Deck Maintenance

"If you look after it, it'll last longer." That's the simple truth to a lot of things. Decks are no exception.

If you inspect your deck yearly, do repairs as they come up, and clean and refinish on schedule, then your deck will stand the test of time.

Deck Inspection and Repairs

Picture of a loose deck board that needs to be repaired. You should inspect your deck annually to determine what needs fixing. Safety, looks, and deck longevity are all at stake so it's worth your time.

Check for popped nails. Hammer raised nail heads to below the deck surface.
Check that fasteners are secure and that railings are bolted securely. Railings should be secured with though-bolts not nails or screws.
Look for cracks in the decking and splintered floor boards. Use a sander to smooth rough areas. If a splinter is large, use a chisel to remove and then re-sand.
Replace broken boards or damaged/rotting wood.
Check for loose boards and re-attach with wood/decking screws.
Check for mold and mildew. Remove with deck cleaning products, soapy water, or oxygen bleach.
Check stairs and replace damaged treads if necessary.

Cleaning Your Deck

Once you've made all the necessary deck repairs, clean your deck properly to get rid of algae, mildew, stains, and other debris. Here's a checklist of all the cleaning tools and cleaning agents you'll need. More

Refinishing Your Deck

Once you've cleaned your deck, let it dry completely before moving on the next step. Refinishing.

And how do you know it's time to refinish your deck? Here's a handy tip from Lowes: Sprinkle some water on the deck and see if it is absorbed or if the droplets bead up. If the water soaks into the wood immediately, it's time to apply a sealer. More