Having a beautiful deck is a part of the American dream. Our oases of wood and patio furniture are the platforms for parties, sipping coffee on misty mornings and basking in the summer sun. Decks are an investment in our happiness and the value of our homes, and giving them some TLC every now and again will keep them in good shape. Keep these tips in mind when you set out to do a few repairs, restore your existing deck or build a new one. And if you need any help, contact a Missisauga landscaping company that cares.

strong>Spring Cleaning
Think your deck is self-cleaning? Think again. Your deck collects all sorts of dirt and debris throughout the year that wears away at your finish and can cause rot. Give your deck a major cleaning and inspection every spring and fall. Sweep fall leaves off regularly, and clean any dirt spots left by planters and pots.

Mind the Gaps
The debris that collects between your deck boards is more than just an eyesore. As organic material decays, it can cause your deck boards to rot along with it. Most builders leave a scant 1/8-inch gap between boards. By simply upping the gap space to 3/8-inch, most material will fall through instead of collecting. Clean between your deck boards at least twice a year.

Protect Your Rims
Giving your deck a polished look can complicate maintenance. Many decks have decorative fascia, decking material that is attached to the edge of the deck to hide its under-structure, attached to its rims. Thin gaps between the fascia and decking can collect water and debris, causing rot. When designing a new deck, making sure your decking material covers the fascia and rim can eliminate this issue. On existing decks, you can add a thin piece of lattice between the fascia and rim can prevent water from pooling.

Brush Up on Finishes
Do you read the product information on your deck finish? Most homeowners don’t, and what you don’t know can harm your deck. Transparent stains, beloved for bringing out wood’s natural warmth, need to be reapplied about once a year and are not as UV-resistant. Tinted stains are more UV resistant and can often go up to four years between applications. Paint, while providing a clean finish, quickly shows wear from foot traffic but is otherwise resilient. No matter what finish you choose, pick a product that boasts UV-resistance, anti-mildew and water repelling properties on the can.

Refinish Like a Pro
If you’re going to undertake refinishing yourself, keep a few things in mind. Your deck needs to be completely dry before applying stain. Even if the wood feels dry to the touch, wait at least three days after power washing before taking brush to board. Consider hiring pros to do the power washing. It’s easy to strip off layers of wood on accident.

Don’t Skimp on Lumber Quality
Saving a couple bucks today can cost you down the road. Low-quality lumber is full of pockets that will collect rot-inducing water and debris. Always build decks and replace boards out of quality lumber. Redwood and cedar are the best natural wood choices, but low-maintenance composite decking is becoming a top choice for new decks.