Whether you’re grilling out and entertaining neighbors or just relaxing with your family, it’s always nice to get some fresh air out on your deck. Although wooden decks are hearty, they require a bit of maintenance to ensure they look their best. This post from your deck builders in 98208 will cover a few of the best ways to maintain your deck before using it this summer:
- Inspect: Moisture from rainfall and the sun’s UV rays can put a real beating on your deck. Be sure to inspect it for signs of dry rot, loose boards or protruding nails. Don’t forget to check under your deck, either.
- Fix loose nails: You can’t just let those protruding nails sit there all summer. Remove any loose nails you find, and replace them with new ones. If you’re unable or unwilling to do this, a professional contractor can help.
- Replace damaged wood: Any damaged wood you find will also need to be replaced. This typically isn’t a DIY job, so call professional deck builders in 98208 to tackle it. Hiring the pros ensures your deck looks great and is safe to use.
- Clean: Washing your deck down and scrubbing off any moss or built-up dirt goes a long way in boosting its appearance and prolonging its lifespan. You can use a pressure washer for this chore, but avoid using a high setting, as this may damage the wood.
- Sand, stain and seal: Sanding down your deck and either staining or sealing it doesn’t need to be done every year, but this weekend project protects your deck from the elements all year long.
Routine maintenance
Patio builders in Everett, WA also recommend doing a little bit of deck maintenance throughout the summer to keep it in tip-top shape. Here are a few of the things to add to your to-do list:
- Sweep regularly: Make a habit of sweeping your deck off every few days. When pine needles and leaves accumulate on the surface and get wet, mold follows. This simple step will keep your deck looking great and reduce the amount of washing and scrubbing you need to do.
- Trim bushes: Any bushes or trees near your deck should be trimmed back so that they’re not actually touching your deck. Plants constantly touching the wood surface can lead to rot or mold growth. Plus, you’ll have a better view from your deck after trimming the plants.
- Move furniture: The sun’s UV rays can fade your deck over time. This will be much more noticeable if you keep your furniture in one spot, as some areas of your deck will be less faded than others. Move your furniture from time to time to avoid this mismatched appearance.
Contact us for your decking needs
Maintaining a deck isn’t all that hard, but if it’s not something you want to do, just give us a call at Joe Myers Construction Inc. As trusted deck and patio builders in Everett, WA, we’re capable of handling all of your outdoor needs. From new builds to maintenance and repairs, we have the team and tools to get it done.