Wood DeckDecks can be expensive, and they can end up being a pretty big investment. Since this is the case, you don’t want your decking materials to start looking bad because it isn’t being maintained. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to keep it looking great and, hopefully, the tips below will help you do that.
Clean it
For starters, you want to make sure you keep your deck nice and clean. While there isn’t a set cleaning schedule, you should try to do it every few months and you can clean it in between those times if you see that it’s needing it. Keep in mind, different areas are going to require different cleaning times, so make sure you clean as much as you need to. First, remove all items from the deck and sweep away any debris. Next, you should use a cleaner that’s specifically made for decks. Pour it on the area and scrub with a brush or washcloth. Finally, take a bucket of water or water hose and wash away any residue.
Stain it
Generally, you want to stain your deck every 2 to 3 years. It is up to you, though, and you don’t have to stain it that often if you feel it looks fine the way it is. Before starting the staining process, you want to make sure you remove all items and debris. If possible, you should wash the deck and let it dry thoroughly. Once you do that, you can stain it. Wait for it to completely dry before putting the items back. The great thing is that you can pick any color you want, and you could even change it each time.
Keep it Sealed
You also want to make sure to keep your deck sealed. The good thing about seals is that most stains will already have them included. If they don’t, you’ll have to buy them separately. If it is included with the stain, you’ll already be sealing at the same time you’re putting new stain on. If it isn’t, you should still put some down at the same time. This means that the sealing and staining process should be on the same schedule and be done together. There are quite a few different types of stains out there and you’ll have some things to figure out, such as the features of the sealer and how it’s applied.
Remove Snow
It might not seem like a big deal, but you also want to make sure you remove the snow in the winter time. The reason for this is because it can cause many issues to come up, including wood warping and breaking. There’s also the chance that it can soak into any areas that aren’t sealed well. While it might seem like an inconvenience, it will save you both money and time in the long run. With that being said, you don’t have to remove snow if it’s just a small amount. Only remove it if it’s several inches deep.
Replace Damaged Boards
You should also make sure you replace damaged boards. This is another thing that doesn’t have a certain schedule. Depending on the area you live, you might need to replace boards every few years, while people in other areas might need to replace them after several years. It’s something that can be figured out by just looking. Just to be safe, it’s a good idea to inspect boards every year to see if they’re all in good shape or not. The good thing is that most decks are made in a way that won’t require you to completely tear it down to replace one board. You should be able to pull the board up while leaving everything else alone!
Replace Nails
Replacing nails is extremely important because, if you don’t, it can cause many serious issues to come up. Examples would be boards not being secured and causing people to fall, as well as nails sticking up and stabbing people in the foot. If you see boards that are loose or missing nails, make sure you reinforce them by adding more. If you see nails sticking up, try and hammer them down. If that doesn’t fix the issue, completely remove the nail and replace with new ones.
As you can see, it takes a little work to keep your decking materials looking good. If you want a deck that’s always looking great, you’ll have to put some work into it. Remember, all the hard work will pay off in the end and you’ll continue having the deck of your dreams!
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