Decks and patios are a big investment to your property. In order to preserve the quality, durability, and appearance, for as long as possible, it’s important to properly maintain wooden decks and patios over time. Texas decks withstand all kinds of elements that could damage the wood over time if not prevented. Rain, heat, humidity, dirt, moss, mildew, and other extreme weather can take a toll on our properties, just as they can with our homes. Poorly maintained decks lead to rotting wood, splinters, permanent stains, and eventually, unsafe decks.
Make the most of your deck by following these 3 simple deck maintenance tips!
1. Keep your deck clean
Since wood is a porous material, it expands and contracts as temperatures vary. This expansion causes dirt, mold, insects, and more to have access to your wood and potentially rot it if not cleaned. At Nortex Fence, we like to use cedar wood, since it tends to be more durable and able to better withstand the elements. However, it’s still important to clean and maintain over time. It’s actually not hard to clean your deck, and you can even use some simple products you probably already have on hand.
Sweep your deck regularly to avoid long-standing build ups of dirt, leaves, or other debris. One easy and chemical free way to clean your wooden deck is to mix warm water with vinegar and baking soda. Spaying this mixture onto your deck, letting it sit for a few minutes, and then scrubbing it with a broom or other type of brush is a great and simple way to clean your deck. Then, spray off the mixture with a hose! While power washers can also be useful for deck cleaning, make sure you don’t have the pressure too high, since it can actually cause damage to the wood or strip off the paint.
2. Inspect it every year
Every spring, take a look at your deck to check for loose or rotting boards, protruding or missing nails, broken beams or railings, and any other potential issue. You want to regularly inspect your deck and make any necessary repairs in order to ensure it is a safe structure for your family and guests!
If you notice that you have significant damage to your deck, it might be time for a new one. Make sure to hire an experienced deck company in your area, that uses top materials and quality craftsmanship.
3. Maintain the paint or stain
In addition to helping the aesthetics of your deck, paint and stain both actually serve a bigger purpose of helping maintain your wood and protect it from the elements. Make sure you re-apply paint or stain as needed over time. For deck stain, you typically want to re-apply the stain every 2 or 3 years. Paint will typically last longer in between needing new coats, however, keep an eye out for chipped paint and apply spot touch ups to those areas as needed.
One of the benefits of living in Texas is that we are able to use our outdoor spaces for many months out of the year. By following these simple deck maintenance steps, you can extend the life of your deck and enjoy it for years to come!