How to Care for Wood Deck Patio

Maintaining your wood deck ensures you can enjoy it for many years.

The wood in your deck or patio doesn't stand a chance against Mother Nature without a little help from you. A well-maintained wood deck or patio adds value to any home. This feature not only increases a home's financial worth, but also provides a relaxing retreat for your family in your own yard. On the contrary, a poorly maintained deck can detract from your home's value and become an eyesore. Learn to properly care for the investment you've made in your deck by giving it a fighting chance against the elements, and the investment will pay dividends year after year.

Things You'll Need

• Outdoor broom
• Low-pressure power washer
• Bleach
• Laundry detergent
• Soft-bristled cleaning brush
• Cedar plant stands
• Snow shovel
• Water sealant with UV blocker

Instructions

1. 

   Don't allow leaves to pile up on a wood deck or patio.

   Keep the deck surface clean and free of yard debris such as fallen leaves. Remove any small tree branches or sticks that get wedged between deck boards. Moisture tends to accumulate between a wooden patio and any buildup of leaves there. This moisture can cause the wood to rot or lead to mold or mildew buildup. As needed, use a low pressure power washer to remove debris, moss or mildew buildup.

2. 

   Use a cleaning brush with soft bristles to help remove mildew buildup.

   Use a homemade or store-bought solution to clean any mildew buildup that can't be removed with a low-pressure power washer. Mix your own mildew-killing solution with 3 qts. of water, 1 qt. of bleach and 1/3 cup of dry laundry detergent or 1/4 cup of liquid dish detergent. Apply the solution to the entire deck surface and let it stand for up to 15 minutes. Rinse with clear water. If needed, use soft-bristled brush to work the solution into any areas with thick concentrations of mildew before rinsing.

3. 

   Planters left in the same place all year can discolor a deck.

   Periodically rotate any planters on the wood deck patio. This prevents the wood from becoming stained. If the planters are too heavy to move frequently, place them on top of cedar plant stands to allow air to flow underneath the pots. Cedar is naturally resistant to rotting when left in contact with your deck.

4. 

   Seal the deck before the first snowfall to minimize water damage.

   Remove snow by shoveling along the grain of the wooden boards. Use a shovel with an edge that will not splinter or cut the wood. Avoid using ice and snow melting products like rock salt as they may alter the wood's finish. Prompt snow removal should decrease the likelihood of ice formation as the snow melts and/or refreezes.

5. 

   Be sure your deck sealant contains a sun blocker.

   Apply a sealant with a sun blocker to the wood every one or two years to protect from water and sun damage. If you live in a region with extreme temperatures or harsh weather conditions, use a sealant each year. Thoroughly clean the deck before sealing. If applying the sealant after rainfall or washing, allow it to dry for a day or two before proceeding.

Tips & Warnings

• Check to see if your deck needs to be sealed by applying a few drops of water to one of the boards. If the water doesn't bead up and is absorbed, it's time to add a sealant.

• Be sure that the liquid or powder detergent in the deck wash solution does not contain ammonia.

References

• University of Tennessee Knoxville: Care for Wood Decks
• Home Tips: Wood Deck Maintenance
• HomeOwnernet: Wood Deck Maintenance