A well-maintained custom deck enhances your outdoor living and increases your property value. However, each season presents different challenges, from winter snow to summer sun exposure. So, we’ve developed a guide containing seasonal deck maintenance tips to help homeowners keep their deck in top condition all year round.

Deck maintenance tips by season

Because each season can cause different forms of damage to your deck, we’ve separated our deck maintenance tips by season!

Spring: Inspection and Cleaning

Once spring arrives, you need to inspect your deck for winter damage. Check for cracks, warping, loose boards, or nails popping out of the boards.

You’ll want to deep clean the deck. Remove dirt, mold, and mildew buildup using a deck cleaner or mild soap. Be sure to follow directions.

Look over your deck for pests such as termites and carpenter ants which can cause structural damage.

Finally, seal and stain your deck, if needed. Generally, decks should be stained and sealed every 2-3 years, but this can vary depending on the type of stain/sealer used, the deck’s usage, and weather conditions. Spring is an ideal time to apply a fresh sealant before summer sun exposure.

You can tell if your deck needs sealed and/or stained if:

• Fading or Discoloration: The wood’s color may fade or become discolored due to exposure. 
• Dry or Old Wood: The wood may appear dry and old. 
• Water Absorption: If the deck wood absorbs water quickly, it’s a sign that the sealant is worn and needs to be reapplied. Also, ensure that spring showers are properly draining and not pooling on top of the deck which can weaken wood.

Summer: Protect Against Sun and Heat

To prevent fading and UV damage, you’ll want to use a UV-resistant deck stain or sealer. To protect your deck and yourself from the heat, consider adding a shade structure such as a pergola or an umbrella.

Don’t forget to sweep and rinse your deck regularly as dust, leaves, and pollen can collect on the surface.

Finally, continue watching for water damage and ensure there is proper drainage to avoid pooling water on or around the deck as that can weaken wood.

Fall: Preparing for Cold Weather

During fall, you’ll want to remove leaves and other debris as wet leaves can cause staining and mold growth on your deck.

Be sure to inspect railings and steps to ensure they are sturdy and safe before icy conditions set in.

It might be a good time to reapply water repellent sealant to protect against rain and snow absorption.

Once it gets too cold to enjoy your deck, store or cover your outdoor furniture to prevent damage from winter conditions.

Winter: Snow and Ice Protection

Once winter weather hits, avoid using rock salt and other harsh deicers on your deck. If you regularly utilize your deck during winter and need to remove ice to prevent slips and falls, use calcium chloride or sand instead.

When removing snow from your deck, use a plastic shovel to avoid scratching your deck.

Check for ice build-up as excess ice can weaken the wood and cause cracks.

Finally, monitor for moisture damage. Water trapped between boards can lead to rot.

Final words on seasonal deck maintenance

Regular seasonal deck maintenance extends your custom deck’s lifespan and preserves its appearance. Small efforts throughout the year can prevent costly repairs and enhance your safety.

If your deck is already starting to fall apart and you can’t imagine your home without an outdoor living space, give Daher Construction a call! We build custom wood decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens that are custom, high-end, expertly crafted and designed to your needs.