Deck Maintenance Tips for Longevity and Safety

If you’re recently completed a deck renovation or are looking to keep your existing deck in pristine condition, knowing the right care routine can be vital for not only retaining its look, but also keeping its users safe from common deck hazards.

Much of proper deck maintenance stems from a routine tailored for its material. However, regardless of your deck’s composition, keeping it clean and debris-free is always beneficial. Keep an eye out for any twigs, pebbles, or leaves that fall atop it. These can trap moisture and may cause damage over time. Seasonal washing is useful for preventing mould growth. Inspections are valuable for identifying safety hazards, such as loose boards, splinters, or nails. Below are some material-specific tips:

Hardwood

Materials such as Kwila, Garapa and Vitex are tough but not impervious. Mild soap and water are good for regular cleaning. Aside from that, annual application of decking oil is useful in maintaining UV protection.

Softwood

Soft timber such as treated pine is a chemically preserved, cost-effective decking material that is made to resist insects and rot. Being a softwood, however, it is vulnerable to physical damage. Avoid placing excessively heavy objects and clean regularly. Reapplying stain or sealant every 1-2 years is important to maintaining its finish and integrity.

Composite

Marking a departure from simple timber, composite decking is made with a mix of recycled wood fibres and plastic, eliminating the need for sealing or staining. Using a non-abrasive cloth and mild detergent is ideal for avoiding scratches and chemical damage while cleaning away dirt. Still, it is good to address spills and debris promptly.

PVC

Polyvinyl Chloride is an entirely synthetic material that possesses high moisture and UV resistance. It’s also strong enough to resist regular use by pets, making it an ideal option if durability is a concern. Still, regularly wiping it down is useful for a pristine finish, and applying a UV-resistant sealant can assuage worries of the colour or finish fading.

Bamboo

A yet-emerging option alongside existing decking materials, engineered bamboo is an eco-friendly alternative that continues to iterate in its durability. Non-abrasive solutions are recommended for cleaning. It may naturally fade in colour over time, which requires exterior oil to hold a specific hue. Looking out for splinters can also make them safer to walk on.

While some decks have physical, UV, or chemical resistance, they each have trade-offs – be it price, maintenance requirements, or aesthetic limitations - certain materials may not have the look you want. Regardless of what you pick, regular gentle cleaning and performing deck-specific maintenance is key to preserving its original look.

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Source: Deck Maintenance Guide: Wood, Composite & PVC Care Tips