How to Melt Ice on a Wood Deck

As the chill of winter sets in and ice starts to coat outdoor surfaces, many homeowners immediately turn to tried and true rock salt. While this classic ice melter can be an effective means of getting rid of ice on sidewalks and driveways, you shouldn't use it for treatment of ice on wooden decks. Rock salt can stain your deck, leaving it not just ice free but also less attractive than it was previous to your ice removal attempts. Instead of leaving a lasting blemish on your wood deck simply to get rid of that hazardous ice, use a compound approved for use on this type of surface.

Calcium chloride pellets
Rubber mallet
Shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Pretreat the surface with calcium chloride if you expect the development of ice. Using commercially produced calcium chloride pellets intended for ice removal, coat the deck area prior to the expected snow or ice event. Toss the pellets across the deck as you would salt. With this addition, you can prevent the development of a thick layer of ice, making ice removal much easier. Because calcium chloride is perfectly safe for use on wood, it will not mar the surface even if you spread it directly on the wood.
- 2
  Pour calcium chloride pellets on the ice. After the ice event, dump more calcium chloride on the ice. Because this chemical works in temperatures as low as 25 degrees below zero, this deicer will work even in extremely cold temperatures.
- 3
  Use a rubber mallet to strike the ice and break it up if it is a relatively thin layer. Use a shovel to remove the broken ice from the deck. Avoid trying to gouge at the ice with the shovel, as you could inadvertently create divots in the deck with these forceful hits.

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