How Often Do You Treat a Deck?

Deck Maintenance

• Weather is hard on a deck. The wood deteriorates over time without proper care and protection. Sealing a wood deck prevents moisture from penetrating the wood, which can lead to dry rot, mold, mildew and insect infestation. Staining a deck provides protection from ultraviolet rays from the sun and protects the deck from moisture damage.

Timing

• A new deck needs to weather for a year for the wood to dry out and the fibers to open up to receive the sealer. Treat new decks with a new wood treatment that will give protection from the sun and rain during the first year. Clean and seal the deck at the end of the year of drying. Over time, weathering causes the sealant to break down, exposing the wood to moisture and the sun’s rays. For the best protection of your wood deck, clean and reseal it every year.

Cleaning

• Sweep your deck free of leaves, dirt and debris throughout the year. Choose a time for cleaning and resealing your deck when the weather forecast calls for several days without rain to complete your project. Remove debris from the deck and between the boards. Apply a deck-cleaning solution to the deck and rinse it off with clear water to return the wood to its natural color. Let the wood dry for a day before applying a wood brightener that neutralizes the cleaner and restores weathered wood to its natural appearance. The wood needs to dry again for 24 hours before applying the sealer.

Sealing

• After cleaning your deck, apply a clear or semi-transparent sealer to the wood to give it a natural appearance and allow the wood’s natural grain to show through. The sealer repels water, resists mildew and prevents fading of the wood. A pigmented sealer provides more protection from UV rays than a clear sealer. Solid stains wear quickly in high traffic areas and have a tendency to crack and peel. They are recommended only for use on vertical railings or benches. Apply sealer with a sprayer, brush or roller. Sealer needs to dry for two to three days before walking on it or replacing furniture.