Your deck requires a bit of yearly maintenance to keep it in top condition, but you only need modest handyman skills to do the job yourself. If you can wield a paintbrush and snow shovel, you can handle a good deal of what it takes to keep your deck looking its best for years. These tips will ensure you get the most out of your deck, in both functionality and aesthetic.

How to Preserve Your Deck from Winter Elements

1. Sand & Stain the Deck

A stain is a solvent that bonds to the wood and gives it an attractive color. It also helps seal the surface against moisture penetration. To protect the wood of your deck from damage due to ice and snow, remove the old stain every two to three years with sandpaper and chemical solvent. This gives you a fresh surface on which to apply a new layer of stain. If this is not a project you wish to undertake yourself, you can often hire a local handyman service to do it for you affordably.

2. Lay Down a Tarp

Protect the floor of your deck against ice and snow damage by covering it with a plastic tarp. It acts as an additional barrier to prevent moisture absorption and keep the deck free of dirt and debris. It also helps prevent rotting, warping, and algae and mold growth. You can find a 16x20-foot woven polypropylene tarpaulin at most home improvement stores for under $20, and using it could extend the life of your deck by many years.

3. Shovel Away Snow

Don't let layer upon layer of ice and snow accumulate on your deck. Depending on how moist it is, snow weighs between 12 and 20 lbs. per cubic foot. So, a foot of snow on a 10x20-foot deck could weigh 4,000 lbs. Supporting that weight for months on end can put a considerable strain on a structure. Therefore, it's best to remove snow and ice before they get too heavy for the deck to bear.

To have your deck professionally stained and sealed, contact Handyman Headquarters in St. Charles, MO. They've been greater St. Louis's premier flooring, painting, and siding contractor for more than 15 years. Visit their website to submit an information request or call (314) 330-6124 to speak with an experienced handyman or deck builder.