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While decks are a great addition to your home if you enjoy spending time outdoors, they do require upkeep to stay their best. You can learn to do many of these maintenance tasks yourself, saving you money and giving you a sense of accomplishment. Here are five tips from the experts at Huber Lumber Co. of Cincinnati, OH.

5 DIY Maintenance Tips for Decks

1. Deck Cleaning

Keeping your space clean helps ensure that it’ll stay in good condition for years to come. It’s also a necessity before other improvement projects like staining and sealing. Don’t just hose the deck down, though. Choose an appropriate cleaner for its material and apply it carefully, being sure to scrub and rinse.

2. Thorough Inspection

One of the most important parts of the DIY process is knowing what needs to be fixed or improved. Take a thorough look over your deck at least once or twice a year. Look not only for obvious issues like rot and fading, but also for potentially uncomfortable obstacles like loose nails and splintering. You may need to do some sanding or use larger nails.

3. Solving Drainage Issues

DecksWhile decks are built to withstand the elements, excessive moisture buildup can lead to lumber rotting over time. If you notice your deck isn’t draining properly, check the spaces between the boards and clear out any leaves or other blockages. You can use a putty knife to get between the cracks. If you can get underneath the deck, make sure no debris has accumulated down there as well.

4. Sealing

Sealant application protects your deck’s lumber from weather and sunlight. This should be done yearly on a clean and dry deck. Apply any stain you wish to use before the sealing process and allow it to dry completely. The sealant should be applied along the wood grain.

5. Restoring & Refinishing

To really overhaul your deck’s appearance, you may need to strip and refinish the boards, or even remove and replace old lumber. Rotting boards should be pulled up with a pry bar and swapped out for fresh wood. Old finishes can be removed with a stripper made for the purpose; choose the gentlest one that will be effective. You can also find dedicated deck restoration products to reverse the effects of UV rays and aging. If you use any chemical products, always follow all safety precautions.

Once your deck is bare and refreshed, you can decide which sort of sealer, stain, or paint suits your tastes. Whatever you choose, the space will look like new.

Cincinnati locals who need building supplies for their deck maintenance will find what they need at Huber Lumber Co. This lumber source has served homeowners and contractors alike for over a century. Call (513) 731-4035 for assistance, or find more helpful information about decks and porches on their website. Huber Lumber Co. is also on Twitter and Facebook.

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