Renew Your Deck: Proper Care and Maintenance

During the warmer months many people enjoy using their decks to retreat and relax. However, decks are vulnerable to inclement weather all year round. Though they’re built to stand up against the elements, your deck can be put to the test by snow and ice, heavy rains and even harsh winds. Deck cleaning and deck staining are essential home maintenance tasks that will keep your deck looking its best.

Consult the experts at your local True Value hardware store for guidance in proper deck maintenance and care. Here are some tips to get you started:

Clean Your Deck
Stain Your Deck

Clean Your Deck

Experienced Paint Project: Renew Your Deck: Clean

Decks that are cleaned at least once a year last longer and look better. Not only will cleaning your deck give it a fresh look and protect against water damage; it will also help maintain the integrity of the wood.

Helpful Tip:

The optimal outdoor temperature range for cleaning and treating your deck is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 1. Prepare Surface
Before you start this home improvement, remove everything from the deck, including furniture and potted plants. Lightly cover any delicate or fragile ground plants near the deck with plastic wrap to protect them. Sweep off loose debris with a broom and clean between the cracks using a slender stick or tool. Sand splintered areas with a pole sander, repair damaged boards and hammer in popped-up nails.

Step 2. Spray it Down
Use a garden hose or a pressure washer to spray the surface of the deck, forcing away dirt, dust, oil and grease. Begin at one end of the deck and continue until you have rinsed the entire surface area and removed as much dirt as possible. If you use a pressure washer, keep the pressure set to less than 1,000 pounds per square inch and leave a few feet between the spray nozzle and the deck to avoid damaging the wood. Set it to spray a fan of water to push dirt and debris away faster. Spray between the decking boards to eliminate any remaining debris.

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Experienced Paint Project: Renew Your Deck: Apply Cleaners & Brighteners

Step 3. Apply Cleaners & Brighteners
Deck cleaning products or deck “brighteners" are available in a variety of types and strengths. Some offer a special chlorine bleach formula for eliminating mold, mildew and algae. Be aware that chlorine bleach can necessitate more frequent cleanings. Consider trying a non-chlorine bleach cleaner instead.

Make sure your deck is compatible with whatever cleaner you choose, especially if you have a soft-wood deck such as redwood or cedar. Consult the instructions to determine whether to start with a dry or wet deck. Try to clean on a calm day to keep wind from blowing the cleaning agent around the yard. Use a deck stain applicator to apply the cleaner to the entire deck. Do not allow cleaner to puddle in any area.

Scrub tough areas with a stiff brush or a broom, but avoid using wire brushes which can break off into the wood and cause rust spots. Let the cleaner soak into the wood for about 10-15 minutes according to product instructions, then rinse thoroughly with a hose.

Safety Alert!

Cleaners contain bleaching agents, so wear protective clothing, safety goggles and rubber gloves when applying.

Step 4. Let dry
Allow cleaner to dry completely before replacing furniture and potted plants.

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Stain or Seal Your Deck

Deck staining or deck sealing are great ways to renew the look of your entire backyard. Both methods protect your deck from sun and water damage, help it resist mildew and prevent fading in high traffic areas.

Step 1. Choose a Stain
Inexpensive deck sealers, such as clear or tinted water repellent, provide only basic protection and are usually not lasting. Instead, choose semi-transparent or solid stains for more comprehensive, lasting protection. Semi-transparent stains last about three to four years; solid stains can last five years or more depending on the weather. Solid stains also carry the benefit of being available in a wide variety of colors. Because they contain a significant amount of pigment they are useful for covering up the damaged wood fibers of weathered wood with color.

Helpful Tips:

When choosing a stain, remember that the finished color varies based on the wood itself. If you are applying a new stain over an old one choose a color that is similar to, or darker than, the original. Test the stain in an inconspicuous area to ensure you are satisfied with its color and appearance on the wood.
Do not apply a liquid-resistant sealer prior to deck staining or the solution will be unable to soak into the wood.

Step 2. Check for Mill Glaze
Mill glaze is a hard surface that sometimes gets left behind on new wood after the milling process. Because it can hinder the effectiveness of protective stains, it is helpful to test for mill glaze by placing a few drops of water on the wood surface. If you haven't treated your deck previously and the water is not readily absorbed into the wood, mill glaze could be present. Sand the entire surface or treat with a mill glaze removal solution and retest to make sure your surface is ready to stain.

Safety Alert!

Wear protective clothing, safety goggles and rubber gloves when deck staining to prevent skin irritation.

Helpful Tip:

Optimal temperature range for refinishing wooden decks is between 50 and 90 degrees F. Do not apply stain in direct sunlight as it will dry too quickly and not absorb.

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Step 3. Apply Stain
After thoroughly cleaning the deck, stir the stain. Apply a thin, even coat using a paint roller with an extension handle, covering three boards at a time. Do not allow the stain to puddle. Repeat the process until the entire deck is covered. Use a paint brush to cover corners and other difficult areas such as steps, railings, board ends and cracks. Apply two coats if desired.

Safety Alert!