Whether you’re preparing for installation or currently have one in your backyard, a deck is an ideal spot for summer barbecues, intimate dinners, and other fun activities. To ensure the structure remains durable and safe for the long term, certain maintenance steps should be taken. Keep the following do’s and don’ts in mind for protecting your outdoor living space. 

Do:

Apply a sealant each year. 

From ice and snow to ultraviolet rays and rain, decks are in direct contact with the elements. This exposure can cause moisture to become trapped in wood and create weak and brittle spots. Applying a sealant at least once a year over the entire structure helps strengthen the deck’s wooden planks and beams.  

Sand the deck to remove splinters and rough patches. 

Before sealing, it’s important to sand the deck. A pole sander with the desired grade of grit sandpaper can be used for buffing and smoothing. Sanding provides an even surface and allows the sealant to penetrate and protect the wood, ensuring your outdoor living space stays in top condition for years to come. 

Don’t:

Use bleach or chlorine products to clean your deck. 

The chemicals in chlorinated products, such as bleach, can drastically change your deck’s color. Even worse, bleach may strip the wood of its natural color and increase the risk of permanent discoloration. Look for cleaning products that are made specifically for wooden decks. Double-check the instructions to ensure the solution is the right one for your deck’s wood type.

Be excessive with power-washing. 

While power-washing equipment can be useful for cleaning mold, algae, and stains from wooden decks, care must be taken. Applying powerful streams of water can damage the grain. If your outdoor living space needs to be freshened up and you plan to power wash your deck, use sweeping motions along the wood grain at an angle. To prevent accidentally stripping the wood, consider hiring a professional power-washing company to tackle the job.

You want your home’s deck to be protected and safe for family and guests. Home Builders & Remodelers Metro East Association in Maryville, IL, is the area’s trusted resource for connecting you with the right outdoor living spaces professional. More than 250 remodeling contractors, developers, builders, and other specialists belong to the trade group. You can count on working with a deck installer who abides by a strict code of ethics, consistently uses industry-wide business practices, and is committed to following local, state, and federal building regulations. To find a deck contractor, call (618) 343-6331 or search online.