8 Essential Deck Maintenance Tips

1. Clean It

Keeping your deck clean helps it last longer. Routinely remove debris, sweep dirt away, and don't let standing water pool for too long. 

If you find a build-up of mud, moss, or mold, it's time for a deeper clean. Once a year, use a power washer to deep-clean your deck. To minimize gouging the wood with the powerful stream of water, skip the power washer. 



A deck-cleaning solution and a scrub brush can remove a significant amount of build-up without the risks that come with power-washing your deck. Be sure to avoid using bleach or bleach-based cleaners! These cleaning solutions can leave permanent white patches and damage the wood. 

2. Fix Nail Pop-ups and Splinters

Over time, the boards of your wood deck shrink. Shrinkage can cause nails to pop up and boards to loosen. 

Periodically check the deck for nail heads popping out of the wood. Not only do nail pop-ups threaten to weaken your deck, but they're also a safety hazard for your family and pets when walking on the deck. Pull those nails and replace them with a longer nail or screw installed flush to the board's surface. 



When you see splinters, trim and sand the rough edges to protect bare feet!

3. Check for Cracks and Rot

Rotting and damaged boards affect the integrity of your deck and can lead to a collapse. Keep an eye out for cracked and rotting boards that need replacing right away.



With damaged wood, sun, heat, and rain help, a crack continues to grow until you replace the board. When noticing a small crack, don't wait until it grows before pulling the board and replacing it with a new one. 

4. Inspect Railings and Steps

Weak or wobbly railings can lead to an accident when someone leans on it hard enough to break. The railing might appear sturdy until it's too late and someone gets hurt. Uneven steps can also lead to trip and fall accidents. 



Take time to check the stability of railings throughout the year. After heavy winds or rain, try moving railings (without putting your total weight on them). If they wiggle a little bit, reinforce the screws and joints to prevent movement. 

5. Seal the Deck

A deck with a high-quality sealant will retain its color and look nicer for longer. Plus, a high-quality sealant protects your deck from water damage, rot, mold, and mildew. 

The right sealer can last up to three years with proper application. For non-toxic deck care, use an eco-friendly sealant to protect pets, kids, and the environment around your home. 

Update the look of your deck with a finish that highlights the natural look of your wood deck. Choose a color sealant to change your deck's look or add a cooling protectant over the wood. 



Remember: when applying sealant, use the right amount based on the surface area of your deck. Not using enough leaves behind only a thin layer that can't effectively protect your wood deck. However, applying a thick layer can affect how your deck maintenance products dry and ruin the final appearance. 

6. Sand Before Sealing

Before you seal, it's critical to sand the deck as the next item on your deck maintenance checklist. After cleaning and power-washing, a deck can look dull and weathered. If it's been a year or two since you last applied a coat of sealant, it's time to re-seal the deck—but not before sanding. 

Make sure the deck is completely dry after washing before beginning the sanding process. Your deck's surface doesn't need rough-grit sandpaper. Using a high-powered sander can also be too harsh for the wood. 



Get a pole sander and use 80-grit sandpaper to gently scrape away the old sealant and built-up debris that's stuck to the surface.

7. Use a Grease Catcher Under the Grill

Even the best deck sealant can lose its effectiveness when subject to dripping grease from the grill. If you keep and use your grill on the deck, invest in a sturdy grease catcher to keep grease from dripping to the deck.



In the event of a grease spill, clean it up right away with mild soap and water. The best sealants can protect your deck from many things, but allowing grease to sit underneath the grill can cause warping and rot in that spot. 

8. Move the Furniture

Sun and rain wear away the finish of your wood deck over time. When moving furniture, you'll notice areas underneath chairs and tables show less wear than decking that sees the sun every day. 

Before cleaning, sanding, or applying sealant, move the outdoor furniture off the deck's surface. From time to time, rearrange the furniture to avoid too much wear-and-tear in one area of the deck. 

Be sure to also clean deck furniture when cleaning the deck. Check tables, chairs, and umbrellas for mildew or signs of pests. Pests that chew into patio cushions or eat holes into chairs can do the same to your wood deck. 



If you're unable to clean away mildew or find pest damage, it's time for new deck furniture. 

Use Quality Products for Excellent Deck Maintenance

Using quality cleaning and sealing products for deck maintenance helps prolong the life (and look) of your deck! When investing in a quality deck, take care of it with our selection of LayorCare Pool & Patio Protection products.

Our product line helps protect your deck from damage caused by UV rays, water, mildew, and mold. Click to shop now!