Tag Archives: cleaning your deck

Fall Deck Prep

Even though the weather is cooling down, that doesn’t mean the exterior home improvement season is over. Chances are the blazing summer sun did a number on your patio, deck, outdoor furniture and other backyard features. Now is the time to start preparing your outdoor living area for the brisk winter weather this is on the horizon.

Let’s start with the deck. Cleaning and protecting it are the best steps you can take to keep it sustained over the winter.

  • Clean your deck by power washing it to remove all dirt, sand and dust particles.
  • Be sure to check for any damage, splits, loose nails, rotting, etc.
  • If you plan to stain your deck, be sure to wait at least 24 hours after it has been cleaned or power washed.
  • Pay attention to weather reports. Cleaning and staining should not be done when rain is expected.
  • Set aside enough time get your deck maintenance done. The larger the deck, the more time it will take. A weekend is usually enough time.

Do you need help preparing your deck for the winter season? Contact Outdoor Environments in Kansas City at 913-897-2706 for more information.

Image from PP

Maintaining Your Deck

Now that the weather has turned warm it is time to get your deck ready for barbeque season. To extend the life of your deck you will need to routinely clean it.

Before cleaning your deck, remove everything from the floor and sweep away all debris.  Now to the cleaning, you can use a oxygen based cleaner, which is safe for the environment, pets and kids.   Dissolve the cleaner into water and apply across your deck with a mop, handled brush or sprayer.

You will need to wait 10 minutes before you wash away with either a garden hose or pressure washer.  If you use a pressure washer it is very important to set the dial to 1,500 pounds of pressure per square inch, any higher and you can risk damaging the wood.

For further instructions please watch this short clip from DIYNetwork.com.