deck maintenance tips is inspection since it lets you know what needs to be done.
If a deck is sagging, a railing is loose or a ledger board is broken, discontinue use of that section until it can be repaired safely.
Step 2: Sweep and Clear Debris Often
The moisture is trapped on the surface by leaves, dirt and pine needles. This can result in stains, mildew and rot.
Sweep weekly your deck in busy season. Clean out debris with a putty knife between boards to allow water to drain.
Move planters, grills, and furniture from time to time. Use plant pots on a stand/riser or on a saucer to prevent moisture accumulating on the boards below and causing them to get dark and/or damaged.
Step 3: Deep Clean Your Deck
A deep clean will eliminate dirt, algae and mildew. It also cleans and preps the surface to be sealed. Do this at least once a year!
Choose the Right Cleaner
Many homeowners opt for an oxygen-based deck cleaner as this is the case with wood decks. It is less harsh than chlorine bleach, that can damage wood fibers and surrounding vegetation.
For composite decks, use mild soapy water will work and is generally effective. Please always follow maker’s instructions for care.
Scrub and Rinse Properly
Water adjacent plants prior to beginning work. Follow the directions on the label for applying the cleaner, and allow the cleaner to sit for the required time.
Scrub with a stiff brush down the grain. Thoroughly hose down and allow to dry thoroughly.
When using a pressure washer, avoid damaging the material.
A pressure washer will accelerate the process, but it can also harm wood. Excessive force may cause the grain to lift or leave marks, or splinter soft boards.
If you do use one, opt for an extra wide fan tip, switch to a lower pressure and maintain a safe distance. Walk with the grain of the wood, applying strokes evenly. A brush and hose can give neophytes more predictable results.
As a fundamental aspect of DIY deck maintenance tips, deep cleaning will enhance every other step you take.
Step 4: Repair Small Problems Early
When the deck is clean and dry, repair issues discovered in the inspection.
Replace boards that are badly cracked, rotten or warped.
Replace rusty or loose fasteners with corrosion resistant, deck rated fasteners.
Secure loosen railing posts and brackets.
Use a product designed for exterior wood to fill small cracks.
If replacing a board, select the same size and type as far as possible. This helps to maintain the level of the surface and the safety for walking.
The tasks involved in these repairs are not too difficult for the homeowner to accomplish and can be included in the home improvement tips for deck maintenance.
Step 5: Sand Rough Areas Before Finishing
Rough boards are susceptible to splintering and may not hold finish properly. For smoothening splintered edges, raised grain and old flaking finish, use medium grit sandpaper.
Sprinkle grain, not against grain. Once complete, sweep or wipe down all dust for proper absorption by the new sealer.
Step 6: Check Whether Your Deck Needs Sealing
You can test your wood deck for its job with only a little effort. Lightly mist the top with water.
Your finish is still working if the water beads up. The wood should become discolored if water is absorbed, then it is time to reseal.
A new wood deck might be better suited to a dry-out period prior to taking a finish. Check with the lumber supplier for advice.
These are the most frequently used finishes:
Clear sealer: Resists water, but is not very UV resistant.
Semi-transparent stain: Color stain with a grain that shows through.
Solid stain: Conceals the grain and fills in blemishes, but can lift if it is not applied correctly.
Always use a product specifically designed for the exterior of decks and use according to the directions.
Step 7: Apply Stain or Sealer the Right Way
Timing and technique are most important. For a smooth finish, follow these steps:
Look at the forecast to make sure that it is a dry day with mild temperatures.
Ensure that the deck is completely dry. Damp wood is not a good finish-absorbing wood.
Do not work in hot, direct sunlight as this may allow the product to dry too quickly.
Brush, pad or use a roller to work in small sections, following the grain.
Wipe away puddles and excess product before they dry.
Do not handle until label indicates it is safe for handlers, people and pets.
One of the most satisfying do-it-yourself deck maintenance tasks is applying a finish properly—the finish will serve to shield the wood from water and the sun.
DIY Deck Maintenance Tips for Homeowners With Composite Decking
Wood is not as low maintenance as composite decking, but it is easier.
Regular sweeping and a hose is used for rinsing.
Wash a few times a year with mild soap and water.
Quickly clean up spills, particularly grease and food.
Monitor areas in shadow that may develop mildew.
To preserve your manufacturers warranty, follow their instructions.
The vast majority of composite boards cannot be stained or sealed, but check the guidelines of the product.
Seasonal Deck Care Checklist
Routine is helpful when it comes to an annual process.
Spring: Inspect, deep clean, repair and reseal as necessary.
Summer: Sweep frequently, wipe up spills, and place mats underneath grills.
Fall: Clear leaves, inspect fasteners, clean between boards.
Winter: Use plastic shovel to remove snow (see instructions from your decking maker before using de-icers).
This seasonal list makes DIY deck maintenance tips for homeowners simple to follow, year after year.
Common Deck Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most careful homeowner is prone to making a few mistakes. Beware of these:
Skipping regular inspections
Using too much pressure when washing
Staining while wood is still wet.
Installing the incorrect screws or nails.
Allowing water to accumulate or leaves to accumulate
Forgetting the ledger board and posts
The last thing you want to see is these mistakes; if you don’t have them, then homeowner deck maintenance tips are really effective and very easy to follow.
When to Call a Professional
There are some occupations that cannot be performed at home. If you see any of these issues, call a competent contractor:
A deck that is sagging or leaning over.
Rot in the posts, joists or ledger board.
Widespread soft wood
Loose or separating connection to the house
Significant repairs which could require a building permit according to the local building rules
Even top DIY deck care tips for homeowners have their limitations. If safety is a risk, it is best to call in the experts.
Related reading: best wood finishes, home renovation checklist, simple wooden bookshelf.
Final Thoughts
It doesn’t happen by chance that you have a strong deck. It’s a result of the little things that maintain the surface and prevent it from being damaged by weather and wear.
As a home owner, you can inspect, clean, repair and seal your deck with confidence with these easy deck maintenance tips. This weekend, begin with a basic inspection, and then develop a seasonally appropriate routine.
Some of the time invested today can save a lot of money in the future. Always put safety first and call in a professional when when it’s too difficult to do on your own and enjoy a beautiful and safe deck season after season.
FAQs
1. How often should I clean my deck?
Use it weekly, if materials accumulate and thoroughly clean it at least once a year. Cleaning may have to be done more frequently on shady or damp decks.
2. How do I know when to reseal my deck?
Do the water test. Reseal if water penetrates, rather than beads on surface; or if finish is worn or patchy.
3. Can I use a pressure washer on my deck?
Yes, but with care. Operate at a low pressure, wide fan tip and at a safe distance. For softer wood, you will be safer to use a brush and hose.
4. What are the most critical tips for homeowners on putting together their own deck maintenance plan?
Inspect twice a year, and clean the deck away from debris, repair small problems promptly, and re-seal wood decks when the finish has worn off.
5. Is composite decking maintenance free?
Yes. Requires frequent sweeping (and washing), but typically does not require staining or sealing. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for specific care instructions.
