Caring for Your Outdoor Deck

Your home's deck can add incredible enjoyment. Want to make your deck look spectacular? There are a few things you can do to ensure that your deck doesn't wear down over time. Here are a few maintenance dos and don'ts for caring for your outdoor deck.‍

Dos and Dont's: Caring for Your Outdoor Deck

You can save yourself some time and energy by using the right products on your deck and practicing these maintenance tips.‍

Do Seal Your Deck Every Other Year

It's best to use a 2-in-1 stain and sealer product. These protect your deck the most and maintain your deck's durability with one product.‍

Don't Paint Your Deck

Why create more work and maintenance for your deck? Paint may look great at first, but it tends to wear down and peel away after a short period. You'll have to spend more time cleaning and taking care of painted wood.‍

Do Power Wash (But Be Careful)

Most people think it's easy to rent out a power washer from Home Depot and start cleaning their deck. While it does work to remove most debris, mold, and algae, you can go overboard and use too much pressure, leading to the degradation of your wooden deck. We recommend watching some videos on using a power washer first if you haven't already.‍

Don't Let Debris Pile Up

One of the worst things for any deck is a leaf pile that grows and grows, remaining intact for a few weeks and gathering debris, insects, and mildew. If you want to maintain your deck, you can't let this happen. The first sign of a leaf pile-up should encourage you to get a broom and clean off your deck. You should sweep off your deck regularly to prevent debris from becoming stagnant and degrading your deck’s look and health.‍

Don't Use Bleach to Clean Your Deck

Besides, you don't want to contribute to your deck's discoloration, which can happen if you use chlorine bleach. Instead, use a wood cleaner or power washer to clean your wood and keep its natural look.‍

Do Try Other Deck Types

There are plenty of other outdoor deck materials, and a concrete deck may be easier to maintain. These deck types are best for homes that deal with lots of debris, extreme heat, or excessive cold. Since concrete is resistant to these extremes, it lasts much longer than typical wood.