Preparing Your Deck for Summer

By Homemasters, for The Sandy Standard

Summer holiday season will be here in a blink. Spring is the perfect time to make sure your deck is prepared for sizzlin’ barbecues and outdoor family fun. Whether you’re on a tight budget and going a DIY route or need some professional hands to take on the heftier things, the tips below will have it covered.

Cleaning

Preparation is key to making cleaning your deck a breeze. Gather your supplies: broom, deck cleaner, hose, and an optional soft-bristle brush. Remove any furniture prior to sweeping away debris. A cleaner solution specifically for deck cleaning will help ensure the removal of mildew. Use your hose to rinse off your deck.

We advise you to stay away from pressure washing, as this can cause damage if not done by trained professionals.

Staining

Like cleaning, preparation is critical for a smooth application process. For the DIY route, check that you have all your staining supplies ready before beginning. Use a trusted resource for step-by-step guides that are specific to your decking material. Not wanting to stain your deck yourself? Leave it to experts to give yourself some peace of mind.

Replacing

There are important signs to look for if your deck needs replacing. While aesthetics are a solid reason for wanting to update your deck, safety is going to be the number one priority. For wooden decks, inspect it for rot, warping boards, and any creaking or cracking. For the entire structure itself, pay close attention if there are any missing or loose components, but especially if there’s any sway to the structure. Not quite sure? Most professionals offer free estimates to help you figure out what is going on with your deck. You can expect your average wooden deck to last between ten to fifteen years.

If damage is localized and not widespread, repairs can be done instead of a full replacement. Speak to your local deck professional before your estimate if you’re thinking about expanding or changing anything regarding the original layout or design. They can discuss with you the range and benefits of different materials and what the whole decking process will look like for you.

Deck Furniture

Last but not least is adding the finishing touches to the top of your deck. Furniture exclusively made to be outside will be designed to withstand the ravages of the sun and weather. Be sure to have your deck’s measurements handy before purchasing anything new. When shopping, look for durability (UV and mildew resistance especially) and functionality. Read labels for how easy they are to clean, warranty information, and the materials. Keep an eye out for deals on outdoor furniture from late summer to early fall.

The deck can often be an overlooked feature when it comes to exterior maintenance, but proper and routine maintenance can help lengthen the life of your deck or patio. If you have a deck built by professionals, make sure to reference any warranty paperwork to see if there are any specific maintenance tasks that are required to keep the warranty intact.