A brief guide to deck maintenance
How to keep decks looking like new
Your deck is where it all happens in the yard… It’s what makes your outdoor space so versatile, and it’s enjoyed by every member of your family, even the dog! It’s where guests are hosted, and where events are celebrated.
Time ages us all, and decks are no exception, particularly if they are heavily used, or subject to frequent harsh weather. And so, as with every other part of the home, your deck needs active maintenance too. The materials initially chosen for your deck play a significant role in how you should best maintain your deck and the frequency of maintenance required.
Before we delve deeper, if you’re reading this blog to assess the amount of maintenance that’ll be required with your own deck that you plan to install…this is for you — DO NOT use metal screws and nails to fasten deck boards together!
Many first-time ‘deckers’ try to save a bit of cash by using screws and nails to fasten their deck boards, but this is a very costly mistake in the long run. Deck boards (particularly wooden deck boards) tend to expand and contract with changes in climate. Metal screws inhibit this expansion and contraction drastically, and as screws are rigid, the expansion and contraction of wood causes cracks and holes in the wood. In extreme conditions it can even cause deck boards to split.
As you can imagine, maintenance of cracked and split deck boards can become a real headache. So, be wise, think twice, and invest in a good quality hidden deck fastening system. There are a range of different deck fastening systems on the market that will help you to protect your deck and your wallet.
Hidden fasteners are a great idea as they aren’t visible when looking down from above. Hidden deck fastening systems also allow expansion and contraction with the seasonal changes, while protecting kids and pets from nasty screw / nail related wounds.
As promised, here are some simple ways to keep your deck looking as good as new:
1. Annual cleaning
Every deck needs a thorough annual exfoliation treatment. Don’t worry, though it might sound complicated, exfoliation simply requires an application of a deck-cleaning solution to kill any bugs that may have housed themselves in your deck. Once thoroughly scrubbed, wash with water.
2. Chemicals to avoid
There are a wide variety of deck-cleaning solutions available. A large number of them use bleach as a chief component. If you have a wooden deck, bleach may change the colour and sabotage the appeal of your deck.
3. Sealing
Surprisingly, many deck owners use paint as a sealant after receiving some bad advice. Painting may make your deck look good initially, however, after a while the deck will begin to look very distressed. It is advisable to use a sealant on hardwood decks as protection from the elements.
4. Regular upkeep
This is probably one of the most effective ways of keeping your deck looking as good as new. Don’t be misled into thinking that pressure-treated wood is entirely maintenance-free. Decks made of this material do need regular exfoliation and treatment with sealants to avoid de-colouration and damage.
These are our top 4 tips to adhere to when maintaining your deck. Happy cleaning!
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