Summer is your deck’s time to shine with cookouts, relaxing evenings, and everything in between. With all that activity, a little regular deck maintenance goes a long way toward keeping it safe and sturdy. Luckily, summer deck care doesn’t have to be a hassle. A few simple check-ins throughout the season can help keep your outdoor space in great shape.
Start Summer Deck Maintenance with a Quick Clean-Up
Even if you cleaned your deck in the spring, it probably needs a touch-up by the time summer hits full swing. Pollen, dust, food spills, and foot traffic can all leave your deck looking a little worn.
Start with a basic sweep to get rid of debris. If you’ve had spills or sticky messes from outdoor meals, mix a little mild soap and warm water, and scrub those spots clean. A garden hose is usually all you need to rinse things down. It’s really dirty, bring out the pressure washer—just keep the pressure low, especially on wood.
Keeping the surface clean helps prevent mildew and mold, and it also keeps the deck looking fresh for guests and family hangouts.
Check for Summer Wear and Tear During Deck Maintenance
With all the traffic your deck sees in summer, it’s smart to give it a once-over every few weeks. Look for anything that feels loose, creaky, or off.
Walk around and check the boards. If anything’s warping, splitting, or starting to feel soft, mark it for repair. Pay attention to high-traffic areas like stairs and railings. If you’ve got any loose screws, nails popping up, or fasteners rusting out, go ahead and tighten or replace them. The goal is to catch small issues before they become big ones.
If your deck is wood, the heat and sun can cause boards to dry out and shrink. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on gaps and surface cracks as the season goes on.
Keep Up With Sealing and Staining
If you didn’t seal or stain your deck in the spring—or if your deck sees a lot of sun and rain—it might need a mid-season refresh. An easy way to check is to splash a little water on the surface. If it beads up, the sealant is working. If it soaks right in, it might be time for a new coat.
You don’t always need to seal or stain the entire deck every year. Sometimes, touching up problem areas is enough to keep it protected until fall. If you do decide to do a full coat, wait for a few dry days in a row and make sure the deck is totally clean before you start.
Mind the Furniture and Planters
Your outdoor furniture, rugs, and planters can trap moisture and dirt underneath, which damages the deck boards. Every now and then, shift things around or lift them up to let the wood or composite underneath breathe.
Check furniture legs for rust or rough edges that could scratch the surface. If you’ve got planters, make sure they aren’t leaking or leaving stains. Using risers or saucers can help with airflow and protect your deck from moisture damage.
Watch for Mold and Mildew
Summer heat and humidity can create the perfect conditions for mold and mildew, especially in shady or damp corners of your deck. If you notice any green or black spots, mix up a solution of water and vinegar or use a product made for decks, and scrub those spots away.
Catching mildew early is key—it’s much easier to deal with while it’s still a surface issue.
Enjoy Your Space
At the end of the day, the whole point of deck maintenance is to make sure your outdoor space stays comfortable and safe so you can enjoy it. Once everything’s clean, checked, and in good shape, take a little time to make it feel like home again.
Swap out worn cushions, clean the grill, maybe add some new lights or a fan if you’re dealing with heat. Small changes can make a big difference in how inviting your deck feels.
FAQs on Deck Maintenance
Do I need to reseal my deck every summer?
Not necessarily. Most sealers last at least a year, sometimes longer. But heavy sun and rain can wear them down faster. If water soaks in instead of beading up, it’s time to reseal.
How do I know if a board needs to be replaced?
If a board is soft, severely cracked, or has rotted through, it should be replaced. Minor surface cracks can usually be sanded down and sealed.
Can I stain my deck in hot weather?
Yes, but avoid doing it in the middle of a blazing hot day. Early morning or late afternoon works best so the stain has time to absorb evenly before the sun cooks it.
What’s the best cleaner for composite decks?
Most composite decks just need warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush. Skip the bleach and harsh chemicals—they can damage the finish.
How do I keep bugs from nesting under my deck?
Keep vegetation trimmed back and remove any standing water near the area. If pests are a problem, consider installing screening or using a natural repellent.
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