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Spring has sprung, and many homeowners are looking forward to spending more time outdoors and enjoying their yards. Before you stretch out for a little rest under the sun, though, now is the perfect time to perform a quick check-up on your deck and make sure it’s ready for the season.

On the Surface

Take a look at your deck’s finish, for starters. Applying a finish can help keep your deck looking like new for years and lock in the color and look you want. Water-repellant finishes with UV protection and a mildewcide offer the most protection, while slightly tinted stains will last longer than completely clear finishes. If your deck is made of California redwood, you’re in luck: redwood’s unique cell structure lets it hold a finish better than other woods. We would recommend against varnishes and polyurethanes that can crack and peel, and also it’s good to avoid oil treatments as well as ‘shake and shingle’ type paints.

Homeowners can also find a variety of cleaning and color restoration products that will enliven a deck’s finish. If these products don’t seem to work, or if the deck has not received regular maintenance, homeowners can also try sanding to remove pigmented stain finishes. Power washing is also an effective way of removing old finish and grime and preparing for a new finish. A fine, high-powered spray effectively removes loose materials without damaging the wood – but if a homeowner is not experienced in handling a power washer, hiring a professional to do this step is well worth the money.

Walk the Plank

Once you’ve taken time to inspect the finish, take a walk on your deck. Put a little bounce in your step, and see if any boards seem loose or even soft. Fixing a loose board is as simple as re-setting the fastener or replacing one that broke off. Any boards that appear to be more weathered, cracking, or splintering should be replaced before any finish is reapplied.

Check your support structure

The last time you checked the support structure was probably a passing glance as you swept leaves and yard debris that collected underneath the deck back in the fall.  Redwood is one of nature’s strongest building materials, with natural resistance to insects, fire and decay, but it is still a good practice to check, and that’s especially true if you do not have a redwood deck.

Check any joist hangers to be sure they’re still securely anchored and inspect for any signs of wear. If the support needs any maintenance or replacement, better to find out now and fix it quickly.

Make a Clean Sweep

The simple task of keeping your deck surface clear of debris such as fallen leaves or dust and dirt goes a long way in keeping the look you love. A quick pass with the broom takes a minute and starts a good maintenance habit for the rest of the season: regular cleaning to help your deck last longer.

Dirt and dust may build up to the point that a mere sweep of the broom or rinsing with water from a hose will not remove them. A mild detergent and warm water will generally remove stubborn dirt and grime. Redwood won’t stain like composites and plastics so you don’t have to worry about barbecue grease or red wine leaving a permanent mark.

It doesn’t take a lot of time or effort to keep your deck looking great for the coming warmer weather and many more seasons. Redwood decks hold an advantage over other deck materials, with a durability that holds up to the elements with natural beauty, while giving you years of performance. It’s those natural qualities that help keep maintaining a redwood deck so easy. For more deck maintenance tips, visit www.realstrongredwood.com.

Charlie Jourdain is president of the California Redwood Association. Reach him at charlie@calredwood.org or (888) CAL-REDWOOD.

Founded in 1916, the California Redwood Association is one of the oldest trade associations in the lumber industry. From the very beginning, the association’s primary mission has been to promote redwood products and educate builders and consumers on the advantages of using redwood. To learn more about redwood, visit the CRA at www.realstrongredwood.com.