Deck Maintenance

deck maintenance

Your deck is a valuable feature of your Massachusetts home, but it faces constant exposure to the region’s harsh weather. This can lead to cracking, fading, splitting, splintering, cupping, and warping. Most decks in New England are built with pressure-treated pine, which resists insects and decay, but still remains vulnerable to moisture, freezing temperatures, and the sun's rays. The same issues apply to other exterior woods like Cedar, Cypress, and Mahogany. To preserve your deck’s appearance and extend its lifespan beyond the average deck, regular maintenance is crucial. About once a year, inspect your deck for loose railings, balusters, walk boards, and any protruding nails. Afterward, clean it thoroughly and apply a fresh sealant.

Take the time to carefully examine all the wood on your deck to check for any signs of rot. Unfortunately, wood rot often occurs in hard-to-see areas, such as under the decking boards, around the ledger board (the horizontal board attached to the house), on the underside of stair treads, and at the exposed end grains of the decking. If possible, crawl beneath the deck to perform a thorough inspection. For decks with wood posts or stair stringers that penetrate the dirt, probe the bearing ends for signs of rot. If necessary, replace any affected wood and pour concrete footings to elevate the wood above the soil. In Massachusetts, footings should be poured 3 ½ to 4 feet deep due to the frostline and should rise 3 to 6 inches above ground level. Additionally, installing cleats under the wood posts can help separate the post end-grain from the concrete footing, preventing moisture from wicking up into the wood.

deck footings

CLEANING YOUR DECK

Cleaning your deck involves removing dirt buildup, algae, moss, and other organic matter. Follow the instructions provided with the cleaning solutions, which may recommend hosing down the deck and surrounding area before applying any cleaners. This will help dilute any chemicals that might unintentionally come into contact with nearby plants or grass. Even when using mild solutions, it’s important to minimize the amount of cleaner that reaches surrounding vegetation, as many cleaners, especially those containing bleach, can be harmful to plants in concentrated form. You can apply the solution by brushing it onto the deck with a broom or lightly spraying it on with a power washer set to low pressure. Be cautious with power washers, as high pressure can damage the wood grain on your deck.

Here's a simple and effective homemade recipe for cleaning your deck:

Ingredients:

1 cup of white vinegar

1 cup of baking soda

2 gallons of warm water

A few drops of dish soap (optional)

Instructions: Prepare the solution: In a large bucket, combine the warm water, white vinegar, and baking soda. Stir well to dissolve the baking soda. If you'd like extra cleaning power, add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture and stir again. Apply the cleaner: Using a broom or a deck brush, dip it into the solution and apply it generously to the surface of the deck. Scrub the wood to help lift dirt, algae, and mildew. Let it sit: Allow the solution to sit on the deck for about 10-15 minutes to loosen up any stubborn stains. Scrub and rinse: Scrub the deck again with the broom or brush, paying extra attention to spots with buildup. Rinse the deck thoroughly with a hose to wash away the solution and any loosened grime. Dry and inspect: Allow the deck to dry completely before sealing or applying any additional treatments. While drying, inspect the deck for any remaining areas that might need additional attention. This mixture is safe for most wood decks, including pressure-treated wood, cedar, and mahogany, and it's an eco-friendly way to clean without harsh chemicals. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid any residue left on the wood.

PRESSURE WASHING DECK

You can use a pressure washer to clean your deck, but there are some important precautions to keep in mind:

1. Use Low Pressure

Set your pressure washer to a low pressure (around 1,200 to 1,500 psi) to avoid damaging the wood. High-pressure settings can strip the wood's natural grain or cause splintering.

2. Keep the Nozzle Moving

Always keep the pressure washer nozzle moving. Holding it in one spot for too long can cause damage to the wood surface.

3. Use a Wide Spray Nozzle

A 25- or 40-degree nozzle is ideal for cleaning decks. This provides a broader spray, reducing the risk of damaging the wood.

4. Distance Matters

Hold the nozzle at least 8 to 12 inches away from the surface of the deck. This will help avoid concentrated pressure on the wood, which can lead to gouging or splintering.

5. Pre-Soak the Deck

It's a good idea to apply a cleaning solution (either a store-bought cleaner or a homemade one) to the deck and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before pressure washing. This will help loosen dirt, algae, and grime.

6. Test First

Before using the pressure washer on the entire deck, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it won't cause any damage.

7. Don’t Use Too Much Pressure on Stubborn Areas

For heavily soiled areas, it’s better to scrub them by hand with a brush and cleaning solution, rather than relying solely on the pressure washer. By following these guidelines, you can effectively clean your deck with a pressure washer while minimizing the risk of damage.

STAINING YOUR DECK

If you plan on staining your deck, be sure to choose a stain specifically designed for decks. Many well-meaning DIYers mistakenly apply stains meant for vertical surfaces, such as siding. These stains aren’t as abrasion-resistant as those formulated for decks, which are designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and resist scuffing.

When applying an oil or oil-based stain, do so either early in the morning or late in the day when the wood is not exposed to full sunlight. On hot days, the thinner that helps the oil penetrate the wood can evaporate too quickly, causing the oil to remain on the surface instead of soaking into the wood. To ensure the oil or stain properly absorbs, go back over the entire area with a paintbrush or roller (a technique called "back brushing") to help push the product into the wood.

Alternatives to Traditional Decking Materials

If you don’t have the time to maintain a traditional wood deck, there are now many modern decking material options available. Several companies produce composite decking materials that are resistant to rot, won’t warp or splinter, maintain their shape, and don’t require periodic staining. Most composite decking is made from recycled plastic or a blend of wood and plastic. One brand I’m personally familiar with is Trex Decking, which is known for its durability and low maintenance.

Composite decking will weather over time, much like wood, but it ages to a consistent tone without deteriorating. However, it lacks the strength of wood and cannot span the same distances. With the right structural support, composite decking is well-suited for first-floor and above-ground decks. While plastic structural beams aren't widely available in all markets and can make the deck feel bouncy, pressure-treated wood is typically used to support this type of decking. While composite decking is still relatively new, the results have been promising. Though it is more expensive upfront compared to traditional wood products, it offers significant savings in the long run due to its low-maintenance requirements.

There’s also a lifetime vinyl railing system that can be installed alongside composite decking, offering a much longer lifespan than traditional wood. These plastic products are built to last a lifetime, providing durable and low-maintenance support for your deck.

Failure to maintain your deck properly could result in personal injury....

deck failure

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Hi Dave,

I just wanted to write and thank you very much for doing our inspection today. You really took an awful lot of extra time to explain things to us. It was a huge help and by far my favorite part of this whole home-buying process. In addition to drawing our attention to the major projects that need to be undertaken right away or in the near future, I was glad that you were also so thorough as to point out smaller things and provide suggestions for fixes that we'd be able to do ourselves. Thanks again for all your effort. I'm finding your "Know Your Home" book a great source of information along with your report. I'll no doubt have some questions for you at some point and really appreciate your willingness to answer them. Have a great rest of your weekend!

Take care,

Sean