How to Maintain & Protect Your New Deck

A wooden deck is a wonderful addition to any home, offering a perfect space for outdoor gatherings, relaxation, and enjoying nature. To ensure your deck remains in excellent condition and extends its lifespan, regular care and maintenance are essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to properly care for and maintain your new wooden deck.

1. New Wood Deck? Start With Staining and Sealing Your Deck

• Timing: When you first install your wooden deck, it’s crucial to allow the wood to acclimate and dry out. We recommend allowing 12 months, or an entire cycle of weather seasons, to fully allow your deck to dry and weather properly. Staining and sealing your deck before the wood has fully dried out will trap moisture inside the wood, and the wood on your deck will rot from the inside out.
  
  *Staining or sealing your deck prior to a full weathering season (12 months) will void any warranty on materials and craftsmanship.
  
  

• Sealing: Apply a high-quality sealant to protect the wood from moisture, UV rays, and wear. Choose a sealant appropriate for your specific wood type. We recommend using Valspar or Sherwin Williams brand products for the best results and longest lasting finish.
  
  

Staining: Consider staining the deck if you want to enhance the wood's natural color or change its appearance. Stains can also provide additional protection against the elements. We recommend using Valspar or Sherwin Williams brand products for the best results and longest lasting finish.

2. Regular Cleaning, De-greasing The Surface, & Mold/Mildew Prevention

• Debris Removal: Regularly sweep the deck to remove leaves, dirt, and other debris. This prevents mold and mildew growth and reduces the risk of stains on the wood.

Monthly Washing (during normal usage months)

• Mild Detergent: Use a mild detergent mixed with water to clean the deck surface. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they can damage the wood. We recommend using a mixture of biodegradable products such as Simple Green or Dawn dish soap mixed with water can act as a surface cleaner and de-greasing agent for your deck.
  
  *Please follow brand manufacturer instructions for best results. Do not allow any cleaning solution to dry on the surface. Rinse thoroughly.
  
  

• Soft Brush: Scrub the deck with a soft-bristled brush to remove grime and prevent the buildup of slippery algae and mold.

• Mold/Mildew Protection: My favorite product to use for getting rid of mold and mildew that can grow on your deck is called 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner. You can purchase it at any Lowes or Home Depot and it comes in a convenient spray bottle that can easily be attached to your hose. Simply spray it on, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off with clean water.
  
  You can also purchase this in larger containers (2.5 gallon and 5 gallon) to easily refill the spray bottle container.
  
  *Please follow brand manufacturer instructions for best results. Do not allow any cleaning solution to dry on the surface. Rinse thoroughly.
  
  

Rinsing: Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose, ensuring all soap residue is washed away.

3. Annual Inspection and Deeper Cleaning

Changing seasons are a great time to not only inspect the exterior of your home, to prepare for the winter months, or open things back up for the spring, summer and fall months. One of the items on this list should include inspecting your deck, to get eyes on different areas that may need attention. Catching troubled areas early enough can prevent costly repairs down the road.

• Check for Damage: Inspect the deck for signs of damage such as cracks, splinters, and loose nails or screws. Address these issues promptly to prevent further deterioration.

• Structural Integrity: Ensure the structural integrity of the deck by checking the support beams, joists, and railings for any signs of wear or rot.

Deeper Cleaning

• Soft Washing: This is the best recommended method to clean your wooden deck without damaging the wood. Use a simple garden hose in combination with a cleaning solution (listed below) and a soft bristle scrub brush (shop brush for covering larger surface area) to wash dirt, grease, and mold/mildew growth off of the deck surface, framing, and railings.

• Power Washer: Use a power washer with a gentle setting to deep clean the deck.
  
  *Be cautious not to use too much pressure as it can damage the wood fibers.
  
  

Safe Cleaning Solutions: Specialized deck cleaning solutions can be used to tackle stubborn stains and discoloration. We recommend using a biodegradable product called Simple Green, or using a mixture of a few drops of Dawn dish soap mixed with a 2-3 gallon bucket of water.

4. Seasonal Maintenance

Spring and Fall Preparation

• Spring: In spring, clean and inspect the deck to prepare it for heavy use during the summer months. Reapply sealant if necessary.

• Fall: In fall, clean the deck to remove fallen leaves and prepare it for winter. Cover or store outdoor furniture to prevent damage from snow and ice.

Winter Care

• Snow Removal: Use a plastic shovel to remove snow from the deck. Avoid using metal shovels, or shovels with a metal icing strip, as they can scratch and damage the wood.

Ice Melters: Use ice melters that are safe for wood, such as calcium magnesium acetate, instead of rock salt which can cause damage. Please note that the use of ice melters can dry out the wood prematurely.

*If ice melters are used, please be sure to rinse the deck surface thoroughly after the winter months have passed.

5. Long-Term Care

Re-Sealing and Re-Staining

• Frequency: Depending on the level of exposure and the type of wood, re-seal and re-stain your deck every 3-4 years. Follow brand guidelines and frequency for best results and maximum lifespan.

• Process: Clean the deck thoroughly before applying new coats of sealant or stain to ensure proper adhesion and protection. Remove any mold/mildew growth before applying any stain or sealant to the wood.

Repairs and Replacement

• Minor Repairs: Address minor issues like loose nails, screws or small cracks immediately to prevent them from becoming major problems.

Board Replacement: If any deck boards become severely damaged, replace them promptly to maintain the safety and appearance of the deck.

Relax & Enjoy Your New Deck for Years to Come!

Caring for a wooden deck requires consistent effort and attention to detail. By following these guidelines, you can keep your deck looking beautiful and ensure it remains a durable and enjoyable outdoor space for years to come. Regular cleaning, annual inspections, seasonal maintenance, and periodic re-sealing are the keys to preserving the beauty and functionality of your wooden deck. With proper care, your deck will continue to be a cherished part of your home, providing a welcoming space for relaxation and entertainment.

Need Help Cleaning and Sealing Your Deck?

Get in touch with our deck experts and we'll be happy help make your deck look beautiful again!