A wood deck adds utility and beauty to your outdoor area. It creates space for relaxation, reflection, and social bonding. But extended use and exposure to outdoor elements can spoil the aesthetics of your wood deck. 

The good thing is that wood decks are made of durable wood, which means that most damage is only on the surface. It also means that regular maintenance can help keep your wood deck from ruin, and you can restore it to its former glory if there are any signs of wear and tear. 

For some help, take note of these ways how to take care of your wood deck. 

Proper Way to Clean a Wood Deck

Get a broom or a leaf blower to gather and clean the scattered waste out of the deck. Then, wash the surface with a commercial cleaner containing sodium percarbonate that eliminates dirt, oxidation, and mildew. Protect yourself with safety glasses and rubber gloves when cleaning your wooden deck. 

Scrub the surface using a stiff bristle brush and rinse the area with water after scrubbing. Then, let the deck dry under the sun. 

For a large-sized deck, use a power washer to blast and cleanse the surface of the deck. It must be fitted with a nozzle that fans an arc of around 30 to 40 degrees. Spray along the wood grain to remove ingrained dirt and debris. Don’t hold the nozzle too close and long on the surface to avoid eroding the wood. 

Look for Rotten Areas on the Deck

A deck made of untreated cedar, redwood, or any other wood is more susceptible to rotting than pressure-treated wood. Light-colored sapwood also has lower resistance to rot than dark-brown heartwood. 

However, wood can naturally rot if exposed to elements like rain. Check the information regarding the type of wood or its longevity on the tag or ask the seller about it. Now, when it comes to taking care of your wood deck, you should find ways to dry out the deck if it becomes wet. 

Also, do a regular inspection. Areas that can be barely noticed, such as underneath the stair treads or the decking boards, are more prone to rotting. Replace rotten boards with rot-resistant wood or nail down loose boards with special decking nails. 

Get Rid of Stains

For removing mildew and algae stains, use non-chlorine oxygenated bleach. This product can clean and brighten your wooden deck, and it’s non-toxic and eco-friendly. 

For a deck made of cedar or redwood, use chlorine bleach to get rid of mildew and algae stains. This cleaning solution won’t darken your wood deck unlike non-chlorine cleaners. The disadvantage is that it’s toxic, so you must wear protective gear when using it. Also, it can ruin the natural color of the wood if not used properly.

Acid-based cleaners can also remove stains and graying, while bleach-based alternatives do away with mildew. Don’t mix household bleach with deterrent containing ammonia because it can create highly toxic fumes. 

Remove Old Finish

If an old finish is peeling or flaking, you should use a deck finish stripper to remove it. There are non-toxic and biodegradable finish strippers you can buy on the market. Be sure to wear protective eyeglasses, clothing, and rubber gloves before applying the stripper. It’s also a must to cover the plants, siding, and other surfaces with plastic sheets. 

Read the directions before applying the stripper. You can use a roller, brush, or garden sprayer to apply the stripper on the deck. Never leave the stripping solution longer than necessary, and don't forget to rinse the area with water. 

Apply New Finish

If the wood deck needs a new finish, you should know what’s the best suited finish for your deck. You can ask the paint supplier for some advice. Typically, the finish should contain paraffin or oil to prevent moisture from soaking in the wood. It’s also recommended to opt for something that contains UV blockers to avoid graying on the surface caused by sunlight. 

There are several options for a new finish on your wood deck. You can opt for an opaque stain, semi-transparent stain, paint, or clear sealer. Water-based finishes are more convenient to apply and clean, while alkyd- or oil-based finishes provide the best protection. 

Takeaway

Wood decks provide practical outdoor hangout spaces and add beauty to the home exterior. If you have a wood deck at home, make sure to maintain it regularly to prevent mildew or algae stains, graying, and rot from destroying its aesthetics and structure. 

There are various ways to maintain your wood deck. Top of the list is keeping it clean using a power washer and a suitable cleaning solution. It’s also crucial to replace rotten boards and apply a new finish to ensure the sheen and luster of your wood deck.