Chapter 4
Maintaining & Enjoying Your Deck
In order to get the most enjoyment from your deck for years—and decades to come—it’s important to stick to a maintenance regimen to care for your deck and keep it in good condition. From pressure washing to routine cleanings, there are a few practices you should make a habit of to maintain a beautiful deck. If your deck is made from wood (and not composite), you’ll also want to brush up on how to stain and seal your deck. Check out our tips for deck maintenance to get the most from your gorgeous new deck!
Protecting Your Deck
Your deck may feel like part of your home, but it’s exposed to the elements on a continuous basis. Whether you’ve chosen low-maintenance composite decking or need to prep your wooden deck for the winter months, there are a number of factors and tips to help you keep your deck looking fresh and making sure it stays structurally sound despite exposure to wind, snow, sun, and rain.
Preparing & Protecting Your Deck For Winter
From removing leaves and debris that can trap moisture or pose a slipping hazard, to routine cleanings and inspections, get a checklist for caring for your deck before winter sets in.
Preventing & Treating a Slippery Deck
Learn more about the conditions that can cause your deck to become slippery and get tips on how to prevent a slippery deck.
If your deck is made from wood, staining a deck can protect it from sun and moisture damage. Get tips for what types of stain to use, when, and how to stain your deck.
SaveWhile staining your deck can protect it from UV rays, sealing your deck can help reduce wood rot and slow the effects of water damage. Get step-by-step instructions to apply deck sealer -- from optimal conditions to drying time and more.
Related Resources
Maintaining Your Deck
Just like the indoor parts of your home, your deck requires regular cleaning and maintenance, too. From regular tasks like sweeping and pressure washing your deck, to replacing loose, scratched, or rotted boards, upkeep is an important part of keeping your deck in good condition, as well as maintaining its appearance.
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Pro Tip
Use a cleaning solution to scrub your dirty deck before removing the suds and dirt with a pressure washer.
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Periodically renting a pressure washer to clean your deck is a great way to keep it in good shape. Learn how to correctly use a pressure washer and different settings to avoid damaging wood or composite decking when cleaning.
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Both wood and composite decking have unique considerations to keep in mind when cleaning. Get recipes for homemade cleaning solutions and which chemicals to avoid to keep your deck looking good.
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If left unchecked, moss and algae can cause your deck to become slippery, as well as retain moisture that can lead to rot. Get tips for thoroughly cleaning moss and algae from your deck.
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Over time, decking can show signs of age, wear, and tear. Learn how to inspect your deck for rot, as well as how to properly remove and replace old deck boards.
Pro Tip
Use a cleaning solution to scrub your dirty deck before removing the suds and dirt with a pressure washer.
Enhancing Your Deck
Building a deck is a major accomplishment, but there are always ways to enhance your deck and freshen it up, year after year.
How to Install an Under Deck Drainage System
If you are building an elevated deck, you may want to consider installing a deck drainage system as you’re building your new deck. An under deck drainage system can direct rainwater into gutters, making it more conducive to installing a patio beneath your deck. Get basic tips for installing a drainage system.
Deck & Patio Landscaping Ideas
From learning the different parts of deck stairs to understanding common codes requirements, get tips for building deck stairs and troubleshooting any issues throughout the process.
Every deck needs great lighting and there are countless outdoor lighting options to suit your personal aesthetic. Whether you want ambient fairy lights or dramatic railing lights, get inspired with some of our favorite deck lighting ideas.
Make the most of your outdoor space with seating for guests and decor that makes you feel right at home outdoors. Find inspiration for creating outdoor dining and sitting areas, as well design ideas for smaller decks.
Related Resources
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