What Causes Damage to a Deck?
If you have a wood deck, chances are good that it’s made from pressure treated lumber — lumber that’s chemically treated to resist wood-eating insects as well as rot and decay caused by fungi. Depending on where you live, your deck may be cedar or redwood — both have natural resistance to insects, mold growth and decay.
As beautiful and durable as these materials are, without regular maintenance there are several factors that can affect the appearance and longevity of the structure over time.
- Ultraviolet Light: Constant exposure to the sun and it’s UV rays can cause the color of the wood to fade and can eventually cause damage such as warping, splintering and cracking.
- Water: As rain pools or collects on wood, it can, like UV rays, cause warping, cracking and splintering. In areas with sub-freezing winter temperatures, ice and snow can worsen the damage. Constant exposure to moisture will also encourage mold and mildew growth.
- Mold and Mildew: Mold and mildew cause wood to lose its natural beauty and can create slippery spots on your deck floor, steps and railings. Over time, mold and mildew can cause wood to rot.
- Insects: Even wood that’s naturally insect-resistant or treated to resist termites isn’t completely insect-proof. Carpenter bees, termites and carpenter ants can all cause damage to deck components over time.
- Poor Cleaning: Failing to clean your deck can allow wear and damage. Even if you're cleaning your deck regularly, if you're using the wrong methods and materials, you could actually be damaging the wood and making it more vulnerable.
Any of these factors can make a deck look less attractive and inviting. Over time, they can lead to costly repairs or dangerous structural problems. We’ll show you the right way to maintain your deck and protect it from the elements.
Take a look at our ideas for getting rid of carpenter bees to help prevent these insects from damaging your deck and other outdoor wood structures.
Clean Your Deck
Keeping a deck clean is one of the simplest ways to protect it and help it look great and last over time.
- Regularly sweep away leaves, twigs and other debris that can hold in moisture, encouraging mold growth and creating slipping hazards. The material also shelters damaging insects. Debris fills gaps between deck boards, preventing good drainage and can lead to structural damage of the deck frame.
- Clean your deck annually with a deck cleaner. These detergents remove dirt to restore the natural beauty of the wood. Some can also remove stains from algae, mold and mildew. Check the cleaner to make sure you’re using the right product for your deck. Test any cleaner in an inconspicuous area of your deck before you use it to clean.
- Use the right cleaning tools. A pressure washer with a pressure washer detergent formulated for decks can make quick work of cleaning a deck, but make sure you’re not using a high-pressure setting or tip that can actually damage the wood. See our guide to pressure washing decks for general instructions. A deck brush requires more time and effort, but when used with a deck cleaner, can keep the wood looking great without the risk of gouging the boards.
When using a pressure washer or deck cleaning chemicals, wear splash-proof goggles and chemical resistant gloves. Sturdy work boots or work shoes are a must for safely using a pressure washer.
How Do I Protect My Deck From the Sun?
Staining and sealing a deck protects it from sun and water and enhances the beauty of the wood. An exterior stain will help a deck look great year after year. If your deck is new, wait a couple of months for the treated lumber to dry sufficiently to absorb the stain and sealer. You can test it with a little water. If the wood absorbs the water, it’s ready for staining and sealing. If the water beads, you need to wait.
Deck Stains
Clear stains let the natural beauty of the wood show through, but you can find exterior wood stains in a variety of shades to give your deck a look that works perfectly with your home or landscape.
- Light shades and transparent or semi-transparent stains enhance the grain of the wood. They also reduce the amount of heat the deck absorbs from the sun, protecting the wood — and your feet — from excess heat. However, they’re not as effective as darker shades at hiding wear and blemishes.
- Dark shades and stains that are solid or semi-solid can create a dramatic look and help hide discolorations and blemishes as well as some wear and weathering. However, they’ll hold in more heat. They’ll also show wear more readily so you may need to re-stain your deck more often to keep the dark color looking its best.
Deck Sealers
Most exterior stains provide UV protection and act as deck sealants to protect the wood from water. Some stains and sealers also resist algae, mildew and mold growth. There are a wide variety of exterior stains and sealers available; our exterior stain guide will help you find the right stain and the best sealants for decks.
If you're deck is heavily weathered, you can consider applying a deck resurfacer. These products are similar to paint and can hide some damage, splintering and wear.
Wood deck sealing and staining are maintenance steps you need to take on every couple of years for the best protection. If water no longer beads on the wood, it’s time to re-stain and reseal.
If you stained and sealed your deck in the past, you may need to sand it or use a wood stripper to remove the existing products from the deck before applying a new stain and sealer. Otherwise, the wood may not take the new product evenly. Check the instructions on the stain you plan to use.
