how do i care for my patio deck

How do you take care of a patio deck?

Deck Maintenance Schedule & TipsRemove debris from between deck boards using a putty knife. ... Protect all shrubs and plantings. ... Thoroughly sweep the deck.Choose an appropriate cleanser. ... Clean the deck. ... Let deck dry.

What is the maintenance of a deck?

DO clean the deck thoroughly once a year. Your deck needs an annual exfoliation so protective sealers can seep deeper into the wood. When it's dry and moderately warm—60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit—apply an appropriate deck-cleaning solution with a roller or sprayer to kill mold and bacteria.

What to put on your deck to protect it?

The best preventative measure you can take to protect your wooden deck is to use wood sealant. Clear wood sealants are a great way to maintain the natural beauty and wood grain while still preventing damage from rot, mold, and other weathering.

How often should you maintenance your deck?

every two to three yearsTypically, homeowners should restain horizontal surfaces such as decks every two to three years. Poor deck upkeep will decrease the time you have to enjoy the deck before restaining it, while good deck upkeep may give you another year or two before you need to restain the deck.

Do I need to seal my deck every year?

When Should I Reseal My Deck? You should reapply wood sealer at least every three years. In many cases, you need to seal a wood deck once a year. The more foot traffic and sun exposure your deck gets, the more often you need to apply deck sealant.

Is it better to seal or stain a deck?

Sealing a deck is best for cedar, teak, mahogany, or other quality woods as it enhances the wood grain and natural color. What is this? Staining a deck protects the wood from mold, mildew, moisture, and rot, and UV rays and sun damage.

Do decks need to be sealed?

A backyard deck can be the perfect platform for good times, but a wooden surface needs a proper sealant to protect it against the ravages of sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations.

How do I extend the life of my wood deck?

5 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Wood DeckSweep and Wash Weekly. The surfaces of your deck collect dirt, debris, pollen, and other grime on a daily basis. ... Plants and Shrubs. ... Power Wash. ... Sand and Repaint or Restain. ... Check for Rot and Cracks.

What is the best product to protect a wood deck?

Best Deck SealersThompsons Waterseal Advanced Natural Wood Protector.ECO-SAFE Wood Treatment – Stain & Preservation by Tall Earth.Rust-Oleum Coppercoat Wood Preservative.CabotStain Australian Timber Oil Penetrating Oil.Thompsons Waterseal – Transparent Stain.

Should I power wash my deck?

If you have timber deck boards, a power washer's pressure may cause splintering and damage to the timber fibers. If the timber surface already has some splintering, pressure washing will only exacerbate the issue.

What happens if you don't stain your deck?

The effects that can occur due to a lack of treatment are aesthetic in nature. After 6 months, the wood will start to lose its color and will begin to fade. Ultimately it will fade to grey or silver. This is not a problem in and of itself, and some people prefer this look for their decks.

Should I stain my deck every year?

Many homeowners wonder, “How often should I stain my deck?” To keep a deck looking great and prolong the life of the wood, a deck should be stained every two to three years. Other signs your deck needs staining are: The deck has mold or mildew buildup. Water soaks into the deck boards and no longer beads up.

How often should you waterproof your deck?

The general rule of thumb is to get your deck waterproofed once a year, especially if you live in areas that see a lot of rainfall. Another thing to consider is whether or not you live in an area that gets a lot of direct sunlight year round.

How long will an untreated deck last?

10 to 30 yearsA deck made of untreated wood can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Decks made of treated wood and composite materials can last as long as 50 years.

How can I make my wood deck last longer?

Sealing a deck after pressure washing by a pro is the best way to add years to its life. Restain the deck when necessary. The color will fade over the years, so whenever you reseal the deck, check to see if you need to add more stain. Use an oil-based deck stain rather than a solid one.

How do I keep my deck from rotting?

Coat Your Deck to Prevent Further Rot One way to prevent dry rot is to coat your deck with protective materials that help lock out moisture and prevent fungus from growing. Deck stain is a great rot stopper because it locks out moisture while also improving the look of older or water-damaged decks.