Keeping your wood deck in good repair takes some periodic maintenance, but the effort pays off in added years of enjoyment. 

This article provides three key steps for properly caring for your deck: conducting thorough inspections, promptly fixing identified issues, and protecting the wood from moisture and sun damage. 

Following these basic guidelines for deck maintenance prevents small problems from becoming big headaches down the road.


1. Inspect the Deck

Staying vigilant is vital for deck care. Catching issues early prevents small problems from becoming expensive deck repairs later. Regularly check for:

  • Loose nails. Set protruding nails flush or replace them with deck screws. Ensure floorboards align evenly to prevent tripping hazards. Check the sturdiness of handrails. Examine hardware like joist hangers and ledger boards, replacing corroded fasteners.
  • Cracks and warps. Scrutinize all boards, replacing badly damaged ones and warped posts, rails, and supports.
  • Dry rot. This fungus permanently damages wood. Look for dark moisture stains, soft, spongy areas, musty odors, and wood digesting beneath the surface.
  • Surface growth. Gray, black, or greenish-white mold, mildew, algae, and moss can stain, pit, or weaken deck boards. Keep areas dry to prevent surface growth. 
  • Debris. Leaves and pine needles hold moisture against wood. After removing them, clean them with a spray-and-rinse deck wash.
Today’s Homeowner Tips

Check high-risk moisture-prone areas under the deck at least twice yearly — early spring and late fall are ideal. 


2. Repair Damaged Areas

Once located, fix problems before they spread. In my experience, these tips help repair damaged areas:

  • Recoat cracked boards where they are stained and worn. For more extensive cracks, use a deck crack filler before restaining. Always replace badly splitting boards.
  • Address issues ASAP. Little problems become significant expenses if left unchecked. Dry rot can severely undermine structures if neglected. Staying on top of maintenance saves money and headaches.

3. Protect and Maintain the Deck

Sealing wood against water and sun preserves it. 

Most experts recommend restaining every few years. Choose quality stains containing waterproofing sealants. Olympic Elite Exterior Stain and Sealant, specially made for decks, is an ideal product.

Periodically check for and tighten any loose hardware, as vibration and use can cause screws, nails, and bolts to become loose over time.

(Credit: ©Sayayute, Adobe Stock Photos)

It’s also important to keep the deck clear of excess moisture and debris by sweeping and mopping the boards after storms and not allowing water or damp leaves to pool and sit. 

When boards do get wet, let them dry fully between rains to prevent warping. Heavy snow can damage decking, so promptly remove heavy accumulations before the weight of the snow or ice causes cracks or splintering. Additionally, check below for sharp edges that may scratch or dent the deck boards when moved. Staying on top of these key maintenance tasks will help your deck look its best and deliver years of good service.

Today’s Homeowner Tips

Staying on top of basic maintenance saves money over the long run by extending usefulness and avoiding costly repairs. 


Conclusion: Is Deck Care Difficult?

Caring for decks requires periodic effort — inspection, cleaning, repairs, and restaining. But proper maintenance greatly extends your deck’s life span, saving you significant money. Consistent care yields dividends for years to come.


Frequently Asked Questions

Does staining help protect wood decks?

Yes, restaining seal boards prevents moisture damage. Quality stains contain UV blockers, mildewcides, and water repellants, too, providing you with additional value.


How can I make deckboards last?

Based on my experience, frequent cleaning, staining, sealing, and fixing minor issues as they appear to keep deck boards sound longer.


What is the most durable deck wood?

Decay-resistant woods like cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated ones resist rot, moisture, and insects. They better withstand weathering and wear.


Should all bad boards be replaced at once?

No, it’s OK to spot-replace damaged planks individually over time — there is no need to replace good boards.


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Coty Perry

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