How to Protect Your Deck from Midwest Weather

Midwest weather conditions can damage the exterior of your home, especially your beloved outdoor spaces. Thankfully, with the right steps, you can protect your outdoor deck for years to come.

Start with the right deck materials

You want your deck to endure the harsh winters and wet springs of the Midwest. Depending on your desired look, feel, and level of maintenance, there are plenty of options to choose from. You’ll first want to decide on wood or composite decking. Learn more about those options here.

Clean your deck the right way

Even the best materials need to be cleaned and looked after. Once a year, preferably in the spring after the pollen has subsided and the temperatures are climbing, it’s important to clean your deck thoroughly.

Use a hard-stream nozzle on your hose and consider using a broom to lightly scrub the surface and push away excess water. Avoid using bleach or soap. And while it’s tempting to use a pressure washer to get the job done quickly, keep in mind that a powerful jet of water can damage the surface of your deck, leaving it more exposed than before.

Protect your deck with stain

Composite decks have different cleaning and maintenance needs, and one of the best ways to protect a wooden deck is by staining it, providing a coating of protection from cracking and warping.

If your deck has seen better days then give us a call to provide you a bid for a new composite deck that you don’t need to stain ever again! However, if you decide to do it yourself, some tips are below:

• Sand your deck with light sandpaper – We recommend that all flaking and peeling stain be scraped off with a painter’s knife or sanded with a belt or orbital sander (use 80 grit sand paper). Then, vacuum or use a leaf blower to make sure all dust and fine particles are removed before staining. Remember that prep is the most important part!!
• Never stain in direct sunlight or on a glossy surface, and always use a brush or deck pad. Be sure to read manufacturer’s specs for temperature and prep restrictions.
• Use a premium stain designed for decks and do not use regular paint. Most stains are meant to last 3-5 years in normal conditions. It would be good to have your deck inspected every time it’s in need of staining.

Get your deck inspected

It’s important to get your deck inspected if you’ve had it for a while, or if you’ve recently purchased a home that came with a deck. Columbia & Jefferson City MO decks that are not maintained correctly are susceptible to rotting and weakening. As a locally-owned and operated business with decades of experience, we can help you build an affordable, quality outdoor oasis.

Let us help you protect your outdoor oasis

We know that escaping to your deck to relax or entertain is important after a stressful day or a long week. Thankfully, we can help you repair, replace, install a new deck or protect your deck to give you the outdoor retreat you are looking for. If your deck is too worn out and beyond repair, you might want to look at replacing it with treated lumber, cedar, or composite.

As a locally-owned and operated Mid-Missouri business with decades of experience, we can help you. Give us a call today: 573-424-9008