When planning to maintain your deck, remember to weigh the benefits of doing it yourself versus hiring a professional. You can take on many of these tasks as DIY projects but if you don’t want to invest in materials or take the time to do the job thoroughly, hire a decking professional.
- Cleaning: Take on this easy DIY project regularly to make sure branches, leaves and other natural materials don’t accumulate on your deck. They might seem harmless but can encourage mildew and other damaging substances to grow.
- Staining: Adding color is optional for wooden decks. Staining allows you to coordinate your deck with your home or to add visual interest.
- Sealing: Wooden decks require regular sealing to protect them from the elements. Be sure to choose a high-quality sealant to make sure it performs to your expectations.
- Waterproofing: Sealing protects decks against damage from absorbed water, but it won’t protect them from standing water. Add an extra layer of protection by waterproofing your deck, a project you can often schedule at the same time as sealing.