Maintenance Concerns


Proper deck maintenance depends on the type of material you select. To remain safe and pleasant to walk on, a wood deck should be finished within 30 days or as soon as is practical following construction, and it must be cleaned and refinished every 2-3 years. If you’re looking for a maintenance-free deck, you should choose a synthetic material. Here are a few maintenance isues to take into account:

Tints do more than bring a splash of color to your deck; they also contain UV-absorbing chemicals to protect the wood from sun damage.

Use a stain pad or a stain pad/sprayer  to apply the stain to the deck. This helps “push” the stain deep into the wood. If you use a sprayer, wipe up extra puddles with the pad to make sure you have an even application.

Remove debris from the cracks in your deck. Leaves and other detritus attract moisture, which can damage wood.

Do not use bleach to clean a wood deck, as this will damage the wood.

Clean up mold ASAP Mold is especially damaging to cedar, so you should be sure you clean up any mold right away. Additionally, all decks need to be carefully washed every 2-3 years. Your deck will be exposed to moisture from the elements, and moisture attracts fungi and mold, which must be removed to protect the structural integrity of the deck.