Revitalize your wood deck for years to come with these care and maintenance tips
Whether it’s grilling in the summer or lounging in the fall, your deck is likely one of your favorite spots—or could be with the proper care. With a little annual maintenance and resealing every few years, your wood deck can be protected from the elements and showcase the beauty of the wood.
Follow these expert tips to ensure the job is done right and that your deck lasts a lifetime.
1. Set a Schedule for Your Deck Maintenance
Determine and stick to a regular deck cleaning schedule to help prolong the durability, look, and longevity of your wood deck. Wood deck maintenance should include repairs and resealing at least once every two or three years, although some sealants provide protection for up to five years.
Set a calendar reminder so you know when your deck needs resealing, or opt for an easy-to-remember pattern, such as resealing the deck during every even-numbered year.
If you forgo resealing your deck longer than two or three years, the wood becomes more exposed and breaks down. You may end up having to replace some or all of your deck.
2. Do an Annual Check and Clean
At least once a year, do a thorough inspection of your deck, looking for loose nails, bolts, and floorboards. Watch for split wood, mold, rot, corrosion, wobbling, and weak handrails. Repair, replace, and fortify any parts that need it.
Once your deck is inspected and repaired, be sure to sweep the entire surface at least once a year. Move your deck furniture, grill, and plants out of the way. Remove branches, twigs, leaves, and any other residue. You can powerwash or mop your deck each year as well, but be sure to do it on a light setting so you don’t damage the wood grain.
3. Choose the Right Stain or Sealant
Sealants
Sealants protect your wood deck from moisture, UV rays, foot traffic, and general use. Sealants also tend to have more water repellent properties than stains. They are usually clear, so they showcase the beauty of your wood, but don’t offer as much UV protection as stains.
Both oil and water-based sealants work well on wood decks. Oil tends to last longer, usually up to three to five years, but is more labor-intensive to apply. Oil also takes longer to dry, but no matter which product you use, you’ll want to ensure your sealant fully dries before walking on it or placing any furniture on it.
Stains
Stains include some pigmentation and range from light tints to opaque tones. Stains provide excellent UV protection but aren’t as resistant to moisture damage. Most stains last two to three years, but how often you should stain your deck depends on the type of wood and the stain product you use.
You can also paint your deck, which offers some protection against moisture and UV rays, but not as much as sealants and stains. Paint usually wears off more easily and quickly, so you need to reapply it more often.
4. Have the Right Tools and Equipment
When sanding and sealing your deck, be sure you have the protective equipment, tools, and supplies at the ready. Be sure to also protect your eyes from dust and chemicals. Tools and equipment you’ll need include:
Pole sander
80-grit sandpaper
Plastic sheeting
Pressure washer
Bristle brush
Deck cleaner
Gloves
Safety mask
Stain or sealant
Roller with pole extender
Sprayer (for large decks)
Brushes
5. Cover Your Plants and Siding Before Cleaning or Sealing
Wet the plants and shrubs that surround your deck, then cover them with plastic sheeting. This prevents spotting and damage to your plants while sealing or staining. Protect your home’s siding, too, by covering it with plastic or paper.
6. Use a Pressure Washer for Cleaning, but be Gentle
While you can wash your deck with a brush or bristle broom, pressure washing is faster and more thorough. Use a gentle or low setting and a spray or wide fin so you don’t damage your wood.
Pressure washing removes surface build-up, tree dirt, and small debris. You can clean with just water or use a deck cleaning solution, but avoid chlorine bleach products, as they deteriorate deck sealant. Oxygen bleach and hydrogen peroxide are safe products.
7. Wait for Your Deck to Dry Completely Before Sealing
It takes up to 48 hours for your deck’s wood to dry after cleaning or pressure washing it. Your stain or sealant will absorb properly when your wood is completely dry.
8. Check the Weather
Plan for at least two consecutive days of dry, moderate weather when the temperature is between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain or lots of direct sunlight can impact how well your deck seals.
9. Sand Your Deck Before Sealing
To ensure a smooth, adhesive surface for your sealant, sand your deck first. A pole sander makes the job quick and easy. A power sander is overkill and could cause damage to your deck. Choose 80-grit sandpaper to ensure you remove splinters and rough spots. Once you sand the surface, sweep off the remaining dust and wood particles.
10. Focus on Even Application
A roller—or sprayer for large decks—helps you apply sealant evenly. When the sealant is even, it looks pristine and ensures every inch of your deck is protected. If you spray your deck, you still want to use a roller afterward to ensure uniform coverage.
Push your roller back and forth so the sealant makes its way into the cracks of your wood grain. Watch for and roll away drips and pooling, especially on vertical spots. For railings and posts, use brushes or a smaller roller.
11. Apply Two Coats and Wait for It to Dry
For most sealants and stains, two coats are recommended for maximum durability and longevity. In general, you’ll need to wait four hours after your first coat before applying the second.
Review the instructions that came with your sealant, but in general, it’s recommended to wait 24 to 48 hours after your second coat to walk on or put furniture on your newly sealed deck.
12. Consider a Deck Refinishing Professional
Refinishing a deck usually takes a day or two, in addition to repairs and cleaning. A meticulous sealing job ensures ample coverage, longevity, and appearance. If refinishing a wood deck isn’t up your alley or not how you want to spend a free weekend, consider hiring a deck repair and finishing professional.
Other Tips for Deck Maintenance and Repair
Routinely sweep and shovel your deck to remove debris, dirt, leaves, and snow. Continual maintenance will protect your deck from moisture and dirt damage.
Move your furniture, plants, and grill on occasion to avoid uneven fading and wear.
Use a grease catcher for your grill to avoid hard-to-remove stains.
Trim trees and bushes to be at least a foot from your deck to avoid moss, and moisture damage.
Repair damaged spots, protruding nails, and weak areas as soon as you notice them to avoid further damage.
