Deck Maintenance Tips | Modern Contractor Solutions (2023)

FAQs

What is the best way to maintain a deck? ›

Clean the deck by spraying a biodegradable outdoor cleaner that removes mildew. Scrub with a stiff bristle brush, using an extension handle, if necessary. Then rinse the deck with a garden hose. Pressure washing is an option, but follow instructions to avoid damaging the wood.

DO clean the deck thoroughly once a year. Your deck needs an annual exfoliation so protective sealers can seep deeper into the wood. When it's dry and moderately warm—60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit—apply an appropriate deck-cleaning solution with a roller or sprayer to kill mold and bacteria.

A: Yes. The answer is simple enough, but it really should be remembered that it's important to remove all dirt and contaminants from the surface of wood to ensure proper stain penetration and maximum durability of wood stains. These cleaning tips will help you properly prepare your deck before staining it.

Typically, homeowners should restain horizontal surfaces such as decks every two to three years. Poor deck upkeep will decrease the time you have to enjoy the deck before restaining it, while good deck upkeep may give you another year or two before you need to restain the deck.

Apply a high-quality oil-based (recommended) or water-based finish with UV protection to slow down the process of wood turning gray from exposure to the sun. Apply a water repellent sealer at least every two years. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for new and re-application.

To stop the rot, you must prevent or limit your deck's exposure. Over time, this will involve regular sweeping and cleaning to prevent damp leaves or debris buildup. It will mean sealing any exposed wood, then install flashing and caulk where needed.

If you are preparing your deck for the first time, you will want to sand it to remove the mill glaze from the wood before staining it, but it won't need to sanded for many years (or ever if properly maintained) when washed or cleaned without a pressure washer.

For most decks, sealing once each year is a good rule of thumb. Depending on the condition of your deck this can be adjusted, but keep in mind that you should never go beyond three years maximum before re-sealing and staining.

In many cases, you need to seal a wood deck once a year. The more foot traffic and sun exposure your deck gets, the more often you need to apply deck sealant. The type of product, the thickness of the sealant coat, and the mold/salt protection also affect the lifespan of wood sealer.

Pressure Wash to Remove Dirt and Soap. Allow Deck to Dry. Apply Sealant or Stain. Allow the Deck to Dry for 24 to 48 Hours.

What happens if you don't wash your deck before staining? ›

Cleaning a deck before you apply stain ensures that the surface is clean (no dust, dirt, wood fibers or grease), dry and free from mildew. When a surface is not clean, stains and other finishes have trouble sticking and may end up peeling.

Wood stain and wood sealant are two different products, each designed to add different characteristics to your deck. You don't necessarily have to choose between staining and sealing. Some products can combine both properties, or you can add both to your deck.

Traditional wood deck: Typically 10 to 15 years. Capped composite: Industry experts agree these boards can last 25 to 30+ years. Capped polymer (the best of the best): Because of its superior material composition, capped polymer boards can last much longer, potentially 50 years or more.

A deck made of untreated wood can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Decks made of treated wood and composite materials can last as long as 50 years. Many composite decks come with a 20-year warranty – and often a lifetime guarantee.

After 6 months, the wood will start to lose its color and will begin to fade. Ultimately it will fade to grey or silver. This is not a problem in and of itself, and some people prefer this look for their decks. You will see what is called checking of the wood.

Wooden Decks Made from Pressure-Treated Lumber

So while it will resist a lot of the environmental changes that the weather brings, it might not be the ideal material for everyone. If you maintain and seal your pressure-treated deck, it can last you around 50 years.

The impact of water above a 500 psi setting on a pressure washer, as well as bleaches and oxidizers, can damage the wood fibers and are not recommended for deck cleaning.

Any stain that is designed for exterior use will work to stain pressure treated wood. While you will find oil-based stains and latex stains, most homeowners prefer using oil-based stains for pressure-treated wood. Oil-based stains completely soak into the wood, creating a barrier against water penetration.

One popular remedy for wood rot is vinegar because vinegar's acidity has the ability to act as a fungicide that kills off fungal spores.

It is not safe for wooden decks. The chloride component of the salt absorbs moisture from the wood. When the wood is left dry, it fails to perform its natural contraction and expansion process, thus corrodes soon. Rock salt is not only unsafe to use on wood but also concrete, asphalt, as well as bricks.

Why is my deck rotting so fast? ›

Moisture and pooling water on decks can lead to rot and decay. Because dry rot is a fungus, it can spread like a cancer throughout a deck. Dry rot is caused by microorganisms that eat the cellulose from the wood leaving it brittle.

Power-wash your deck in spring before the warm season begins to remove the buildup of winter grime, mildew, and debris. Get your deck ready for your next BBQ by power-washing your deck on a warm summer day. Fall is also a great time to wash your deck.

Liquid dish soap (ammonia-free) is safe for use on cleaning your deck when mixed with a little warm water. Simply mix 1 gallon of water, 2 tablespoons of ammonia-free dish soap (such as Murphy's), 1 pint of rubbing alcohol, and 1 quart of oxygen bleach.

Generally speaking, a good principle is to have the deck pressure-washed when the temperatures remain above 52 degrees both at night and during the day without rain or other condensation for several days. This allows the deck to dry as quickly as possible.

Usually, late summer and early fall are the best times for deck restoration and sealing. However, if your area experiences typically drier springtime weather or summertime temps that don't get too hot, you can likely schedule deck sealing anytime between early April and late October.

