Six Expert Tips to Maintaining Your Deck | Springfield Deck Care

Maintaining your deck is crucial for preserving its beauty and durability. These expert tips will help you save time and money while properly caring for your Springfield deck.

1. Clean wooden decks annually

Natural wood decks come in various options like Southern Pine, Western Red Cedar, and exotic hardwoods such as ipe and teak. While their longevity and color may differ, they share basic cleaning principles. Tight-grained natural woods claim water resistance, but they have a porous surface that can eventually absorb water, allowing algae, mold, and mildew growth. Without proper cleaning and maintenance, wood decks can rot over time. The natural tannins and oils in the wood need protection and preservation to maintain a like-new appearance for years.

1. Pressure-treated wood requires annual cleaning

Pressure-treated wood is a popular choice, made by treating pine or local coniferous trees with chemicals to increase durability and longevity. It's economical and lasts longer than natural wood, making it a common deck material. However, without proper cleaning and maintenance, pressure-treated decking is prone to warping and can become saturated with prolonged moisture exposure, creating an environment for algae, mold, and mildew growth.

1. Clean composite decking twice a year

Composite decking, also known as wood-plastic composite (WPC), usually contains some wood material. It's a hardy choice that lasts for decades against frequent use and harsh elements. Composed of wood material, often recycled fibers (wood flour), plastics, or cements, this option may not feel as nice on bare feet, but it's hardier and lasts longer with proper maintenance. The manufacturing process results in even color shift, minimal warping, and a smoother, slightly less porous surface. Composite materials don't absorb water and are durable against tough wear and tear. Follow the manufacturer's recommended cleaning schedule, typically two or three times per year.

1. Wait a year before cleaning a new deck

When should you clean a brand new deck for the first time? The simple answer is that a deck usually doesn't need cleaning after the first year of installation. Of course, spot clean any spills or messes.

1. Clean your deck before staining

If you plan to stain a deck, regardless of the material, clean it first. New decks typically have mill scale, which is the crushed flat grain of the wood during the milling process. Cleaning a new deck before staining removes the mill scale and any settled particles, creating a slightly more porous surface that allows the stain to soak into the wood, resulting in an even, true-to-color finish.

1. Don't panic if your cedar deck develops fuzzies

Unlike other natural wood decks, cedar boards should be cleaned immediately after installation. Cedar is a popular deck choice due to its natural resistance to rot, decay, and insects.

When cleaning a cedar deck with any cleaner, it's possible to end up with a white film often called "wood fuzzies" or furring. Furring can occur anytime cedar is cleaned but is most common with new cedar or heavily oxidized wood. Heavily oxidized cedar has a dull, gray appearance. In either situation, damaged cells are lifting up from the boards.

Don't panic, as this is normal and will erode away over time. However, if you want a bright, beautiful deck after cleaning or plan to stain, furring may be frustrating.

To prevent furring in the first place:

• Use only the suggested cleaner concentration. Stronger solutions aren't always better and can damage and lift more fuzz than proper concentrations.

• Rinse thoroughly. Leaving cleaner residue on the wood surface not only masks the cleaning results but also continues to react with the cedar, causing more fuzzing.

• If brushing during cleaning, avoid scrubbing and hard-bristled brushes. Lightly brush to move the cleaner around with bristles no stiffer than a regular outdoor broom.

• Stain after cleaning while the wood is still wet.

• Consider using a wood brightener immediately after cleaning if you're not planning to stain.

If it's too late, and you're looking to remove wood furring, follow these steps:

• Leave it alone. The fuzzies will wear away over time.

• Use light sanding or buffing once the deck is dry. Research first, as aggressive sanding will only worsen the fuzzies or potentially harm your deck. Many have success using sanding buffing pads or even a stiff-bristled broom.

• DO NOT try to use more cleaner to remove wood fuzzies, as this will only result in further fraying.