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5 Tips to Keep a New Deck in Great Condition

December 15, 2020 | Comments Off on 5 Tips to Keep a New Deck in Great Condition

Wooden decks catch the sun, attract water to their surface, and see considerable foot traffic too. As such, it’s necessary to take care of a new deck as it ages to ensure it remains in tip-top condition. When taken care of properly, a deck can last many years and provide an excellent form of outdoor space too.

Here are 5 tips to keep a new deck in great condition over the years.

1.      Protect the Wood to Get Value for Money

When thinking about getting a deck, it’s natural to wonder how much does a deck cost? After all, when investing in one, it’s important to get value for money and long life out of it. Be sure to choose a longer-lasting, durable wood species.

The cost of a deck depends on several factors including its size, what materials have been used to build it, etc. For a clearer idea, check out this deck cost estimation article from Outdoor Living who install decks, fences, and more.

Once you have the deck, avoid soil or dirt staying in contact with its wooden surface (use bricks to raise any planters off the deck). Also, be careful of those BBQs because they can add unwanted grease; a grease catcher is best here.

2.      Clear Leaves and Other Debris

Moisture is the enemy of wood. Whilst you’ll doubtless be using protection for it, moisture can still get inside and create damage.

Make it a point to brush up any leaves, twigs, and other debris that lands on the deck which could be damp. Even wet leaves during autumnal months landing onto its surface shouldn’t be left unattended. Brush them up. Avoid putting them in a collected pile in the corner to be bagged up later – this will only make matters worse. Remove them from the deck entirely, as soon as practicable.

3.      Avoid the Snowy Winter

While looking out from indoors to the snow-covered deck and back yard is pleasant to the eye, that snow will have a cold wet underside and potentially could damage the wood.

It’s best to put a shovel to it to remove the snow once it’s formed and before it creates any issues.

4.      Regular Maintenance

Beyond clearing the surface, decks should be cleaned professionally typically between 2 and 3 years apart. Along with the cleaning, they need to be resealed to provide refreshed protection from the sun’s rays and any future rain damage.

While a new deck was sealed before being delivered and installed, the ravages of time come to bear. So, don’t make the mistake of assuming that your deck is protected forever because that’s just not the case. This includes pressure-treated wood too, despite what you may have heard otherwise.

5.      Attend to Repairs Promptly

Damage to a deck such as a broken piece of wood leaves the edge or side vulnerable to the elements.

It’s best to remedy the situation or if it’s outside your wheelhouse, getting the original supplier to return promptly and perform repairs.

Taking care of a new deck means it’ll last far longer and provide many years of enjoyment. Thankfully, it only requires a little attentiveness and the occasional fix to maintain it.