{"id":23381,"date":"2024-02-13T11:35:33","date_gmt":"2024-02-13T16:35:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/?p=23381"},"modified":"2024-02-13T11:35:35","modified_gmt":"2024-02-13T16:35:35","slug":"how-to-maintain-a-wood-deck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/how-to-maintain-a-wood-deck","title":{"rendered":"How to Maintain and Repair Wood Decks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<p>Your deck is more than a convenient place to enjoy fresh air and admire your surroundings. It can also make your home much more desirable to buyers. Whether you plan to sell now or in the future, taking good care of your deck pays off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even the highest quality decks will experience wear and tear from regular use and exposure to the elements. This can give them an unsightly appearance and lead to safety issues. Maintaining your wood deck will help keep it in top condition for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/critical-home-maintenance-tasks\">18 Critical Home Maintenance Tasks<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>Why is this so important? A recent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/what-home-buyers-want\">Zolo survey<\/a> finds that <strong>50% of home buyers consider a patio, deck, or outdoor space a must-have feature<\/strong>. With a growing preference for outdoor areas, having a well-maintained deck can help you attract more buyers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not sure where to start? We&#8217;ll walk you through how to maintain a wood deck, including how to repair deck cracks and other kinds of damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"bg-white border-t border-b border-blacklight my-12 md:my-16 sticky md:relative top-0 md:top-auto z-10 md:z-auto alignwide  wp-block-zolo-block-toc \" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"wrapper relative max-w-2xl mx-auto md:py-8 flex flex-col flex-shrink-0 max-h-screen md:max-h-none\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"toc-toggle\" class=\"hidden\"\/><label for=\"toc-toggle\" class=\"flex justify-between cursor-pointer md:cursor-auto py-4\"><div class=\"toc-title leading-normal font-medium m-0\">In this article<\/div><svg class=\"w-6 h-6 fill-current text-blue md:hidden transition-transform duration-150 ease-in-out\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M22 12c0-5.5-4.5-10-10-10S2 6.5 2 12s4.5 10 10 10 10-4.5 10-10zM6.9 10.9l1.4-1.4 3.7 3.7 3.7-3.7 1.4 1.4L12 16l-5.1-5.1z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/label><nav id=\"toc-nav\" class=\"zolo-toc-nav max-h-0 md:max-h-full overflow-y-auto scrollbar-hidden overscroll-none\"><ul class=\"zolo-toc-list my-4\"><li><a class=\"entry-title no-underline hover:underline\" href=\"#inspect-your-deck-regularly\">Inspect Your Deck Regularly<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"entry-title no-underline hover:underline\" href=\"#replace-damaged-deck-components\">Replace Damaged Deck Components<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"entry-title no-underline hover:underline\" href=\"#maintain-your-deck-with-regular-cleaning\">Maintain Your Deck With Regular Cleaning<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"entry-title no-underline hover:underline\" href=\"#stain-or-seal-your-deck\">Stain or Seal Your Deck<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"entry-title no-underline hover:underline\" href=\"#upgrade-your-living-space-with-outdoor-furniture\">Upgrade Your Living Space with Outdoor Furniture<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"inspect-your-deck-regularly\">Inspect Your Deck Regularly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Damage to your deck can happen at any time. Wear and tear can slowly contribute to damage you might not catch for months or even years. Bad weather can cause more sudden and severe damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Checking your deck on a regular basis helps ensure that you find damage early and fix it right away. Prompt wood deck repair helps prevent additional \u2013 and potentially costly \u2013 damage. What should you check during these inspections? Here&#8217;s an essential list of what to look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Rotting boards<\/li><li>Loose or broken railings<\/li><li>Loose or damaged steps<\/li><li>Peeling paint<\/li><li>Gaps where ledger boards meet your home&#8217;s foundation<\/li><li>Sagging joists<\/li><li>Damaged or loose fasteners<\/li><li>Nails or screws sticking up<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Make note of any deck components that need repairs or possibly replacements. You may be able to tighten some loose parts. Others, such as those with severe damage or deterioration, might need to be replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"replace-damaged-deck-components\">Replace Damaged Deck Components<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"694\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/bigstock-200459719-1024x694.jpg\" alt=\"deck repair\" class=\"wp-image-23384\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When you do regular inspections, you might find boards or other components needing replacement. Wood rot or pest damage can cause boards to deteriorate. This makes your deck look bad overall and unsafe to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Have you found cracks in the boards?<\/strong> Or have some boards splintered over the years? You may not have to replace these. Knowing how to repair wood deck cracks or how to repair a splintered wood deck comes in handy in these cases. For cracks, fill them with a wood filler. For splintered wood, you can sand it, then apply a stain or other protective coating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/things-to-repair-before-selling-house\">What Repairs Should You Do Before Selling Your Home?