As the winter months roll in, homeowners will use their deck and patio space less frequently. During the winter months, it’s preferable to pack away the contents of outdoor spaces (furniture, equipment, etc.) until it’s warm again — and until then, to have fun indoors!
Just as you would do with your garden or your whole yard, there are preparations specifically for deck spaces that will assure no harm will come to the space during the colder months, and that it will be ready to use when spring comes around again. Learn more about the steps you should take by reading this article.
1. Furniture check-in
First, decide if the furniture on your patio or deck would be better protected away in storage for a few months — this way, you can prevent the grease and grime that built up over the summer from setting in all winter long. If you do decide to pack it away, give everything a good cleaning first using wet wipes and sanitizing spray.
Take extra care of cloth items; scrub them clean and leave them outside to dry, or if their specifications say it’s alright, throw cushion items into the washing machine for a gentle rinse.
Be sure to clean the grill, since it most likely won’t be used as often (unless you cook outside year-round; in this case, you should be cleaning your grill regularly anyways).
2. Deep clean
Now it’s time to direct your attention away from the furniture, and to the actual deck for a deep cleaning. Taking a broom to the wood will loosen dirt and debris trapped in between boards and in corners, preventing the wood from decomposing.
You have a couple options when it comes to deep cleaning your deck or patio:
- Bleach-free wood cleaners won’t peel away the protective stain, so they are a solid option.
- Alternatively, you can take a pressure washer to the whole space for larger areas, dislodging anything and everything that can damage your deck.
3. Tighten loose screws
Tighten up any wiggly boards and frames, as these issues will become worse if left unattended with the cold and harsh winds.
4. Re-stain
Despite popular belief, re-staining your deck is a task best completed before winter starts when there is a lower chance of rain and the stain can act as a double coat against moisture (snow, ice). Cool, but not cold weather is the best time to stain your deck.
5. Know the tools you need
The winter will necessitate the following tools to do maintenance on your deck throughout the months:
- A plastic snow shovel or snow blower
- A de-icer, like salts
Making a concerted effort to protect your deck for the winter months will assure its longevity, and that there will be many more memories to be made in the future with family and friends.
Have more questions about keeping your deck safe and in good repair through the winter months? Contact the professionals at Modern Landscapes today!
