A Quick Maintenance Guide for Cedar Decks

A deck can be a beautiful lounge area that expands your living space and a functional feature that serves as a place to plant herbs and host big dinner parties. One of the most popular materials used for decks and patios is the Western Red Cedar. It is incredibly resistant to rot, and it has anti-fungal and insect repellent properties, and an expected lifespan of 20 or more years with seasonal maintenance. Here are some tips to keep your cedar deck in tip-top shape:

1. Clean your cedar deck on a regular basis. Make sure that you clean dirt, fallen leaves and other debris off your cedar deck at least once to three times a week. A good sweep with a kitchen broom will do the trick. Even though cedar is naturally resistant to moisture, any moist material left to dry on the wood may encourage decay and damage. It is best to avoid this risk. 
2. Wash your cedar deck once or twice a year. Decks are ideal places for outdoor cooking and backyard BBQs. Make sure that you clean up any grease or food spills before they settle into the wood grain and turn into stubborn stains. Do this in springtime or prior to staining. Use a specific deck cleaning solution or an oxygen bleach. Apply the cleaning solution using a long-handled paint roller or garden sprayer. You may also want to inspect the condition of your boards and screws. This may be a good time to hire a handyman to do necessary repairs. 
3. Stain your cedar deck ideally in late summer. Leave your cedar deck dry a minimum of 24 hours before the stain application in order to get the best results. Choose between an oil-based and a water-based stain. Oil-based stains normally last longer, whereas water-based stains are more eco-friendly and have fewer toxins. Whichever your choice is, make sure to stay away from the suspiciously cheap materials and read the manufacturer instructions before using a product on your deck.

Handyman Connection® of Grapevine is a leading source of top-quality home improvement solutions in Texas. We work diligently with residential clients and provide deck repair, exterior painting, electrical work, flooring installation services and more. Call us at (817) 527-3600, or fill out our contact form here to set up an appointment.