<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>When wood deck repair isn&#8217;t possible, here&#8217;s how to replace deck boards:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Remove worn or damaged boards with a claw hammer<\/li><li>Replace the old boards with new boards of the same type, such as cedar or pressure-treated wood<\/li><li>Use a power drill to install the new boards with coated deck screws<\/li><li>Wait one season for the boards to dry out, then apply matching stain or paint to the new boards to match the surrounding boards if needed<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"maintain-your-deck-with-regular-cleaning\">Maintain Your Deck With Regular Cleaning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/bigstock-Wooden-Deck-Floor-Cleaning-Wit-75477919-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"pressure washer\" class=\"wp-image-23383\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Sweeping leaves and dirt off your deck helps keep it clean. But debris and mud can still build up on the surface, giving it a dirty appearance. Knowing how to maintain a painted wood deck or an unpainted one involves more thorough cleanings occasionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What should you use to clean your deck?<\/strong> A garden hose, deck cleaner, and bristle brush might be all you need. Choose a cleaning product that&#8217;s safe for many wood surfaces, such as oxygen bleach, an oxalic acid-based solution, or a specialized deck cleaner. Don&#8217;t use chlorine bleach, especially on treated wood. This cleaning product can damage wood and strip its color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/how-to-pick-patio-furniture\">How to Pick the Right Patio Furniture for Outdoor Living<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s how to maintain a wood deck with a simple cleaning process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Remove deck furniture and sweep up debris<\/li><li>Wet down the deck with a garden hose<\/li><li>Spray deck cleaner or roll it on with a paintbrush<\/li><li>Use a bristle brush to scrub dirty areas or stubborn debris<\/li><li>Rinse your deck using a garden hose.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Should you pressure wash?<\/strong> Opinions on whether pressure washing is beneficial are split. If you have a composite deck, pressure washing is not recommended. Pressure washing could damage it. If you use this method for other wood decks, start with the lowest pressure setting and test a small area first. Ensure the pressure washer isn\u2019t causing splintering or fraying of the wood surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"stain-or-seal-your-deck\">Stain or Seal Your Deck<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"697\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/bigstock-Painting-wooden-patio-deck-wit-45716554-1024x697.jpg\" alt=\"stain or seal your deck\" class=\"wp-image-23385\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Should you stain or seal your deck?<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homedepot.ca\/en\/home\/ideas-how-to\/decking\/how-to-stain-a-deck.html\"> Staining your deck<\/a> gives it a fresh appearance and protection from the sun&#8217;s UV rays. But it doesn&#8217;t offer as much protection from moisture and water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sealing your deck may not provide much UV protection, but sealants offer significant protection from moisture and can keep your deck looking good longer. Keep in mind that you might need to apply sealant or stain every few years, depending on which type you use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These protective coatings can be a great way to help your deck last longer and enhance its appearance. This is even more important for softer woods, like cedar, that are more vulnerable to the elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-zolo-related flex items-center py-6 leading-tight border-t border-b border-blacklight undefined\"><p class=\"font-serif pr-6 md:pr-12 mr-6 md:flex-shrink-0 border-r border-blacklight\">Related content<\/p><p class=\"related-link w-full my-0\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/how-to-pick-a-pressure-washer\">How to Pick a Pressure Washer: A Guide<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow these steps on how to maintain a cedar deck \u2013 or other wood decks \u2013 with a stain or sealant:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Scrape dirt, loose paint, or flaking stain from your deck with a scrub brush, then clean it with a deck cleaner and garden hose<\/li><li>Let your deck dry for a couple of days<\/li><li>Sand your deck with an orbital sander if you&#8217;ll be staining it.<\/li><li>Apply the stain or sealant to the handrails with a paintbrush and the boards with a roller or flat pad applicator<\/li><li>Stay off your deck for 24 hours or more to let the sealant or stain dry<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"upgrade-your-living-space-with-outdoor-furniture\">Upgrade Your Living Space with Outdoor Furniture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Adding a new outdoor furniture set to your deck can make it even more appealing. Choose recycled plastics if you want to put mats or rugs under a table or chairs. Natural fibres soak up moisture, which can cause mildew growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you know more about maintaining a wood deck, you can ensure yours gets the routine care it needs to stay functional for years. This gives you a beautiful, comfortable outdoor space to enjoy \u2013 and a great feature to highlight when you put your home on the market.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how to clean, repair, and stain a wood deck to maintain its condition for years<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":91,"featured_media":23382,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"guide":[],"class_list":["post-23381","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-improvement"],"acf":[],"zolo_excerpt":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23381","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/91"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23381"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23381\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23387,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23381\/revisions\/23387"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23382"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23381"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23381"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23381"},{"taxonomy":"guide","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guide?post=23381"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}