What’s the Best Way to Maintain the Natural Look of Wooden Decks?
Calgary deck builders (or elsewhere) recommend adding a wooden deck to your outdoor area. It is a great way to bring in the outdoors, but it is essential to keep them well-maintained so they continue to look great. A few may like to keep the Custom railings and deck pristine, while others may enjoy the worn patina that comes with time.
A Guide to Keeping Wooden Decks in Beautiful Condition: Preserving the Natural World
Calgary deck builders (and worldwide) suggest keeping your hardwood deck in perfect shape to preserve its natural appearance. Keep reading this blog for detailed information.
1. Maintaining a Clean Environment:
Developing a regular cleaning program is the best way to keep your deck surface free of dust, debris, and mould. To prevent mould formation, sweep the deck regularly to remove debris such as twigs and fallen leaves. Use a soft-bristle brush and a mild detergent-water mixture to clean the surface. To get rid of any soap leftovers, rinse them off with water.
2. Defending Coating:
Preserve the surface of your deck from weather damage without sacrificing its natural beauty by applying a high-quality wood preservative or sealer. Select a translucent or clear sealer that brings out the wood’s inherent grain and colour while offering durable protection from mildew, humidity, and ultraviolet light. For the best protection and aesthetic results, reapply the sealant every one to three years or as directed by the company that made it.
3. Stay away from chemicals:
Never use abrasive cleansers or strong chemicals to keep your wooden deck and Custom railings in pristine condition. These may harm the wood and remove its protective oils. Instead, use mild, eco-friendly cleaning products that won’t break the wood or the plants around it. You may achieve the same results using vinegar, baking soda, or gentle dish soap without damaging the deck’s natural appearance.
4. Checks Performed Regularly:
Look for damage, wear, or decaying wood on your deck regularly. Be extra careful where water might pool, including on stairs, behind railings, and under plants in pots. Take immediate action to fix any problems you see, including loose boards, cracked wood, or rusty nails, so you can protect your deck from more harm and keep it in good condition.
5. Precautionary Steps:
Prevent typical damage to your hardwood deck by taking preventative measures. Put saucers or coasters under plants in pots to prevent water from collecting on the deck. Place rugs or cushions below to protect outdoor furniture from wear and tear. Remove any branches or leaves that could fall onto the deck’s surface by trimming the vegetation in the area.
6. Ongoing Upkeep:
Maintaining your wooden deck regularly, along with periodic washing and sealing, will assist in helping it last longer and retain its natural beauty. The easiest way to maintain your deck in pristine condition is to sand it regularly to remove splinters and rough patches, tighten any screws or nails that may be loose, and reapply touch-up staining or sealer as required.
7. Safety Precautions:
Consider installing a protective covering to keep your hardwood deck dry, protected from the sun, and safe from heavy foot traffic. Put downspouts and gutters in place to divert water away from the deck, and place outdoor mats or rugs in heavily walked areas to make them last longer. Consider strategically placing shade structures like pergolas or umbrellas to lessen the heat’s impact further and extend your deck’s life.
Conclusion:
A hardwood deck may retain its natural beauty with consistent cleaning, preventive treatments, preventative measures, and upkeep of the deck and Custom railings. Your hardwood deck may last for many more years as a lovely and welcoming outdoor escape if you follow our instructions and put in the work. A Calgary deck builder and others recommend maintaining the natural splendour of nature, which is essential to enjoying the everlasting attraction of a wooden deck, whether you favour the rustic allure of old wood or the vibrant colours of newly treated oak.