Just like your indoor spaces, your outdoor spaces need to be taken care of on a regular basis. Spring is the perfect time to clean your hard-working deck and get ready for the great weather to come. Your deck can give you years of fun if it’s properly maintained.

Want to make your old deck look new again? In our climate, winter can be pretty tough on a deck; rain, snow, ice, and even the harsh sun can wreak havoc on your deck’s finish.

Composite Decks
To clean your composite deck, start by clearing all furniture off your deck. Then sweep or brush to remove any leaves, dust, or soil. Next wet the entire surface. Apply warm soapy water with a soft-bristled brush or push broom, and gently scrub the entire surface. Simply rinse with a hose, and let it dry naturally.

Trex decking, with a protective shell, makes cleaning even easier.

If you have a pressure washer, to avoid damaging the surface, make sure you don’t exceed 3,100 psi, use a fan spray tip no closer than 4 inches from the surface, and use only soft water. Use a good-quality deck cleaner in the pressure washer, and spray evenly over the entire deck. Then gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush, rinse well as described above, and let it dry naturally. This will clean up that winter residue, and leave a surface more resistant to mildew growth. Clean your deck this way at least once—and preferably twice—a year.

Wood Decks

Wood decks need a little more attention. Since wood is a natural material, it needs to be treated to resist mildew growth, graying, and sun damage. Regular application of top-quality stain or finish can slow down the wear and tear. This spring, take a look at your deck. If it’s in pretty good shape, a good cleaning with a deck cleaner should suffice. If your deck stain or finish is faded or worn, reapply to maintain the integrity of the wood. Translucent or semi-transparent finishes should be renewed every 12-24 months, and solid color finishes should be renewed every 24-36 months.

Don’t Forget Safety
As always, safety should be your first deck priority, so as long as you’re getting ready for spring, it’s a great time to make sure your deck is safe for kids, friends, and family this summer. Check out our blog on deck safety.

Need more assistance? Visit our Decking Department page, then stop by our store for expert advice on designing, building, and maintaining your deck, or start by asking an expert.