Complete Guide On How To Maintain Your Deck
Intro:
Your deck is a major home improvement investment and can be used as an extension of your living room. To retain its value, it needs to be maintained properly. The best ways to maintain your deck are by taking preventative actions or fixing damages while they’re still small.
In this guide, we’ll discuss what you should do to protect and keep your deck in good condition.
1. Perform regular maintenance based on the type of wood you have:
For example, decks made of pressure-treated wood only need cleaning once per year; cedar decks should be cleaned twice per year to remove mildew, dirt, oil stains and other debris that may harm the lifespan of the boards. Decks made from hardwoods such as ipe, mahogany and teak are often used in coastal areas. These types of decks will need cleaning more frequently than pressure-treated wood. Hardwoods need to be oiled once per year or stained two times per year if desired.
2. Clean regularly:
At the very least, you’ll want to clean your deck every couple of months with either a broom or power washer depending on the materials used for your deck. You should also sweep off any leaves, dirt or debris from your deck before it has a chance to accumulate water and mold that could damage your wood surfaces and cause rot around treated lumber fasteners (also known as “nails”).
3. Replace loose nails and boards ASAP:
Make sure to check your deck regularly for these types of damages. Loose fasteners and boards can lead to flaking, rot or even mold growth if left unchecked. When you find loose nails, drive them tight with a hammer or replace the board altogether and remove any surrounding mold that may have grown on it.
4. Get help from professionals if needed:
Sometimes, it’s better to call in the experts when something seems too complicated for DIYers like you! For example, large cracks in your deck should definitely be checked by a professional as it could be an indication of major structural problems below the surface of your deck that are difficult to fix yourself. Large cracks in your wood surfaces should also be removed and replaced with new boards immediately before they get worse.
Should I Stain My Deck?
Staining your deck isn’t a requirement to protect it, but it can be a great way to update its appearance. If you want to stain your deck, choose a wood stain that works best for the type of wood your deck is made out of. For example, cedar decks will look best with semi-transparent stains while pressure-treated decks work better with solid stains. Stains typically last anywhere from three to five years before they need reapplication, so make sure to pick one based on your preferred schedule.
How Long Does A Deck Last?
Decks can last anywhere from five to 25 years, depending on the quality of wood you use and how well you maintain it. If your deck is made with pressure-treated lumber or other inexpensive materials, it will need to be refinished every two to three years if you want to keep it looking good. Hardwood decks may require refinishing only once per year in most cases while composite decks may never need refinishing at all!
Before making any major changes or purchasing new equipment for your decking project, make sure that you’re familiar with local ordinances regarding building permits and homeowner association guidelines (if applicable) so that everything goes smoothly. With these tips in mind and a little bit of elbow grease, you can ensure that your deck lasts for years to come!
Conclusion:
Maintaining your deck properly will keep it looking its best and retain its value as an investment in your home! From cleaning and staining to fixing minor damages around nails or boards, take the time to keep your deck in good shape. It’ll be worth it!