How to Properly Care for Your Wood Deck

Do you have a wood deck attached to your home? Many homeowners do. Decks are an attractive place to set patio furniture, plants, and many other types of outdoor decorations. Decks are also great for hosting barbecues and other warm-weather get togethers on when you want to enjoy the weather. Just like every other part of your home, though, decks need proper maintenance. That’s why, in order to keep your deck looking good and weather-resistant, you’ll need to know how to properly care for your wood deck.

Decks are normally constructed with pressure-treated wood. This type of wood is more durable than ordinary wood in that it’s made to withstand the elements. Even so, the Ultraviolet rays of the sun, rain, snow, tree sap, bird droppings, and other pollutants can still take a toll on your deck. Keeping your deck clean and applying a good-quality wood sealer and protectant from time to time can go a long way in making your deck more weather resistant.

Before you can apply a wood sealer and protectant to your wood deck, you’ll need to clean it thoroughly. Clear off any loose debris by using a leaf blower. A broom isn’t a good device to use because it can’t reach into cracks and crevices where dirt tends to collect. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the container in order to achieve the best results. Basically, though, you’ll need to wash your entire wood deck off with a cleaner and water. Don’t forget to clean the railings and stairways, et cetera.

You can find products that are specifically made for cleaning wood decks at your local home supply store. To remove stubborn stains such as bird droppings or mold, you may need to pretreat these areas first.

You’ll need to completely rinse the cleaner off your deck by using a garden hose or a low-pressure power washer. (Using a high-pressure washer may damage the wood.) If the stubborn stains haven’t come off, you’ll need to repeat the process of applying a cleaner.

To properly care for your wood deck, you should start applying the sealer and protectant at the top. This means, you should start by applying the product to the railings, et cetera, first. Then, work your way down, and do the wood floor of your deck last.

You can use a paint brush, roller, or a spray gun to apply the sealer with. A spray gun, of course, is the fastest and easiest way to apply the sealer and protectant. My spray gun has a tube-like attachment that allows me to concentrate the spray pattern. This smaller pattern reaches into cracks and crevices better.

Once your entire wood deck has been treated, keep people and pets off the treated surface. Allow the wood to dry thoroughly before you use your deck. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the product container to find out how long your should wait.

Then, to properly care for your wood deck, periodically use your leaf blower to keep your wood deck free from debris. Use a garden hose or a low-pressure power washer to clean off dirt and other pollutants. And, every two years or so, you’ll need to apply another coat of a good-quality sealer and protectant to the pressure-treated wood.