How long will Water Seal last? If applied correctly, Water Seal will last up to 4 years.

Because you want to wait for days that aren't excessively hot or humid, the best times to apply deck stains are in the late spring and early fall, when the weather is moderately warm and dry. Check the weather and find a time when it's not expected to rain for two days before and following the deck treatment.

The cost to resurface a standard 200-square-foot deck is between $500 and $1,400 or around $1,000 on average. Included in this price is sanding and repainting or staining the deck. This price range varies depending on the type of resurfacing materials used and the size of your deck.

The average deck refinishing cost is between $3 and $6 per square foot. Of course, this is just an average. Other factors, such as the condition of your deck, the type of wood it is made of, and the type of stain or sealer you use, can also affect the price.

Size. The cost to seal a deck is around $0.75 to $4 per square foot for the sealant, application materials, and professional labor. If you plan to DIY, you can expect to spend about $0.25 to $1 per square foot in material costs.

Does pressure washing damage decks? ›

Potential Damage Caused by Power Washing Your Deck

Wood decks are especially vulnerable to power washing. The pressure exerted by the power washer can easily lead to splintering. If any area on the wood deck is already beginning to split apart, power washing can cause that split area to expand.

Let your deck dry completely — give it at least 48 hours before applying a deck sealer.

We'd also recommend using a deck brightener before staining your deck, though this step isn't required. Deck cleaners, such as the Wood Deck Cleaner and Brightener by DeckWise or the TimberTech Deck Cleaner, will lift and remove any stuck-on grime from your wood deck boards.

The key to staining on the same day as prep is to allow all the visible water to dry off the deck. It can be applied to damp wood to the touch not soaking wet wood. Make sure that when applying you only apply as much stain as the wood can absorb. Do not over apply a semi-transparent deck stain.

The primary pro with stain is that it provides protection to the deck surface. This includes for all things, including UV rays, mold, and mildew. However, a sealer is still needed on top of a stain since a sealer alone will not provide a sealed surface. A stain is also available in an array of colors.

Stain offers little to no moisture protection, while sealant offers tremendous moisture protection. Conversely, clear sealants offer little to no UV resistance, while the pigment in many stains can act as a UV barrier for the wood.

So, after looking at the list above, is it better to stain or paint a deck? Make the smarter choice by choosing to stain your wood deck. It provides more protection against the elements while preserving any wood material's natural beauty and elegance, giving you a timeless look that doesn't fade.

Ipe wood is the longest-lasting decking material thanks to its density. Your ipe wood deck could last up to 75 years. In comparison, pressure-treated wood may only last up to 15 years.

Fall is the perfect time to build a deck. There's a common misconception that decks should only be built in the spring or summer, but autumn is actually an ideal time to begin building your deck.

What lasts the longest on a deck? ›

Opaque: Sometimes called “solid deck stain,” this product contains the highest percentage of pigment and can protect wood the longest, requiring a recoat every 4 to 5 years. Opaque stain, also the densest, completely hides the wood grain. It offers the most coverage short of applying a deck paint.

The labor cost to build a deck runs, on average, $15 – $35 per square foot. Deck materials that are easier to install, like cedar and bamboo, are cheaper.

Is it better to stain or paint your deck? It is better to stain your deck if you want a natural look and paint your deck if you want to add color. Stain is easier to apply and easier on the wood, but painting gives a more protective barrier and lasts longer.

Paint lasts longer.

Oil-based paints offer the best protection from moisture, whereas latex paints provide the best defense against UV-related fading. Stain finishes on decks are more short-lived, lasting from one to eight years before requiring re-application.

The bad news is that if the wood is not sealed the lumber will begin to wear at a far faster rate than it would without that protective layer. Exact figures are hard to place, as your home's microclimate and the quality of lumber used will determine the speed of the weathering.

If you have a covered deck, try using the roller to reach those high spaces. For your wide surfaces, like the main surface of the deck, consider using the sprayer. This will allow you to make sure that your whole deck is covered with the paint or stain of your choosing.

For most decks, sealing once each year is a good rule of thumb. Depending on the condition of your deck this can be adjusted, but keep in mind that you should never go beyond three years maximum before re-sealing and staining.

Beware Pressure Washing Damage

If you have timber deck boards, a power washer's pressure may cause splintering and damage to the timber fibres. If the timber surface already has some splintering, pressure washing will only exacerbate the issue.

A quality paint job, finished by a trusted professional, can last for ten years before needing repainting. Conversely, stains need reapplied every few years because they don't offer the same protection against outdoor elements.

What holds up better on a deck stain or paint? ›

But in a head-to-head of painting vs. staining the deck, paint generally comes out as the more durable and colorfast finish, lasting 10 years or longer before requiring re-application. Oil-based paints offer the best protection from moisture, whereas latex paints provide the best defense against UV-related fading.

Is it better to stain or paint your deck? It is better to stain your deck if you want a natural look and paint your deck if you want to add color. Stain is easier to apply and easier on the wood, but painting gives a more protective barrier and lasts longer.

Summer is generally the best time to waterproof your deck because it gives you the opportunity to clean it thoroughly and seal it properly without worrying about rain. It takes about two to three days for a deck to completely dry out after sealing and you'll need up to six days for it to be fully functional again.

A deck made of untreated wood can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Decks made of treated wood and composite materials can last as long as 50 years.

For clear sealer, the deck surface and air temperature must be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit during application and drying time. For deck stain, the deck surface and air temperature should be between 50 and 95 Fahrenheit for application and drying.