We might be nearing the end of deck season, where getting ready for back to school takes more of a priority than sipping lemonade out back, but it’s never too late to give your deck an upgrade. If you enjoy spending those lazy afternoons outside then taking care of your deck is a necessity.
Taking care of your deck can be broken down in three easy to understand phases; assessing, cleaning, and protecting. Following these three steps will ensure that you’re enjoying your area for years to come.
Phase 1) Assessing
The first step is taking the time to go over your deck. Take notice of everything that may be wrong or out of place. Pay special attention to any stains or peeling that you might see. Any rotten or cracked boards will need to be replaced before they break underfoot, potentially causing an accident.
Remember, just because the wood looks to be in good shape, it may still use some work. The wood may not be waterproofed so spread some around to double check. This will let you know if it needs to be sealed against moisture.
The key to this phase is figuring out what tools and supplies you’ll need for the job and prevent you from buying something you already have. It’ll also let you know if you need to buy something you hadn’t thought of.
Phase 2) Cleaning
This is where the real work begins. Be sure to protect anything that can’t be moved, such as heavy plants. A good way to do this is to acquire some plastic coverings. It’s a good idea to wait for a span of dry weather. That way rain won’t wash away any cleaning materials or add to any debris.
You’ll need different tools depending on what chemicals you bought for the job. Some can be used with a simple garden sprayer but others might need a gentler tool. Be sure to read the labels and do your research on your chemicals so you don’t accidentally damage the wood.
Once you’re ready, start at one end of the deck and work your way across. It’s important to only work on one section at a time. After waiting for everything to settle, you can use a deck brush to give it all a good scrubbing.
Phase 3) Protection
The final step is to make sure all your hard work doesn’t go to waste, and to add a little color if you would like. There are types of wood stains available that do both at the same time, protecting the wood against the elements while providing a clean finish. Just like with the cleaning, accomplish this a section at a time. Wait overnight for the stain to dry and add your decorations and furniture in the morning to continue enjoying your newly cleaned and protected deck.
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