{"id":5926,"date":"2023-01-24T07:00:59","date_gmt":"2023-01-24T07:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/?p=5926"},"modified":"2023-12-07T07:32:54","modified_gmt":"2023-12-07T07:32:54","slug":"how-maintain-wood-deck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/how-maintain-wood-deck\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Maintain a Wood Deck: Best Practices"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1228.5px;margin-left: calc(-5% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-5% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:2.375%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:0px;--awb-spacing-left-large:2.375%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:2.375%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:2.375%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:2.375%;--awb-spacing-left-small:2.375%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-image-element \" style=\"text-align:center;--awb-margin-bottom:20px;--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-1 hover-type-none\" id=\"thisimg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" alt=\"how to maintain a wood deck\" title=\"how to maintain a wood deck\" src=\"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/how-to-maintain-a-wood-deck.jpg\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/how-to-maintain-a-wood-deck.jpg\" class=\"lazyload img-responsive wp-image-5927\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271200%27%20height%3D%27600%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201200%20600%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271200%27%20height%3D%27600%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/how-to-maintain-a-wood-deck-200x100.jpg 200w, https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/how-to-maintain-a-wood-deck-400x200.jpg 400w, https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/how-to-maintain-a-wood-deck-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/how-to-maintain-a-wood-deck-800x400.jpg 800w, https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/how-to-maintain-a-wood-deck.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When warm weather comes around, nothing beats relaxing on your deck with a cold drink. However, the dirt and debris make for an ugly spectacle. Plus, you don\u2019t need another list of chores keeping you from relaxing weekends with tasty Texan barbecue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular deck maintenance keeps your wood decking strong and beautiful. If you want to know how to maintain a wood deck, turn to the experts. As leading contractors for\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/services\/wood-decks\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wood decks in San Antonio, TX<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, our team at All Pro Decks &amp; Patios knows the best practices to follow for maintaining a safe, beautiful deck. Read on to learn more about wood deck maintenance.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-1 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:32;line-height:1.31;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Professional Inspection<\/span><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before we start any project, All Pro will perform an inspection to ensure your deck\u2019s needs and help you plan replacements. Their checklist includes hazardous:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mold<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Warped boards<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Splintering boards<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unstable structures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water damage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Missing or loose hardware<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our professionals will supply you with a list of what boards need replacement or repair and give you tips on how to fix your deck or explain the process of purchasing a new one. If you want to repair your deck, you can take over the project from here.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repairing a deck can take a lot of time, money, and expertise, so installing a new one can solve all your problems in one step. At All Pro, we specialize in designing and building new, completely customized decks that allow you to enjoy your outdoor space effortlessly. If you prefer to repair your old one, here are a few tips to help you repair a deck like a pro.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-2 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:32;line-height:1.31;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Replacing Deck Floor Boards<\/span><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start by removing any damaged planks from your deck by pulling the nails to loosen the boards. Then, measure and cut new planks to fit. Once you have prepared the planks, nail them securely to the frame.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, your deck frame and structure also need replacement boards. Check for loose nails, screws, or bolts, replacing or tightening them as needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-image-element \" style=\"text-align:center;--awb-margin-bottom:20px;--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-2 hover-type-none\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" alt=\"board replacement\" title=\"board replacement\" src=\"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/board-replacement.jpg\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/board-replacement.jpg\" class=\"lazyload img-responsive wp-image-5929\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271200%27%20height%3D%27600%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201200%20600%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271200%27%20height%3D%27600%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/board-replacement-200x100.jpg 200w, https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/board-replacement-400x200.jpg 400w, https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/board-replacement-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/board-replacement-800x400.jpg 800w, https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/board-replacement.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-3 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:32;line-height:1.31;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cleaning<\/span><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After replacing all damaged boards and hardware, the next step involves a thorough cleaning. Remove all furniture, plants, grills, and other accouterments from the deck surface, then use a pressure washer to clean away any accumulated grime.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deck cleaning products often consist of special solutions that do more than wash away dirt and debris. These cleansers remove and prevent the growth of algae, lichens, mold, and other hidden growths that might thrive on your deck. Use these cleaners in conjunction with a pressure washer for the best results.