As winter finally loosens its grip, we think fondly of our beautiful long summer days spent outdoors here in the Pacific Northwest. How did you deck fair after this winter with more snow than typical of our region? Rain and elements like our spurts of Springtime hail can cause unwanted blemishes and damage to your deck. How safe and fresh does your deck look? Each year Americans are injured when decks collapse, railings break and staircases give way. Here are some deck restoration tips from our home remodeling experts.

– Assess the Condition of Your Deck

Every spring, conduct a visual inspection of your deck. You want to make sure concrete piers and posts do not look cracked or damaged. Make sure beams do not have any cracks or water damage. Be sure that each floor joist hanger is in place with hanger nails. Take care to replace a joist that’s cracked or has water or insect damage. Check your railing, stairs and bracing to make sure all are secure and that they are not loose or have large cracks or rot.

– Clean, Remove, Repair, and Treat Mildew, and other Damages
In our wet climate it’s important to clean your deck regularly. Another important thing is to be able to tell the difference between algae, moss, and mold? Algae is the green film that grows on wood in dark and wet conditions. Moss also grows green similar to algae, but is soft to touch. Mold is a fungus that looks like greenish-black streaks on wood. Untreated, mold spores can pose a health risk to people and pets when inhaled. Even though algae, moss, and mold are very different, they are all harmful to your deck and should be treated right away.

– Sand Your Deck Before Staining

Thoroughly and lightly sanding your wood deck is a necessary step before staining or sealing your deck. This step will make sure that your hard work will yield beautiful results. Your deck needs to be completely dry before you sand. If there was rain or if you power washed it, you must wait a few days before sanding.

-Stain and Seal your Deck

A sealer and stain for a wooden deck are not the same. They both will protect wood from the elements, there are differences. A sealer applies completely clear or transparent allowing the grain and the natural wood color to show through. A sealer prevents water from being absorbed by the wood and causing rot. A stain is similar in function to a sealer but also satin has pigment which blocks UV rays. UV rays can cause the wood to crack and gray from drying it out.

Don’t want to do it yourself? Johnson Bros can help you with your deck restoration, deck construction, and protection projects.  Home Remodeling is what we do! Johnson Bros can guide and help your deck cleaning, construction deck, deck painting and sealant protection. We are proud to utilize the experience of our in-house architect and over 35 years of remodeling experience. At Johnson Bros we provide a seamless process for our customers that need both home design and construction. Our concept promotes a team approach, working together to create a project that meets your needs as well as fits your budget. Efficiency for the entire project is condensed, providing maximum accountability for design details, cost management, and scheduling. Need help with your deck in the Seattle, WA region? Got another project in mind?

Request a free consultation. 

Sweep & Clear Debris.

First things first – clear patio furniture and potted plants off the surface of your deck. Sweep away the leaves and debris from the winter. Start by clearing around your deck. Trimming back branches and vegetation to about a foot from the edge of your deck. That will reduce the chance of an insect infestation, leaves dropping on your deck, and potential for storm damage.

Use A Pressure Washer For Deep Cleaning.

Next you’ll want to get it wet and clean it. Don’t go overboard with the high-powered washer. Be steady and sure and use even strokes. A pressure washer in unsteady hands, can make your deck look like beetle larvae have been eating your deck. Cover nearby vegetation before you begin because the cleaners can harm or kill plants that are hit with spray, so cover them with a tarp or plastic sheet before you start.

Use Environmental Friendly Cleaners.

Several of today’s deck cleaners are eco-friendly and contain ingredients that won’t damage the surrounding plants. Some include nontoxic household ingredients like vinegar to help break down grease, or baking soda, which acts as a wood brightener on weathered wood. When environmentally friendly deck cleaners are applied with a pressure washer, these milder cleaners can effectively remove deck stains and brighten wood without posing a toxic danger.

Replace Damaged Boards.

Replace a rotted, split, or otherwise damaged deck board. If the board is not damaged but has another imperfection, such as a stain, you might just need to remove and flip the piece of board. If the board is damaged, you can remove it and replace the entire board. You can also replace only the damaged section of the board, which involves cutting out a section of the old board and replacing it with new material.

Stain and Seal your Deck.

Finally deck sealing will protect the wood from splitting, cracking, moisture, mildew, and rot while maintaining the color and grain of the wood. A stain will protect the wood and provide a more uniform tint or color to the wood to complement surrounding structures.

Do you have too much on your plate this Spring? If you have a long “honey do” list, let Johnson Bros help out. Home Remodeling is what we do! Johnson Bros can guide and help your deck cleaning, construction deck, deck painting and sealant protection. We are proud to utilize the experience of our in-house architect and over 35 years of remodeling experience. At Johnson Bros we provide a seamless process for our customers that need both home design and construction. Our concept promotes a team approach, working together to create a project that meets your needs as well as fits your budget. Efficiency for the entire project is condensed, providing maximum accountability for design details, cost management, and scheduling. Need help with your deck in the Seattle, WA region? Got another project in mind? Request a free consultation.