Decks

Deck and Patio Maintenance: Preparing for Summer Entertaining

Deck and Patio Maintenance: Preparing for Summer Entertaining

With summertime fast approaching, now is the time to start planning your yearly maintenance for a deck or patio to prepare your outdoor entertaining space for the season.

Regular maintenance and cleaning of your outdoor entertaining space will ensure that you can enjoy outdoor cooking and spending time with friends and family any time during the summer with minimal preparation.

It will also ensure that your deck is kept in good condition, lowering the chance that you will experience drastic structural issues, and saving money in the long run.

With a little hard work and supplies, you will be patio-ready in short order. Start your maintenance journey at Tri State Building Center to grab the necessary tools and cleaning supplies for your deck or patio today!

Tools and Materials Needed:

  • Broom
  • Outdoor cleaning solution
  • Outdoor nails and screws
  • Hammer or drill
  • Power washer
  • Replacement boards
  • Bleach
  • Stain or sealant
  • Rags and paintbrushes

How to Perform Deck and Patio Maintenance

Step 1 - Survey the space and clear furniture

The first thing that you will want to do to prepare your deck or patio for the summer is to clear off all furniture, appliances, and kids' toys.

Thoroughly look all over your deck to see if you need to perform any deep cleaning, mold removal, or if any damaged wood or deck rails need to be replaced or fixed.

Step 2 - Thoroughly clean the deck

Using a rough outdoor broom, sweep the patio thoroughly.

The best way to get the wood or brick on the deck clean and free from debris is with a power washer. It will eliminate caked-on dirt, bird poop, or plant matter. This method is fast and will visibly improve the color of the wood or brick.

If you don’t have access to a power washer, use a stand-up outdoor broom or an outdoor scrub brush with soap and water to scrub the surface.

Step 3 - Use bleach to eliminate any mold

Now that the dirt and debris have been washed away, you can survey the deck to see if mold or mildew is growing on the wood.

If you find mold spots, use bleach, a scrub brush or a rag to wipe away the affected areas.

Step 4 - Replace damaged boards

Using a hammer or drill, take up any broken, rotting, or damaged boards.

Replace the boards with new planks of wood and secure in place with fresh outdoor nails or screws.

Step 5 - Tighten screws and support beams

Take the time to go around the perimeter of the deck or patio and tighten all of the screws, paying special attention to the support beams and posts.

Ensuring your deck is in solid condition and the boards are in good shape will keep your outdoor space sturdy and well-maintained. The maintenance will allow you to host plenty of people and hold the additional weight that guests bring.

Step 6 - Apply fresh stain or sealant

Now that your deck has been scrubbed clean and free from outdoor material, bird poop, dead leaves, and whatever else you might find outside, it’s the perfect time to apply fresh stain or sealant.

Adding stain or sealant to the wood will keep it waterproof and maintain its longevity.

Use an old rag to dip into the stain and apply in thin and even strokes. If using a wood sealant, then you will need to use a standard paintbrush to apply the sealant.

Now is the time to enjoy your freshly maintained deck or patio!

Drop by Tri State Building Center for deck maintenance essentials! We’re here to assist with choosing the best tools for the job.

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