With warm weather just around the corner, it’s time to take your deck out of hibernation. After a frigid winter season, it’s easy to forget about maintaining your outdoor living space. There’s nothing that a little cleaning and elbow grease won’t fix! If you are looking for ways to refresh your deck for the spring, here is some great advice:

Clean it up

Throughout the winter, outside clean-up was probably the last thing on your to-do list. Scope out your deck and clear up any leaves, branches, pollen, dirt and other debris that you may find. Doing so will help avoid problems caused by wet leaves, which can trap moisture and lead to mold. Check out our porch and deck services for more tips on keeping your outdoor space clean.

Make any repairs

While you’re clearing away any debris, assess your deck for any damage. Inspect for any cracked or loose boards. If you find any, they will need to be replaced. While this is a project you can tackle yourself, it’s best to let the pros handle deck repairs to keep your deck safe and up to code. Learn more about our outdoor living repair services to ensure your deck is in top shape.

Hose it down

If your deck is only a few years old or newly refinished and you don’t see any major damage, a good wash down will leave it looking good as new. You can use a pressure washer to really dig into the wood and remove stuck-on grime. After rinsing the deck, apply a deck cleaner to help get rid of any tough stains and then reseal for a beautiful finish. For more cleaning tips, visit our exterior maintenance page.

Check for mildew

Examine your deck for any signs of mold or mildew. If you do spot some problem areas, you can easily remove them with a solution of 3 quarts water, 1 quart oxygen bleach, and ¼ cup of ammonia-free liquid dishwasher detergent. Spray the solution onto the stained areas, then use a large push broom to really work the solution into the wood. Allow the solution to sit for 10-15 minutes and then rinse off any residue.

Apply a stain

Once your deck is done with repairs and cleaning, it’s ideal to finish it off with a protective finish. If your deck is relatively new, you can go for a clear finish or transparent stain. If the wood is older you should opt for a semitransparent stain. You will need to use a pump sprayer to apply the base layer and then either a foam roller or paint brush to spread out and evenly distribute the stain. Explore our gutter maintenance services to protect your outdoor space.

Longer days and warmer weather are just around the corner. Follow these tips from CertaPro Painters of Northern Colorado Springs to refresh your deck for spring and keep it looking beautiful all season long.