Wood Deck Maintenance Checklist

The best time to run through your deck maintenance checklist is when you’re pulling out your grill from winter hibernation. Summarized below is a list of my recommendations on performing a wood deck maintenance check.

Check Deck Finish Check the deck finish for fading, peeling, and splotching. Also look for signs of mold and mildew growth. Any sign of these types of conditions is a sure indication that the deck is in need of a new coat of stain or sealer. For best results apply a similar stain or sealer that was previously applied to the deck. When refinishing a deck make sure to clean it thoroughly before applying a stain or sealer. A garden hose, a long handled stiff broom, and deck cleaning solution work best for cleaning a deck.

If there are signs of mold and mildew growth, scrub a highly diluted solution of bleach onto the deck surface to kill the mold and mildew spores. If the deck still looks a little dull after cleaning it consider applying a deck brightener before applying the deck stain or sealer.

When applying a deck stain or sealer always read the manufacturer’s instructions first before applying. Typically the temperatures should be between 50 and 90 degrees (F) for applying the stain or sealer. Also the deck should be thoroughly dry and no rain should be in the forecast for 24 to 48 hours after applying the stain or sealer. For best results apply the stain or sealer with a 4 inch wide brush. You can use a roller to help speed up the application process but always back-brush the decking boards as you apply the stain with the roller. Checking Decking Boards for Damage and Dry Rot While inspecting the deck surface check for damaged or loose decking boards.

Replace any damaged boards and fasten them down with new non-corrosive fasteners. If there are loose wood decking boards apply new deck fasteners, (e.g. screws or nails) right next to the original deck fasteners that have given way. You may want to actually replace the failed fasteners with the new ones. Also make sure to inspect the underside of the decking boards for rot and mold and mildew growth.

Make sure to also inspect the deck surface for dry rot. Moreover check underneath potted plants and other objects that have been sitting on the deck all winter. Often dry rot starts in these places.

Make sure they are still properly fastened as the last thing you want is for someone to lean up against the deck railing and it give way.

Also check the deck stairs to make sure the treads are still fastened well to the stair risers and that the base of the stairs is still level. If the base of the stairs is resting on cement blocks, frost heaves can cause it to become unlevel as the soil unthaws. This can cause the stair risers to twist and the stair treads to slope significantly to one side.

After completing the wood deck maintenance checklist and jotting down notes of items that need work, make sure not to procrastinate in making the necessary repairs. The sooner you can make the repairs the better off your deck, and your savings account, will be. By regularly maintaining your deck you can extend its life dramatically and keep it always looking like new.