A beautifully designed wooden deck can be a hot commodity during New Jersey’s warmer months. It can be an excellent space for unwinding, spending time with family, or entertaining friends and loved ones. For homeowners to get the most out of their decks, they must protect their investment with the proper maintenance. Routine upkeep will ensure your deck stays safe and ready to provide maximum enjoyment.
While cleaning your wood deck is imperative, there are ways to go about it that are more effective than others. Incorrectly cleaning your deck can lead to several concerns, such as paint deterioration and potentially costly repairs. Here, the decking experts at Jaeger Lumber guide homeowners on how to clean a wood deck properly for lasting use.
Steps for Maintaining a Wood Deck
Generally, if you want to keep a wood deck looking like new for many years, you will need to invest in regular maintenance. For most decks made of lumber, the finish will begin to diminish as it ages, primarily due to the sun’s rays and other outdoor elements. Another concern is mold and mildew caused by water penetrating the wood.
Thorough annual cleaning and application of fresh sealer will preserve the beauty of your deck and make it last longer. Beyond that, the following practices are beneficial in caring for your wood deck:
Sweep
If your deck is not protected from an awning or other structure, it will be exposed to dirt and debris. To get started with cleaning your deck, remove all furniture and other decorative pieces and sweep with a broom to remove any leaves or dirt. Use a screwdriver or other slim tool to take care of any debris lodged in between the wooden boards.
Wash
Thoroughly cleaning your wooden deck involves giving it a deep clean. This can be accomplished with either a soft bristle brush or a power washer. When using a soft bristle brush, first completely rinse the deck with a hose. Use a standard deck cleaner or DIY cleaning solution and a brush to clean away any remaining dirt or debris. Once the entire deck is cleaned, let it soak for some time, following the cleaning solution’s directions. Finally, rinse the deck thoroughly.
When utilizing a pressure washer, it’s important not to use too powerful of a jet stream since it can damage the wooden boards. It’s important to remember to never spray directly down onto your wooden deck. Always spray at an angle away from you.
Seal
To complete the upkeep of their deck, homeowners should apply a protective seal. Sealers block damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun and help eliminate the threat of mold and mildew. They can also protect wooden decks from sustaining water damage. When a deck is properly sealed, water will not penetrate the wood. Instead, it will remain on the surface until it evaporates. Sealers should be reapplied every year for the best results.
Before applying the sealer, lightly sand the deck to remove any loose pieces of dirt. Next, apply the sealer with a roller. You may use a brush, but rollers cover more surface area. Once the first coat is dry, apply a second. Allow the sealer to dry completely before moving furniture back onto the deck. Be sure to always wear gloves, a safety mask, and eye protection when applying sealer.
Consult the Decking Experts at Jaeger Lumber
If your deck is a commonly used space, it pays to trust the decking experts at Jaeger Lumber. Since 1937, our experienced team has proudly served contractors and DIY homeowners located throughout New Jersey. Our wide range of products and services includes a diverse selection of decking materials for customers to choose from. Our selection features both traditional wood and composite decking.
In addition to providing customers with high-end building materials, the team at Jaeger Lumber also possesses a vast knowledge of how to clean a wood deck. We are happy to answer this question and any others you may have regarding your deck. Contact us today for more information about decking and our other offerings.
