5 Ways to Use Your Deck In The Winter

When using a gas fire pit on composite decking like Trex, for instance, it is installed by cutting around the Trex decking. It is not to be installed on top of Trex decking. A fire-resistant material is installed under the fire pit and a protective “wall" made from stone or other fire-resistant material is installed to hold fire pit in place and also protect the decking from heat

Wood fire pits are not recommended on top of Trex decking unless you are using a thermal barrier like DeckProtect®*. Wood-burning fire pits can damage the decking due to extreme heat from the bottom of the fire pit and/or burning embers “shooting" onto the decking. DeckProtect® was tested on all Trex decking and there were no issues with burning of the decking surface when placed directly under a standard size portable fire pit along with the accompanying rack,

The rack is not available for all sizes, so check with the manufacturer first for verification. Trex does recommend that the DeckProtect® padding/rack be moved from time to time for general cleaning underneath. It should be noted that even when using DeckProtect®, burning embers could “shoot" beyond the protective mat and burn the deck. You will also want to always check with your decking manufacturer to prevent voiding any warranties.

Invest in a Hot Tub

How do you use a deck in the winter? There’s no better answer than hot tubs. Many people regard hot tubs as the ultimate deck accessory - and for good reason. Even if it’s freezing outside, the refreshing experience of bathing in hot, bubbling water can make a winter deck one of your favorite places to be.

While a hot tub is a welcome addition to your deck during cold weather, you will need to overcome a few logistical hurdles to make it a reality. Some are easier to predict, like needing to get power to the tub. Others are harder to anticipate, which is why it’s a good idea to learn more about hot tub deck requirements and how to best manage them if you plan to incorporate one on your deck or patio in the winter.

Protect Your Deck and Yourself

Wood is a great insulator, but it’s also vulnerable to prolonged freezing temperatures. In the wrong circumstances, a few chilly nights can cause decks to suffer from warping or cracking. And the smooth surface of a deck can become quite hazardous under the wrong circumstances.

While there are many kinds of winter deck protection, few are as important as keeping your deck clear of snow and ice. Whenever possible, try using a broom instead of a shovel because it can prevent scratching. Many people turn to salt as a means of how to keep wooden steps ice-free. But you may want to avoid using salt on your deck because it can dry out the wood.

Instead, a better remedy for a slippery deck in winter may be grip strip tape. Make sure to confirm that these self-adhesive strips are compatible with your decking material before use.  Along with the aid of winter deck enclosures and heaters, these kinds of simple solutions can make it much easier to make your deck into the cozy winter haven of your dreams.