Keeping your deck in working order over the years is a continuous effort. Making sure it’s prepared to face the elements every day and stand up to anything you throw at it may seem daunting, but you’ll learn everything you need to know right here at One Man & A Toolbox.
From building a deck and choosing its materials to keeping it protected against the weather with proper washing and staining, this article will help you through it. Even if something should happen to your deck that calls for replacement parts, there’s a solution to your problem.
1. Choosing the Right Material
If you don’t have a deck yet and are in the market to build one or have one assembled, the decision of what material to use couldn’t be more critical. As Better Homes & Gardens recommends, classic wood options such as cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine, are one surefire way to go.
If you decide to get a pressure-treated option, you’ll be setting yourself up to deal with insects and water damage a bit less, but it will involve just as much sanding and proper cleaning. Alternatives to wood altogether include composite materials and even aluminum.
Regardless of what you choose, you should be aware of the proper maintenance of each material and the unique drawbacks they might have. Needing unique steps to clean is no reason to be afraid of choosing the material you want, but make sure you know what those steps are before buying.
2. Properly Washing Your Deck
Before you start washing, make sure to remove leaves, dead bugs, and any small bits of the great outdoors that you don’t want accidentally sprayed onto your deck. Our One Man & A Toolbox overview on deck maintenance has some simple steps to follow, like mixing OxiClean with the water you use at a one-cup-to-gallon ratio if your deck is especially messy.
Using water from a hose is fine for your deck as long as you properly apply sealant or wood stain at regular intervals. If your water has particularly high mineral content, you may want to consider mixing in OxiClean or applying an extra sealant to compensate for the abrasive nature of your water. This bit of extra care can go a long way in preserving your deck.
3. Staining Your Deck
Applying a wood stain to your deck is an almost identical process to using a sealant. There are subtle differences, such as wood stain protecting your deck from UV rays that can dry out your boards and cause them to crack and lose their desired color.
Regardless of if you are sealing or staining your deck, make sure you know what variety of wood your deck is built out of. You must get the appropriate sealant or stain. When you plan out your staining, Home Depot recommends allowing for at least two days of clear weather and staying off the deck to make sure it dries properly.
4. How to Replace Damaged Parts of Your Deck
Keeping a lookout for even slight structural damage in the individual components of your deck is crucial to avoiding damage for as long as possible. The base, railings, floorboards, and any support beams are all vital components of your deck and could end up rotting without proper care.
If your deck gets damaged, be sure to reach out for help before the issue becomes significant. Finding the same materials to replace damaged parts of your deck is a good first step, but getting in touch with a service like ours at One Man & A Tool Box will be your best bet.
Conclusion: How Difficult Is It to Maintain Your Deck?
Deck repair and maintenance do not have to be overly involved or challenging. Though you are rewarded by keeping consistent upkeep habits, it won’t take all of your time.
At One Man & A Tool Box, we provide comprehensive services for both homes and businesses and can assist you with a team of professional handymen.