Your deck is more than just an extension of your home. It’s your outdoor oasis—a place for morning coffees, afternoon beers, late-night chats and everything in between.
But as much as we love our decks, they endure constant exposure to the elements. Rain, sun, dirt, and debris take a toll, causing wear and tear over time. Without proper care, a once-stunning deck can quickly fade, crack, or even rot.
That’s where deck maintenance swoops in to save the day. A little routine upkeep goes a long way toward preserving the beauty and structural integrity of your decking. Whether it’s timber or composite, cleaning, inspecting, and refinishing regularly can add years to its life while keeping it looking fresh and inviting.
Ready to give your deck the care it deserves? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of deck maintenance and learn how to keep it in tip-top shape.
What is deck maintenance?
Think of deck maintenance as a spa day for your deck. It involves cleaning, inspecting, repairing, and refinishing your decking. This process extends its life and keeps it looking picture-perfect while warding off rot, cracks, and fading.
Here’s a quick checklist of what it entails:
- Cleaning: Sweep away debris and scrub it down.
- Inspection: Look for damage, like cracks or loose boards.
- Repairing: Fix rot, tighten loose nails, or replace damaged sections.
- Refinishing: Add a protective seal or stain for extra longevity.
Most of the time, a quick seasonal clean and an annual inspection will do the trick. Resealing timber decks is a bit more work, but you’ll only need to tackle it every few years.
How much does deck maintenance cost?
The good news is most of the cost comes down to your time. A solid seasonal cleaning and occasional resealing can be a DIY affair. Deck cleaning products are wallet-friendly (usually running anywhere from $20-$60) and well worth the investment to prevent costly repairs later.
Prefer to hire a pro? Expect to pay between $50 and $100 per hour for labor, plus materials.
Tips for cleaning your deck
Cleaning your deck isn’t just about aesthetics; it helps prevent wear and tear. The method you use depends on the material:
Timber decks
Timber requires a gentle approach. Start by sweeping off debris and cleaning between boards. Use a timber-friendly cleaning solution applied with a brush or sprayer. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose (skip the pressure washer; it’s too harsh). Avoid cleaning on hot, sunny days to prevent rapid evaporation.
Composite decks
Composite decking is low-maintenance but still needs a seasonal scrub. Use a soft brush and composite-specific cleaner. Again, give the pressure washer a miss—it can damage the surface and void warranties. For stubborn rust or leaf stains, oxalic acid-based brighteners work wonders.
Deck railings
When cleaning railings, start from the bottom up to avoid streaks. Rinse thoroughly to remove all cleaning residue.
Inspecting and repairing decks: Spot trouble early
A thorough inspection is the backbone of deck maintenance. By catching problems like rot, cracks, or loose fittings early, you can prevent small issues from spiraling into costly repairs.
Whether your deck is made of timber or composite, a careful yearly review—ideally in summer when the deck is dry and easy to examine—can save you time, money, and headaches.
Timber decks
Timber decks are beautiful but can be vulnerable to weather damage if not properly maintained. Here’s what to look for during your inspection:
- Rot check: Examine every inch of the deck for signs of rot. Soft, spongy areas, dark spots, or crumbling wood are telltale signs.
- Small Rot Spots: Scrape out the rotted wood with a chisel, then treat the area with a wood preservative.
- Extensive Rot: If the rot has spread, it’s time to replace the affected board.
- Loose fixings: Nails and screws can loosen over time due to shifting wood or general wear. Tighten them wherever possible. If a fixing can’t be tightened, fill the hole with wood filler and use larger screws or nails to secure the area.
- Ledger and joist inspection:
- The ledger: This critical component connects your deck to the house and is a common point of failure. Look for signs of rot, loosening, or wear.
- Joists and posts: These structural supports can also rot over time. Replacing a single joist is manageable, but if rot has spread extensively, you may need professional help—or a whole new deck. If only a small section is damaged, a splint can be attached to the joist using galvanized screws, spaced 30 cm apart, ensuring the screws are secured into solid wood.
- Cracks Around Nails and Screws: Cracks are common and don’t always require replacing the wood. Instead, use an exterior-grade adhesive to seal the cracks and pre-drilled holes. Afterwards, insert new galvanized screws to restore stability.
- Railings: Wobbly railings are more than just annoying—they’re a safety risk. Check for cracks, loose screws, or signs of weakness, and repair them promptly.
Composite decks
Composite decks are designed for durability, but they’re not completely maintenance-free. Regular inspections are still important to ensure they remain in great shape. Here’s what to check for:
- Loose fittings: Composite materials don’t rot, but screws and fasteners can still come loose over time. Tighten any loose fittings to keep your deck secure.
- Physical damage: Look for chips, cracks, or other damage caused by heavy furniture, weather, or everyday use. Composite decks are tough, but addressing damage quickly ensures it doesn’t worsen.
- Plants and furniture: During your inspection, check the surroundings. Trim any plants or vines that touch the deck, as they can lead to mould or moss growth. Move furniture periodically to avoid uneven discolouration.
Reseal and revive your deck
Refinishing is like giving your timber deck a makeover. Every 2-5 years, your deck may need resealing. Here’s how:
- Clean thoroughly: Sweep and scrub using a timber cleaner.
- Sand it smooth: Use coarse grit for initial sanding and finer grit for a polished finish. Don’t skip this step—it helps the sealant adhere better.
- Seal the deal: Apply a deck sealer with a brush or roller, following the grain. Two thin coats are better than one thick one.
For composite decks, refinishing involves applying a specialised stain to restore its colour. Unlike timber, there’s no sanding involved—just clean and coat!
