Decks have become an extremely popular, low-cost way to add living space to a home. Decks make it convenient to enjoy sitting outside day or night. They open up the home and facilitate entertaining and outdoor dining. Yet, decks are also subject to the damaging effects of weather. As such, deck maintenance is critical to prevent discoloration caused by dirt, moss, algae, and other plants. These deck enemies tear apart the surface of the wood.
Basic Deck Maintenance
1. Inspect and Prepare the Deck
As part of your deck maintenance, you should inspect your deck every year or two. Check especially for any loose boards or protruding nails that need repair. Clear the deck of any furniture or toys and cover all fragile plants. Next, sweep the deck of larger debris. Before beginning the cleaning process, make sure no children have access to the area.
2. Clean the Deck
Before you can apply sealant, you must thoroughly clean the deck of all dirt and build-up. Debris clogging the spaces between deck boards should first be blasted out with a powerful nozzle on a garden hose or a power washer. The water can also help dilute any chemicals that may inadvertently come into contact with plants and grass. (Even with mild solutions may contain plant-killing bleach.) Products with a base of non-chlorine bleach base or oxalic acid are used to eliminate discoloration and stains.
3. Paint or Stain the Deck
Though some people choose to paint their decks with deck paint, most take advantage of the natural beauty of expensive decking woods by using a clear or lightly stained finish for their deck. If you do choose to paint, use a stain-blocking oil or alkyd primer first. In general, the best finishes are those that soak into the wood, not those that provide a surface film. A heavily pigmented, solid stain isn’t really recommended for decking because it shows wear patterns and may peel.
4. Seal the Deck
Once the area is dry, you must seal the deck. Put down tarps to protect plants, air conditioners, and other items that need protection from the sealant. The level of protection needed depends in part on how you are going to apply the sealant. Sealant can be brushed on, rolled on with a paint roller, or sprayed on. Spraying is the fastest by far, but this is also the hardest to control.
Sealants come in either water- or oil-based formulas. Professional sealants, which are typically superior, are oil-based. Some contain stain to tint the color of the deck. Sealants with stain don’t always deliver a uniform color across the wood, so try it first in an out-of-the-way spot to make sure the results match your expectations. A good quality sealant will also contain ultraviolet sunlight protection to reduce the damaging effects of the sun.