Deck and Balcony

Essential tips for deck maintenance

Published on July 2, 2024
Revised on July 4, 2024
8 min read

Amber VanWort

Writer

Modern house design with dark wooden deck, table and three white chairs

When the warm weather arrives in Canada, there’s no better place to be than sitting on your deck with a refreshing beverage in hand. But if your deck is in bad condition, it’s more than just an eyesore…it can be quite dangerous too. Luckily, all it takes is some regular deck maintenance to keep your favourite summer spot safe and enjoyable all season long. Even if your deck looks well beyond repair, with a little help from the pros it’s easy to restore your weathered deck back to its former glory.

Importance of regular deck maintenance

The main benefit of regular deck maintenance is safety. Between foot traffic, moisture damage and the potential for insect infestations, your outdoor deck experiences a lot of wear and tear throughout the year. When left unchecked, this normal wear and tear can lead to damaged boards, stairs and railings. There is also the potential for injury with this kind of damage. For example, you could step through a rotting board, step on an exposed nail or lose your footing if the railing crumbles beneath your hands.

Although safety is the most important, proper deck maintenance will also help you manage other issues like poor aesthetics. Direct sunlight on your deck, for example, will lead to discolouration and eventually cause the boards to warp and splinter. This is an eyesore and a safety hazard that no one wants to worry about.

Deck inspection

X-shaped wood railing of a deck overlooking a leafy garden — Photo: Shutterstock/aRTI01

Whether it’s a loose deck screw or a sagging joist, there are all kinds of potential safety hazards lingering under your deck boards. The best way to avoid a dangerous situation is to schedule an annual deck inspection. A professional deck inspector will examine all aspects of your deck to make sure everything is up to code, including:

Checking the frame for loose or damaged fasteners/connections
Checking the sturdiness of your beams and support posts
Inspecting the wood for moisture, mildew or infestation
Ensuring the deck has proper water drainage
Inspecting the deck surface for signs of mould, mildew, splintered boards, bowing or sagging boards and rusty or protruding fasteners
Ensuring the railings are sturdy and don’t loosen with pressure
Checking stairs for loose or damaged treads/other damage

Even if you think you could perform a decent general inspection yourself, some issues just won’t be as obvious to the untrained eye. To ensure success and safety, it’s always best to rely on a professional.

Maintaining the deck surface

Woman with long braid, white cap and orange gloves, painting a wood deck with pigment oil — Photo: Shutterstock/Radoslav Cajkovic

Whether you’re working with a traditional wood deck or composite decking, maintaining the surface is an easy way to keep your deck looking brand new for a lifetime. For wood decks, you should plan to have them repainted or restained about every 2-3 years. While you may feel the temptation to DIY this process, it’s typically cheaper and more accessible to work with a professional painting contractor. Not only will your contractor already have all of the tools and industry-approved products on hand, they also possess the experience and education needed for a long-lasting job. For composite decks, painting or staining may not be required. Instead, try to keep up with regular cleaning to maintain the deck’s surface.

Deck cleaning

Scrubbing brush and water hose during cleaning of a composite deck floor — Photo: Shutterstock/Tamara B

Deck cleaning is one of the easiest ways to help maintain the integrity and aesthetic appeal of your deck. Regular cleaning helps prevent common issues such as mould and mildew build-up, which can lead to larger concerns like rot or decaying wood. Day-to-day cleaning including mopping up excess rainwater or sweeping dirt and leaves off the deck surface can easily be handled on your own. Even wiping surfaces down with a gentle cleaning solution of warm water and dish soap is easy to DIY. However, for a more intense cleaning at the start and end of each deck season, consider hiring a professional to do it. Many deck painters also offer professional cleaning services tailored specifically to your unique needs. These cleaners will be equipped with all the tools and deck cleaner products needed for a job well done. Remember, cleaning isn’t just about making your deck look good, it’s an important step in maintaining its safety and longevity as well. With that in mind, hiring a professional for your annual cleaning is worth every penny.

Check for rotting or damaged board

Any professional deck inspector will easily identify rotting or damaged boards on your deck but what about when you’re in between inspections? It’s important to regularly check your deck for damaged boards. Make a habit of walking over all areas of your deck, checking for soft or sagging wood and visible signs of rot. During these routine inspections, be sure to check under your deck furniture as well for any hidden soft boards. In addition to feeling soft or spongy, damaged boards may also be discoloured, warped or splintered. If you encounter any of these signs, call your contractor right away to repair the damage before it spreads.