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After cleaning the deck thoroughly, allow the surface to dry completely. This can take a few days, depending on the weather. However, San Antonio\u2019s naturally dry weather usually makes short work of this process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-4 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:32;line-height:1.31;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scraping<\/span><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you had your deck painted or stained previously, scrape the old coat off of your deck\u2019s surface. This ensures no large chips or chunks of paint get in your way throughout the other steps. It also reveals your deck\u2019s bare surface and plays an important role in how to maintain a wood deck properly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-5 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:32;line-height:1.31;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sanding<\/span><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next, use a rotating sander to grind down the wood\u2019s surface. Sanding is an important part of deck maintenance and prep. It prevents splinters from forming in the future, leaving a smooth surface on which you can comfortably walk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It also prepares the wood to absorb the stain and sealant. Your deck will have a more intense stain that lasts longer. The waterproofing sealant will also have a more potent, longer-lasting effect on your wood.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-6 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:32;line-height:1.31;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staining<\/span><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staining your deck adds a deep, intense color to your deck\u2019s surface, making the wood look fresh and new. Choose higher-quality stains for a shade that lasts longer under San Antonio\u2019s strong sunlight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since the sun only touches the deck surface, the underside may not require it. We often recommend pressure-treated wood since it resists sun damage from all angles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patiently and carefully apply each coat, ensuring even, precise brushstrokes across the entire deck. Make sure that the stain reaches all the tiny spaces and fissures on the surface.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the entire surface has an even coat of stain, it dries for one or two days. As the stain dries, it also cures, sealing in its protective properties. For the best results, complete two full coats to ensure the wood completely absorbs as much as it needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-image-element \" style=\"text-align:center;--awb-margin-bottom:20px;--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-3 hover-type-none\" id=\"thisimg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" alt=\"deck staining\" title=\"deck staining\" src=\"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/deck-staining.jpg\" data-orig-src=\"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/deck-staining.jpg\" class=\"lazyload img-responsive wp-image-5928\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%27http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%27%20width%3D%271200%27%20height%3D%27600%27%20viewBox%3D%270%200%201200%20600%27%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%271200%27%20height%3D%27600%27%20fill-opacity%3D%220%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/deck-staining-200x100.jpg 200w, https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/deck-staining-400x200.jpg 400w, https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/deck-staining-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/deck-staining-800x400.jpg 800w, https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/deck-staining.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-orig-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-7 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:32;line-height:1.31;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sealing<\/span><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, brush a waterproof sealant over your newly-stained deck. While the stain prevents sun damage, the sealant prevents water from seeping into the wood\u2019s porous surface. This step increases your deck\u2019s longevity and strength for years to come.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some property owners want to skip this step since San Antonio doesn\u2019t get much rain each year. However, sealing provides the necessary protection against the rain we do get. It works with staining to keep your deck in great condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-8 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:32;line-height:1.31;\"><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other Maintenance Tips<\/span><\/h2><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In between spring cleanings for your deck and other outdoor areas, you can implement the following routine to make professional maintenance routines last longer:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Switch up your patio furniture and potted plants occasionally. This prevents rot from developing in one spot.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sweep your deck regularly to remove damaging and erosive debris.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opt for synthetic, waterproof rugs instead of ones made from natural materials. Natural materials degrade more quickly, decomposing your <a href=\"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/services\/patio-builder\/\">patio<\/a> with them.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Self-inspect occasionally for loose boards or errant nails. Pick up any pieces of fallen hardware to prevent injuries.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember that stain can typically last up to five years when applied by a professional. Deck sealer can last up to three years or less. Have our professionals inspect your deck each year to ensure it doesn\u2019t need reapplication.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-title title fusion-title-9 fusion-sep-none fusion-title-text fusion-title-size-two\"><h2 class=\"fusion-title-heading title-heading-left fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" style=\"margin:0;--fontSize:32;line-height:1.31;\"><h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get the Most Out of Your Deck, Patio, or Porch with San Antonio\u2019s Deck Professionals<\/span><\/h2><\/h2><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-10\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All Pro Deck &amp; Patio\u2019s professional deck builders have shared their best tips on how to repair your deck. However, if it feels like too much work and you\u2019re ready for a new deck, our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/services\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">deck construction<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> contractors can build you your dream deck, complete with multiple levels, outdoor kitchens, and more. If you\u2019re ready to build a new, more functional deck, call <a href=\"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/\">All Pro Decks &amp; Patios<\/a> in San Antonio, TX, at <\/span><a href=\"tel:2109342437\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(210) 934-2437<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <a href=\"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/contact-us\/\">schedule an appointment<\/a> online for your free estimate.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":5927,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_vp_format_video_url":"","_vp_image_focal_point":[]},"categories":[29,365],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5926"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5926"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5926\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6310,"href":"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5926\/revisions\/6310"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5927"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5926"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5926"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apdecks.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5926"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}