Annual deck maintenance is a labour-intensive job but one that pays off big time.
According to outdoor living guru Carson Arthur, taking care of a solidly built deck means it can last 25 to 40 years. Don’t care for it and you could be looking at replacing it in just 10 years, a pricey and disruptive project when you consider the work involved and the cost of lumber.
Here’s what you need to know about deck maintenance.
Semi-annual inspection
Spring and fall are good times to give your deck a once-over for structural integrity and to take care of small repairs before they become big ones. Home improvement expert Mike Holmes shows you what to do here.
Holmes recommends checking all deck components for rot and other problems. That includes the ledger board, which connects the deck to the house, deck boards, posts and stair assemblies.
If you spot rot, don’t ignore it because it’s potentially dangerous and the wood needs to be replaced.
Are the deck or railings wobbly? Is there excessive rust on screws and fasteners? Do the deck or stairs get slippery with mould and mildew when it rains? These are all things that need attention, according to Holmes.
He also suggests paying a professional inspector to check your structure every 10 years. Among other things, building codes evolve and it may be time to upgrade parts of your deck.
Cleaning
Giving your deck a serious cleaning every year helps keep it not just looking good but also protected from damaging dirt and grime.
Most experts say not to use a pressure washer because it can damage the wood or composite material. Instead, use a commercial deck cleaner (check to make sure it’s not damaging to vegetation) and a stiff bristle brush and rinse the surface thoroughly.
Don’t forget to check for debris between the deck boards, especially where the boards meet the uprights beneath them. The debris often stays wet and contributes to rot and seeds can even take root in it. Use a putty knife or slot screwdriver to remove the debris and then rinse thoroughly.
Staining and sealing
Whether it’s an old or new deck, you could wind up staining and sealing it yourself. This has defeated more than one DIYer, with the deck pealing a year later.
That’s why preparation, product choice and correct application are so important, according to home improvement pro Steve Maxwell.
His comprehensive article details every step of the process, including selecting a finish, preparing the surface (a critical stage with lots of sanding if you want the finish to last), and applying the finish. He also tackles refinishing old, grey wood and recommends protecting yourself with a dust mask and safety glasses when treating your deck.
More deck maintenance tips
- Don’t let leaves and debris accumulate in deck corners because they trap moisture that can lead to rot.
- Repositioning outdoor furniture and planters occasionally prevents water from gathering underneath them and the sun fading the deck unevenly.
- Trim vegetation and trees to at least 12 inches from the deck to reduce moss, mould and rot.