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Long terrace in composite with glass railing, white wrought-iron table and chairs

Tips for wood decks

Deck builder sanding grey patina out of weathered wood boards — Photo: Shutterstock/Radoslav Cajkovic

Wood decks offer a classic charm and natural beauty that’s hard to beat. This is why wood is still one of the most common deck materials used today. Though it does have its fair share of advantages, maintaining a wood deck also comes with its challenges. Unlike composite decks, commonly made from a mix of recycled plastics and wood fibres, wood decks are more susceptible to damage from the elements. While someone with a composite deck might get by for years with just regular cleaning, wood deck owners will need to frequently paint, stain, clean and seal their wood deck. But don’t fret. If you have your heart set on a traditional wood deck, just follow these simple deck care tips to keep your wood in tip-top shape.

Clean and clear your deck of any debris (leaves, dirt, etc.) on a regular basis
Consult with professionals and seek out yearly safety inspections so you can tackle dangerous issues before they get out of hand
Have damaged boards and rusted hardware replaced by a pro as soon as you notice them
Keep up with sanding/staining/painting/sealing the deck every 2-3 years
Avoid pressure washing and harsh cleaning chemicals

Signs that your wood deck needs to be restored

Old wooden deck with empty plant pots and planks covered with moss — Photo: Shutterstock/WKanadpon

Between harsh Canadian winters and long hours under the hot summer sun, all decks start to show signs of damage eventually. But if you know what to look for, you can usually fix the damage with a few minor repairs. Leave the damage unattended for too long though and you’ll be looking at the high cost of a replacement deck . So, if you prefer a more affordable solution, here are a few signs that your wood deck needs to be restored.

Loose or rusty hardware

Hardware such as nails, deck screws and metal connectors are the bones that keep your deck together. If you notice this hardware loosening or developing rust, it could be a sign of a much larger problem. Left unattended, this compromised hardware can quickly weaken the structure of your deck, making it dangerous for you and your loved ones.

A soft sagging feeling

The boards of your deck should always feel firm and durable underfoot. If you notice a softer area that sags when you step on it, take notice. This is likely a sign of mould or decay in the foundation of your deck.

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Loose, warped or splintered boards

Even minor cracks or splinters in your deck boards should be restored immediately. While these surface issues might not do much noticeable damage right away, over time they can lead to larger problems and more costly repairs. The same applies to loose boards. One loose board doesn’t mean total collapse but over time it will weaken other parts of your deck.

Wobbly railings

While a loose railing isn’t the end of the world, it’s still a potential hazard. If left for long enough, the railing can fall off completely, causing anyone on the steps to lose their their balance. If you have an upper-level deck, a falling railing can also hit someone below.

Current deck not up to code

A well-built deck can last up to 15 years before needing repairs. But even if your old deck appears to be in good condition, it’s worth checking to see if it complies with current deck regulations for your area.

Faded or discoloured deck surface

When you notice fading or discolouration on your deck, it’s time to give the entire deck a fresh coat of paint or deck stain. Fading occurs naturally and can be caused by sun exposure, foot traffic or even certain types of deck cleaner. Usually, this is an aesthetic-only issue and won’t have any damaging effects on your deck structure.

Deck renovation

When you start learning how to restore a weathered wood deck, you’ll quickly realize what a huge undertaking a project like this can be. While not technically that difficult, there are many steps to follow and products required to get the job done right. So why not leave your deck restoration to the pros? At RenoAssistance, we’ll go over your deck goals together from start to finish. Then, our hard-working Renovation Advisors will put you in touch with up to three Verified Contractors who will work diligently to give you the deck of your dreams. Ready for a complete restoration? Then start your project with RenoAssistance today.

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Amber VanWort is a freelance content writer with a degree in journalism from Durham College. Amber’s work has been published in Narcity, Chicago Tribune, The Belleville Intelligencer, Best Reviews, and more. Her passions include food, travel, and real estate. When she’s not busy meeting her client’s expectations, you can find Amber in the kitchen, elbow-deep in a bag of flour.