A Deck-laration of Outdoor Devotion

Tips on extending the life of your deck

Whether we're sunbathing, barbecuing or bonding with family, the recreational pursuits that can take place on our outdoor decks are always enjoyable. To best maintain your deck - and those outdoor pleasures - here are several tips:

Conduct a Deck Safety Check

Without shelter from the elements, our decks are forced to combat Mother Nature all year long and assessing a deck's safety from time to time is a good start in preventative deck maintenance.

Start by inspecting your deck to ensure it's defect- and critter-free. Next, check the stairs, hand railings and supports for stability. And don't forget that keeping the deck clean will also help avoid costly maintenance later, not to mention, discourage mildew and rotting.

Keep Your Deck Clean of Debris

Sweeping away leaves, twigs or other organic debris that can stain the deck's surface is a good idea, and for those cracks and hard-to-reach areas, a putty knife can work to remove leftover residue. Another great tip in deck maintenance is to rent a power washer to spray away remaining dirt and mildew stains. It will revitalize the deck's surface.

Seal Your Deck with a Quality Preservative

After you've properly cleaned your deck and checked for cracking, splitting and rotting, you're ready to begin sealing, but replacing a decaying deck can be expensive and improper sealing can lead to decay.

Seal your deck properly with a waterproof preservative. Sealing your deck creates a barrier between the natural wood and Mother Nature's ever-changing elements. When selecting a waterproof preservative, look for one that will repel water for approximately two years. And don't skimp on the deck's bottom and sides. They take in a lot of moisture and also need protection.

Don't Skimp on Deck Sunscreen!

Sure we protect ourselves with sunscreen, but what about ours decks? Believe it or not, decks need sunscreen too! If your deck resembles driftwood, a U.V. wood finish can protect your deck from harmful rays that fade and prematurely age the wood. Unlike a surface sealer, the oils found in a wood finish actually penetrate deep into the grain, renewing the overall look while protecting it against moisture damage.

Good Luck!

- Lou