Here’s How to Care for Your Backyard Deck

A backyard deck lets you enjoy the outdoors with family and friends and extend your living space. But it’s important to maintain your deck to avoid costly repairs, increase its lifespan and keep it looking its best. Whether you’ve chosen composite or wood, a little routine deck cleaning, care and upkeep can go a long way to ensuring that your backyard oasis is beautiful and built to last.

Wood Deck Maintenance

Wood decks require regular cleaning and care to retain their beauty throughout the seasons. Unlike composite decking, wood decking can be vulnerable to the elements, moisture, mould and insects, which can take their toll on its appearance and structural integrity over time. However, regular deck cleaning and maintenance can help ensure your wood deck looks good and lasts for decades.

Annual Deep Cleaning

Pressure washing your wood deck can give it a new lease on life, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s directions to prevent damage. In most cases it’s advisable to pressure wash your deck with a fan spray nozzle at low intensity, with constant, sweeping strokes at least three feet from the surface. Use a good mould remover on stubborn mould, mildew, and algae.

Spring Deck Inspection

Check your deck thoroughly once a year to make sure it’s safe and structurally sound. Repair or replace any broken, damaged or rotted deck boards, joists and support posts. Make sure the stairs and deck railings are secure, and check for rusted screws and anchors that may need replacing.

Staining & Sealing Your Deck

Sealing and staining your deck every year or two can help maintain its appearance and guard against the elements. A water-resistant deck sealer will help protect your deck from decay and rot, while a deck stain will do the same plus wear and tear, water damage and fading. Here are a few simple steps for staining and sealing your deck:

General Deck Maintenance Tips

• Move deck furniture and planters periodically to prevent uneven fading and discolouration of deck boards 

• Pour a few drops of water on your deck: if they absorb into the wood instead of beading off, your deck is need of resealing 

• Follow the label instructions when using cleaners or surface prep products, and avoid harsh cleaning chemicals like bleach to prevent damage

Composite Deck Maintenance

Composite decking is known for easy maintenance, effortless durability and enduring appeal. It doesn’t need sanding, staining or sealing to maintain its beauty, but regular cleaning will help your deck retain its good looks. Learning how to clean composite decking will help you enjoy maximum outdoor living with minimal maintenance.

Before You Clean

Remove deck furniture and potted plants before doing a deck wash. Every one or two weeks, sweep away dirt, debris and leaves to prevent deck mould and mildew from forming. Clear debris from between decking boards with a putty knife to ensure proper drainage.

Surface Dirt & Debris

Schedule a thorough deck cleaning once or twice a year, usually in spring and fall. Spray the deck with a garden hose to remove dirt, debris and pollen. Using a soft-bristled nylon brush, scrub the deck with deck prep. While composite deck cleaners are recommended for certain decks, pressure washing can damage composite decking, so check your manufacturer’s instructions to be safe.

Mould & Mildew

Regular deck cleaning and care can help keep mould and mildew at bay. Keep your deck dry by eliminating standing water and directing downspouts away from the deck to prevent mould growth. Avoid placing shrubs, trees or organic mulch near your deck to prevent deck mould. Use outdoor rugs made of recycled plastics instead of natural fibres, such as bamboo and jute which can trap moisture and promote deck mildew.

Tannin Stains

To prevent dark stains on your deck caused by the tannins in plants, keep your deck clear of fallen leaves and tree debris. Trim back overhanging trees and branches to minimize debris on your deck, and sweep away spring blossoms and fall leaves immediately. You can remove tannin stains with a household detergent and water.

Rust & Hard Water Stains

Hard-water stains are not uncommon to composite decking, but they can be removed with vinegar or cleaning products specially formulated for hard-water stains. To remove rust stains left by outdoor furniture and firepits, spray equal parts water and vinegar on the stains and let sit for 10 minutes before wiping clean.

Oil, Grease & Food Stains

Summer barbecues and alfresco dining can lead to food and drink spills and grease spots on your deck. Wipe them immediately using warm, soapy water. Scrub away food-grade oil and grease stains with a degreasing dishwashing liquid and soft-bristled brush or specially formulated cleaners.

Scuffs & Scratches

Shoes, kids, pets and furniture can cause scratches and scuffs over time. Smaller nicks can be covered with a wood or composite filler, while larger scratches may require replacing the deck boards. To prevent scratches and scuffs, use woven rugs without rubber backings in high-traffic areas or under deck furniture.

Snow & Ice

Rock salt is a good choice for composite decking, but it can damage wood. For wood decking use a calcium chloride-based ice melt. Use brooms and plastic shovels instead of metal shovels to avoid damaging deck boards. Remove snow regularly from your deck to keep heavy snow from warping the boards.

Maintaining your deck is essential to protecting your investment and enjoying your backyard space. Regular care and cleaning will ensure a relaxing backyard retreat that you and your family can enjoy for years to come.