How to Deice a Deck

Use Ice Melters

• 1

  Sweep the top layer of snow off the ice. Removing the snow gives you better access to the ice layer and allows the deicing agent to work better.

• 2

  Put on protective gloves to shield your hands from the deicing agent.

• 3

  Spread calcium chloride pellets over the deck. The pellets work to melt ice on contact. Alternatively, use calcium magnesium acetate. Both are available in hardware stores. Calcium magnesium acetate may be a better option if you have environmental concerns, such as living near a waterway. Follow the package instructions for the amount of deicing agent to use.

• 4

  Throw rock salt over the deck if discoloration isn't a concern. Rock salt is a cheap, effective deicer but can stain wood decks. Use a generous handful of rock salt for every 4 feet of deck area, more if the ice layer is particularly thick.

• 5

  Wait until the deicing agents have melted most of the ice, then sweep away any remaining chunks with the broom. The sun should melt residual patches and the deck will begin to dry, barring any subsequent rain or snow.

Deice Manually

• 6

  Remove the top layer of snow with a broom or shovel.

• 7

  Locate a spot near the edge of the deck that has a relatively thin amount of ice. Turn the broom upside down and, using medium force, drive the tip of the handle into the ice until it breaks into pieces.

• 8

  Sweep away the ice chunks until you hit another solid patch of ice. Repeat the process of breaking up the ice patches with the broom handle, then sweeping. Take care not to drive the handle so hard that it breaks or dents the deck.