Home Improvement: Back Yard Deck

A back yard deck can be a wonderful outdoor living space for relaxing, hanging out and partying with friends. Decks today come in so many shapes, designs and sizes that books have been written just about deck design. Today’s homes often include a deck and those that don’t have decks yet, probably have an owner who wishes the house had a deck. Decks are extremely useful in adding extra outdoor living space, but they are not inexpensive to construct, so it’s important to educate yourself on you to take care of your investment in decking so that you will be able to enjoy it for many years to come.

First and foremost in the process of proper maintenance of your deck is to keep it clean. Too often, the deck is neglected and never cleaned, or cleaned inadequately. Keeping the deck free of dirt and debris will extend the life of your deck. The deck should be swept periodically, and twice yearly remember to thoroughly scrub the surface so there will be no mold or mildew hiding on the surface or even in the cracks. Dirt which collects in the crevices will cause the wood to rot away very quickly.

Your decks should be sealed with a good quality stain or deck sealer. This will prevent damage from water entering the wood fibers, which will speed up the process of decay and wood rot.

Reapply stain or sealer biannually to preserve a good water repellent surface. If you check the surface of the deck and there are signs of pealing, then reapply the sealant sooner than 2 years. More frequent application is also necessary if the water does not bead up on the sealed surface. Be sure to cover every deck surface, including board sides and spaces between the boards. Less opportunity for decay caused damage with more protection is the rule of thumb.

Always take the time to repair or replace damaged or broken boards immediately. This will prevent a liability claim caused by someone falling through or stepping on a loose, rotted or missing board. It’s also good to always have the deck surface in tip top condition to prevent or eliminate damage. Staining or sealing new repair board pieces will help to keep the surface looking great and the deck in tip-top condition.

Caring for your deck in a proper manner will lengthen its years of usefulness and maintain its attractive appearance.