Create Shade
Adding shade to your deck is another way to protect it from the UV damage and heat that constant exposure to the sun can cause. There are several shade options that can add protection, make the space more comfortable and even add a decorative touch.
- Retractable awnings create shade when needed and roll up when not in use. Look for awning fabrics treated for UV protection and weather resistance.
- Shade sails and shade fabric protect your deck from heat and UV rays and create a modern look.
- A pergola adds an architectural element to your deck. Build your own pergola for a deck or purchase an easy-to-assemble pergola that’s suitable for installation on a deck. You can find pergolas with canopies or you can use the pergola to support vining plants that create natural shade. Pergolas are also a perfect structure for string lights that add a pleasant glow after the sun goes down.
Get Your Deck Ready for Every Season
While you primarily use your deck in the spring and summer, it needs year-round protection. Each season brings its own challenges.
Protecting Your Deck in the Spring
Spring is the time most people begin thinking about using a deck. Taking care of your deck at the start of spring will ensure you have an attractive, comfortable place for relaxing, dining and entertaining through the warm months.
- Spring is a good time to clean, stain and seal your deck.
- Since you probably haven’t spent much time on your deck since the fall, spring is also a good time to inspect if for exposed nail heads, damage and to assess the need for repairs. See our deck safety tips and learn how to inspect your deck.
- Spring storms can deposit leaves, twigs and other debris on your deck, and expose the structure to a lot of water.
- Pollen makes a deck dusty and dingy and makes the space unpleasant for anyone who suffers from allergy symptoms.
Protecting Your Deck in the Summer
The heat and intense sun of summer means your deck needs protection from UV light and heat.
- If you haven’t stained and sealed your deck already, apply a waterproof, UV-resistant product before it gets too hot.
- Consider adding shade both to protect your deck and make it a pleasant summer retreat.
- Inspect your deck after heavy winds or thunderstorms. High winds can bring branches down onto a deck and worsen existing damage or loose boards.
Protecting Your Deck in the Fall
As the weather cools off, you may find yourself spending more time outdoors.
- Clear away any debris that accumulated while you’ve been indoors avoiding the heat.
- Keep up with falling leaves. A few minutes with a broom or leaf blower every couple of days will make the work more manageable than waiting for several weeks of accumulation, and there’ll be less opportunity for mold and mildew growth.
- Make sure your deck is ready for winter. If water is soaking into the boards, it may need sealing. Deal with any damage now and you’ll be able to enjoy the deck sooner in the spring.
- Don’t forget your grill and deck furniture. Protect them with grill covers and patio furniture covers to keep everything in top shape.
Protecting Your Deck in the Winter
You may not use your deck in winter, but don’t forget about it. There are things you can do now that’ll make it easier to get it in shape when warm weather returns.
- Continue to keep the deck clear of debris that can collect moisture or stain the wood.
- Clear away accumulated snow. Snow that melts and refreezes can lead to moisture damage and make cracking and splintering bigger problems. If you’re using a shovel or a small snow blower designed for decks and patios, work carefully and work along the grain of the boards to minimize the risk of damaging the wood.
- Be careful using ice-melt products. Some of these can damage deck surfaces, so pay attention to the product information.
Consider Upgrading to Composite Decking
If your deck has become damaged beyond repair, consider a low-maintenance composite deck. Composite decking is an option that’s easy to clean, resists weathering and it’s a material that can last longer than wood decking. Composite deck boards are stain- and fade-resistant and won’t warp or rot like poorly maintained wood decking can. The combination of recycled wood and plastic also resists damage from insects and isn’t as vulnerable to UV rays and water as wood can be.
Frequently Asked Questions About Protecting a Deck
Use the answers to these common deck maintenance questions for quick tips on protecting your deck from sun, water and more.
How Can I Protect a Weathered Deck?
Solid and semisolid stains and sealers make good options for weathered decks. They restore faded color and the greater pigment opacity hides some damage and stains.
If your deck is heavily weathered or the wood is splintering, resurfacers or restoration products are alternatives you can try. These finishes are similar to a very thick paint; you apply them with a brush or roller. They cover deck boards and hide the woodgrain, but are available in different wood-tone shades.
Is It Better to Stain or Seal a Deck?
It’s best to both stain and seal a deck. Staining enhances the beauty of the wood or revitalizes a graying deck. The right stain also prevents damage from the sun’s UV rays. A sealer protects the wood from water damage. Most stains also seal: you get sun and water protection in one product. If you use a stain that doesn’t seal, apply a separate sealer.