Why Do You Need to Protect a Deck From Winter Weather?
Winterizing a deck has two key benefits.
- Winterizing protects the structure from rain, ice and snow. Without protection, water that enters cracks in the structure of a deck can freeze, thaw and refreeze in winter weather. This freeze and thaw cycle creates cracks in wood or enlarges existing cracks, leading to splintering and more serious damage that requires repair or replacement of deck components.
- Winterizing lets you enjoy your deck sooner when temperatures warm in spring. A properly winterized deck is easier to clean and requires less pre-season maintenance than a deck you leave unprotected.
And you may simply want to continue enjoying your deck even after temperatures drop. A clean, well-maintained deck is always ready for family and friends. We’ll give you winterizing tips below, along with some ideas to let you enjoy your deck in winter.
How to Protect Your Deck for Winter
Preparing your deck for winter starts in the warmer months of late summer or early fall before temperatures drop below freezing or simply make it unpleasant to work. Warm weather is also a requirement for using materials such as cleaners and sealers.
Inspect the Deck
You should inspect your deck during spring and summer, but winter preparations are an excellent time to check for signs of damage and wear, both to prolong the life of your deck and to keep it safe. Our deck safety and maintenance tips take you through common inspection steps, but here are some general tips.
- Check the frame, posts and fasteners for any sign of damage.
- Make sure stair treads are sturdy.
- Make sure the deck railing and stair railing are secure and all balusters are in place.
- Check the decking for loose boards as well as cracking and splintering.
Deal with any damage you find before continuing winter prep.
Simple fixes like securing loose fasteners or replacing balusters are often do-it-yourself projects, but if you find or suspect problems with the frame or other structural damage, have a professional make repairs before using the deck.
Clean the Deck
Once you’re sure your deck is in good shape, it’s time to clean. A clean deck will be more pleasant to use in the off season and easier to get ready for cookouts and dinner parties when warm weather returns. Cleaning can also reduce the risk of damage from harsh winter weather.
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Remove your grill and any furniture or accessories to allow for a thorough cleaning.
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Sweep the decking clean of leaves, twigs and other debris that can stain and collect moisture.
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Clear debris from the gaps between the deck boards to allow water to drain from the deck.
- Scrub the decking with an appropriate deck cleaner and a cleaning brush or use a pressure washer to remove dirt, stains and any mold or mildew.
Take a look at our detailed step-by-step instructions for cleaning and sealing a wood deck to make sure your outdoor space is ready for any season. We’ve also got tips for cleaning a deck with a pressure washer.
Seal the Deck
If you’ve got a wood deck you need to seal it to protect it from rain, ice and snow.
- Choose a clear sealer to keep the natural wood tone or a stain and sealer product to add color along with protection from rain, ice and snow.
- Make sure the deck is completely dry.
- Sweep the deck to remove any dirt or debris that collected as it was drying.
- Apply the sealer using a brush or roller, making sure to thoroughly seal the ends of the boards.
- Allow the sealer to dry and apply a second coat if the product instructions recommend it.
- Allow the final coat to dry completely before replacing the furnishings or using the deck.
You can use a handheld sprayer for some clear, transparent and semi-transparent sealers, but check the sealer instructions first and don’t use a sprayer that has held a pesticide or herbicide.
Keep the Deck Clear of Snow, Ice and Debris
It may be tempting to let snow and ice accumulate on your deck. But even if you don’t plan to use your deck during winter, removing snow and ice can help prevent it from creating cracks or making existing cracks worse. Plus, it’s a good safety practice to remove any slipping hazards from outdoor surfaces.
- Working along the grain of the boards, carefully remove snow from the decking with a broom, a plastic snow shovel that doesn’t have a metal edge or a small electric snow blower with rubber paddles.
- Keep all steps and railings free of snow and ice.
- Use ice melt appropriate for your decking material as necessary.
- Regularly check the gaps between the decking boards to make sure they’ll allow water to drain and not pool.
- Sweep away leaves and debris to help prevent staining and moisture issues.
Snow removal is strenuous work. Take frequent breaks and don’t overexert yourself.
How to Enjoy a Deck in Winter
Now that your deck is ready for winter, you can start thinking about using it. If you love the outdoors in any season, you can enjoy your deck even in cold weather. Using your deck year round will also let you make the most of the investment you’ve made in your deck.
Add Outdoor Furniture and Accessories
You’ve probably already got furniture for your deck, but there are some accessories that will make your deck a more pleasant place in cold weather. If you don’t have much furniture, the off season can be a great time to purchase it.
- Make sure you have enough outdoor seating for your family and guests. Chairs, loveseats, sofas and even swings are nice additions for any season.
- Purchase outdoor cushions and pillows to make seating cozier and more comfortable.
- Set up a nearby cocoa bar or drinks cart.
- Add end tables and coffee tables so everyone has a place for cocoa, coffee or drinks.
- Use outdoor rugs to make the deck more comfortable and give it the feel of an extension of your home.
Use Deck Lighting
Outdoor lighting makes a deck inviting, attractive and can improve safety. Daylight hours are shorter in winter, but there are a few simple ways to brighten winter evenings on a deck.
- Install deck post cap lights, available in a wide range of styles.
- Add step lights to make it easy to get on and off the deck.
- Hang string lights as a simple, temporary lighting solution.
- Place path lights along walkways leading to your deck.
- Consider solar outdoor lanterns for an extra decorative glow.
Keep a Fire Pit, Fire Table or Heater Nearby
Outdoor heating can make a deck a pleasant place to relax even in winter.
- Some outdoor heating devices are suitable for use on a deck but before you use any heater, chiminea, fire pit, fire table or outdoor fireplace on a deck check the product instructions to see if it’s designed for deck use. If not, don’t use it on your deck.
- Even if you can’t use your outdoor heating on a deck, you can set it up on a patio or other suitable space nearby to create an inviting extension of your outdoor living space.
- Take care of your outdoor heating equipment when you’re not using it. See our guide to winterizing fire pits, fire places and more for tips.
- Follow any regulations for open flames that apply to your area.
Our project guide will show you how to build an outdoor firepit in your backyard. Take a look at our fire pit ideas article and our outdoor heating guide for more heating, fire table and outdoor fireplace ideas.
Other Ways To Enjoy a Deck in Winter
There are lots of other ways to make a deck comfortable in cold weather. Here are a few more ideas.
- A hot tub keeps you warm outdoors in the winter, but you’ll need to work with a professional deck builder to ensure your deck can safely support the addition.
- Cold-tolerant plants in containers or nearby planting beds add natural color and texture to a winter outdoor space. Different plants have different levels of tolerance for cold weather. Check your local Lowe’s for in-season plants that are right for your area. You can also take a look at our guide to plant hardiness zones to pick the right plants for your landscape.
- Some canopies and awnings can provide protection from light winter rain, but they won’t support a load of snow. Follow the instructions for your canopy or awning and clear away snow accumulation as soon as possible.
- Don’t forget your grill. You can still cook up tasty meals outdoors, just keep an eye on the grill temperature. In cold weather a grill will take longer to heat up and to cook properly.