If you have a wooden deck or plan to design a pressure treated deck in the future, it will require occasional maintenance to keep it looking its best. Our outdoor project experts share their wooden deck maintenance tips to help prolong the life of your deck and make it look like new this season.
1. Deep Clean Your Deck Annually
As the weather warms up, spring is the ideal time to thoroughly clean and maintain your deck. Scrub the deck surface with a utility brush or use a heavy-stream hose setting to remove winter grime. A heavy-duty deck cleaner, such as Thompson’s WaterSeal, can help remove stubborn dirt, mould and mildew.
2. Be Careful with the Pressure Washer
If you want to save time with a pressure washer, ensure you sweep the nozzle along the grain at a slight angle no closer than 8” from the surface. Try to move the stream of water constantly to prevent damaging your deck.
3. Sand Before Sealing
You should reseal your deck every two years to help protect it from water and solar damage. Once you have washed your deck and it is completely dry, sand the surface for a more professional finish. We recommend Olympic Deck, Fence and Siding Stain and Sealant, Thomspon’s WaterSeal products and Sansin Stain to add the finishing touch.
4. Inspect Your Deck Regularly
Make an effort to sweep your deck routinely to remove debris and help prevent stains. While sweeping, inspect your deck for loose boards and screws to help prevent safety issues.
Visit your local Lyons and Island TIMBER MART location to gather your deck maintenance tools and supplies, and keep your pressure treated deck beautiful for years to come. Our in-store experts can help you choose the right sealant and stain for your project and answer any questions you may have.