Five Smart Tips to Maintain and Protect Wooden Decks

Wooden decks are an amazing way to extend your living area and a low-cost solution to create a relaxing outdoor. They open up the current space of your home and give it the much-desired visual appeal without carrying out major renovations.

But, wood is wood. With time, decks take a major hit due to the daily footfall and constant exposure to changing weather. Sunlight causes this wooden structure to fade quickly and the pooled rainwater attracts pollens and mold growth; further fading, splintering or tearing apart the entire surface.

Hence, considering the value of your investment, home experts suggest a few preventive measures that can slow down the aging of your wooden deck and make it more enjoyable for years to come:

1.      Carry Out Regular Inspections

The first thing that your maintenance plan should dictate is the parameter to evaluate the actual condition of your deck. You should know when it is time to inspect your deck and get it repaired. You should go around your deck often and look for any loose boards or protruding nails that need fixing. Also, clear off all the unwanted furniture and check-in for any moisture damages that happened lately.

2.     Use Mild Cleaners

For older and frayed decks, a deck cleaner is a viable solution to give a newer and fresher appearance. But, you have to be careful about what you pick. Deck cleaner comes in both bleach and non-bleach formulas. Although they both work well in removing the accumulated dirt and dust, the former ones can lighten and damage the wooden fibers immensely. So, always read the label before you pick any product.

3.     Pressure Washing is a Must

Home cleaning shouldn’t be just limited to the interiors and include outdoors as well. Just like your carpets, upholstery, and other parts of the property, your deck needs a thorough cleaning too. By pressure washing, you can ensure squeaky clean wooden decks and safeguard them from damage. However, be careful not to pressure stream in one place for too long. Keep moving it to avoid damaging the wood.

4.     Apply High-Quality Paints or Stains

While a lot of homeowners get their wooden decks painted, many others stick with the natural beauty of wood by resorting to stained finishes. In case, you do choose to paint, make sure you use some stain-blocking oil or a primer first. Buy the ones that soak into the wood and don’t just provide a surface coating.

5.     Reseal the Deck

Once your deck is dry, apply a sealant by brushing, rolling or spraying. Use quality sealants that contain UV rays protection to reduce the bad effects of the sun. Choose either the oils or the film coatings but apply two-three coats to fully protect the exposed timber and later, finish off with a waterproof deck coating for further safety.