Year-Round Deck Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Outdoor Space in Every Season

Adding a deck to your home not only increases its value—it also gives you a versatile outdoor space to host guests, enjoy family dinners, or simply relax and take in the fresh air.

In order to keep your deck looking great, though, regular maintenance is essential. This is especially important in Minnesota’s climate, which can expose any deck to extreme temperatures, moisture and wear. 

Fortunately, maintaining your deck doesn’t have to be difficult. You just need to know how to take care of it during each of the four seasons. 

Spring Deck Maintenance

Spring is the perfect time to give your deck a fresh start after a long, cold winter. This is the time to clean, inspect and prepare your deck for regular use as the weather warms up.

Clear off debris

Sweep away leaves, dirt and other debris that may have accumulated over the winter. Remove your deck furniture to make the process easier and ensure you reach every corner. 

Wash your deck

Scrub your deck with a soft-bristle brush and mild soap mixed with water. You can also buy a commercial deck cleaner, but you don’t have to. 

 Inspect for damage

Check for loose boards, protruding nails and cracks in the deck boards. You’ll also want to cbeck for any structural issues.

Make repairs

Once you’ve finished your inspection, fix any issues you’ve discovered. Hammer in any protruding nails, tighten all loose screws and use wood filler to patch small cracks. You should also replay any severely damaged boards and give your deck a new coat of stain or paint if the current coat is fading or peeling.

AOS Home Solutions Pro Tip: A pressure washer can damage the wood fibers on decks. Stick to a hose with a sprinkler instead. 

Summer Deck Maintenance

Summer sun can be harsh on a deck. However, a few preventative steps will help protect your deck from heat and UV usage. 

Protect your deck from UV light

Apply a high-quality stain or sealant that contains UV blockers to prevent fading and discoloration. 

Test your deck’s sealant

Sprinkle some water on your deck. If it soaks in rather than beading up, it’s time to reapply a sealant.

Reduce sun exposure

Install umbrellas, pergolas, or awnings to reduce direct sun exposure. This not only preserves your deck—your guests will appreciate the shade, too! 

Clean your deck regularly

Sweep your deck at least once a week to remove dirt and debris which can cause nicks, scratches and stains.

AOS Home Solutions Pro Tip: A light-colored stain will reflect more sunlight and keep the deck cooler. 

Fall Deck Maintenance

As temperatures drop, it’s time to prepare your deck for winter and ensure it stays protected through the colder months. 

Seal the surface

A water-repellent sealer will help protect against rain and snow. Make sure to apply it before the weather gets too cold. 

Clean gutters and drains

Clear out gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage and reduce the risk of water pooling near your deck. It also prevents ice dams forming on your roof. 

Remove debris

Clear away leaves, branches and other debris before the snow falls to prevent mold and mildew from forming on your deck. 

Inspect fasteners

Check screws, nails and bolts on your deck to ensure everything is secure. 

AOS Home Solutions Pro Tip: Inspect your deck after heavy fall rains for signs of pooling water or improper drainage to prevent long-term damage.

Winter Deck Maintenance

While you can’t use a deck in the winter, taking a few precautions can prevent costly repairs when spring returns. 

Remove snow

Use a plastic shovel instead of a metal one to minimize damage to the surface.

Prevent ice build-up

Use pet-safe or deck-friendly ice melts to keep the surface safe without damaging the wood or composite boards. 

Avoid heavy loads

Reduce stress on your deck by removing heavy snow piles or objects like sleds or holiday decorations. 

Check for weak spots

Inspect your deck regularly for damage caused by freezing temperatures. Record any issues so you can address them when the weather heats up.

AOS Home Solutions Pro Tip:  Letting snow sit for extended periods on your deck can lead to moisture damage or warping, especially on wooden deck beams. 

Keep Your Deck in Top Shape all Year Round With AOS Home Solutions

Proper seasonal maintenance can extend the life of your deck and keep it looking nice all year long. Make sure to inspect your deck and make repairs in the spring, clean it regularly in the summer, and make sure it’s protected during the winter. 

If you need help maintaining your deck throughout the year, contact AOS Home Solutions. Our team can help you with repairs and upgrades, and even give you tips on how to perform seasonal maintenance. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your deck stays in pristine condition for years to come.