Denver Landscape Design Company Talks About Year-Round Deck Maintenance


September 20, 2021

Decks are exposed to the harsh elements on a daily basis, so if you want to protect your investment—and the cost of a deck can be quite substantial—be diligent about maintaining your deck. Here are some suggestions for keeping your deck safe and looking great.

Fall Deck Care

Fall is also a good time to wash and seal your deck if the job didn’t get finished before the summer. It’s always best to do the washing and sealing while temperatures are on the mild side.

Other fall tasks to keep your deck in good shape include:

  • Trim bushes and trees that are close to the deck. Keep them at least a foot away from the deck to control molding and rotting. 
  • Clean out leaves and other debris that might have piled up in the corners of the deck.
  • Move around planters, chairs, tables, and other furniture so your deck doesn’t discolor from the sun. 
  • Check that gutters and downspouts near the deck are clear so that water can flow through properly.

Spring Deck Care

After a long winter and before you start using your deck regularly, spring is an excellent time to clean your deck. Left unwashed, a deck is vulnerable to mold and mildew, which can lead to rot.

Here is a step-by-step guide for washing your deck:

  1. Get rid of all debris that might have built up between deck boards. You can do this using a putty knife. Be sure to check where the deck boards cross the joists, which are the structural elements holding the deck together.
  2. Protect nearby plants and shrubs, covering them with plastic sheeting while you work on the deck.
  3. Sweep the deck thoroughly.
  4. Use a cleaner that is designed for decks, depending on what materials yours is made of, and be sure to follow the instructions. If your deck is vinyl (cellular PVC), all you’ll need is warm water and mild soap to get rid of dirt, mold, and mildew.
  5. Choose a cloudy day for cleaning so the sun won't cause the cleaner to evaporate.
  6. Let the deck dry before you seal it; two is what is usually recommended.

When choosing a sealer, you’ll have options for the type of finish you want. You can use a clear sealer that will let the wood grain and color shine through, or you can get a tinted or opaque sealer. You should plan on reapplying the sealer every other year or so, using the same or a somewhat darker color. Be sure to take appropriate safety measures, including wearing a safety mask, gloves, and eye protection. Do the job on a summer day when skies are clear and temperatures are mild.

Contact a Denver Landscape Design Company

For your next landscape design project, contact Landscaped Retreats. Our professionals can help you with everything from plants to hardscapes—and everything in between. Need a bit of inspiration before you get started? Take a look at our completed projects page, then give us a call!