Get Your Deck Ready For Spring & Summer!

The clocks have adjusted for daylight savings time and the temperatures are climbing- spring is almost here! Before the season is fully in swing, now is the time to prepare your deck and outdoor living space for the nicer weather. With that in mind, here are a few ways you can make sure your deck is ready for spring and summer!

Is your deck ready for spring weather?

Check for deck damage

The majority of decks are made from natural wood and unfortunately moisture can cause quite a bit of damage. That’s why we highly recommend inspecting your deck and railings for signs of damage such as obvious rot, soft wood, discoloration, etc. It is important to note, that before you begin your careful inspection, you MUST make sure the deck is still safe to walk on.

Take inventory of missing parts

Less obvious than damage but just as important is missing parts. Nails, lag screws, and other metal connectors are essential and without them, you may find the deck wobbly or worse, unable to perform its function safely. Check to make sure no hardware is missing or in poor condition.  

Take your spring cleaning to the deck

For decks that are structurally sound, they may only need a good scrubbing to prepare them for use. If that’s the case, simply make sure to gather cleaning supplies that are suitable for your type of deck. A pressure washer is a great way to remove dirt and debris quickly but a word of warning- be careful what setting you choose as you can damage the wood if the pressure is too intense.

Stain or seal your deck

If a deep cleaning isn’t enough to revive your deck, you may want to stain or seal it. Just as a fresh coat of paint on the living room walls can have a huge impact, so can’t a fresh coat of stain on the deck boards and railings. Of course, if you want to the protection without the added tone that stain offers, you may consider a deck sealant. Both are equally good at locking out moisture and preserving the wood but sealer does not protect against sun damage.

Should you attempt to revive your deck or hire a local handyman?

Depending on your time and interest, this may be more than you want to bite off but here’s what we’d recommend if you want to do-it-yourself.

Make sure you have all the tools and materials you need

The list below is a bit overarching and not necessarily comprehensive but it’ll give you a good idea of the materials you may need to gather to revive your deck. Of course, once you have a plan in place, you can customize it.

• Safety glasses

• Plastic sheeting

• Buckets

• Stiff-bristle brushes

• Pressure washer

• Cleaning solution

• Nails, screws, and other components

• Lumber

• Paint scraper

• Sealant

• Stain

• Brushes

• Tools

Count the cost before you commit

As we mentioned in a previous blog about decks, the proper tools for any job are essential and unfortunately the cost of purchasing tools may be higher than you realize. That leads us to our next point, before you commit to completing this task on your own, make sure you count the cost. Nails, lumber, paint supplies, tools… the expenses can add up quickly. While it may seem like the cheaper option, DIY deck repair, deck cleaning, and staining can end up costing far more than you had planned. Using a professional handyman service may be ideal if you don’t have the time or expertise to complete a project of this magnitude. Plus, it could actually save you money!

Greater Birmingham deck repair and building services

If you’re looking for a handyman company to repair your deck in Alabaster, Mountain Brook, or elsewhere in the Greater Birmingham metro area, consider Serve One Construction! Locally owned and family operated, our company has been repairing damaged decks, building new decks, staining, and helping property owners create outdoor living spaces for 10+ years. We are experienced deck builders who believe in honest communication and who are committed to satisfying our customers. What’s more, we offer a one-year labor warranty on all our work.

If you’re not sure what to do about your deck this year, give us a shout. We’d be happy to stop by for a free consultation!