As the temperatures start to drop and the leaves begin to change, now is the time to winterise your wood deck. With the right deck ideas and careful maintenance, you can ensure your deck wood will last for many more years to come. By following these easy steps, you can have peace of mind that your deck will be ready to go come spring.

Why You Should Winterise Your Deck

Winter is Coming. Is your decking ready?

Winterising your deck is an important step in maintaining its condition and prolonging its lifespan. By taking the time to prepare your deck for the cold winter months, you can save yourself time, effort, and money in the long run. Winter weather can cause damage to decking materials and compromise the overall integrity of your deck design.

In addition, winterising your deck can give you a head start on enjoying it in the spring and summer. By taking care of maintenance tasks before the winter weather hits, you can be sure your deck is ready for use as soon as the warm weather returns.

This is especially important if your deck is made of natural wood, which is more susceptible to weather-related damage. Similarly, if you live in an area with harsh winters that involve snow, ice, or freezing temperatures, winterising your deck can help protect it from these harsh conditions. Taking steps to protect your outdoor decking now will ensure it remains beautiful and functional for many years to come.

Inspect Your Decking

Before putting your deck on winter hiatus, it's important to perform a general inspection to ensure it is in good condition. Start by examining the decking material and looking for any signs of rot or decay. Use an ice pick or a thin flat-headed screwdriver to probe any wet areas of the wood. If the pick or screwdriver penetrates the wood easily, then it's likely that the wood is rotted and will need to be replaced.

In addition to checking the condition of the wood, you should also inspect the deck design and any outdoor decking features for loose railings or footings. Any loose or unstable areas should be tightened up before winter weather arrives to prevent any accidents or damage. Finally, make sure to tighten up any hardware that could compromise the deck over the winter months, such as loose screws or bolts. Taking the time to inspect your deck now can help prevent costly repairs later on.

Clean Your Deck

Before winter arrives, it's crucial to clean your deck to remove any buildup of dirt, leaves, and especially mildew. Mildew can accumulate on the deck during humid summer months, and if not removed, it can become slippery when wet, creating a potential hazard.

Using a commercial product designed to combat mildew is the easiest and most effective way to clean it off the deck. Simply apply the solution with a hand-pump garden sprayer and leave it for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing it off with a stiff scrub brush on a painter's pole. However, be careful to avoid using chlorine bleach or any product containing sodium hypochlorite, as these can be toxic to nearby vegetation and trees and accelerate the corrosion of the deck fasteners and metal structural connectors.

Cleaning your deck is an essential step in winterizing it and prolonging its life. Don't forget to include this task in your winterization plan, and consider investing in a deck covering to protect it even further.

Seal & Finish Your Decking

Sealing or staining your deck is an essential step to ensure that your decking remains in top shape and protected throughout the winter season. It is recommended that you seal or stain your deck every 2-3 years to maintain its beauty and protect it from the harsh winter elements.

An unsealed deck is vulnerable to moisture penetration, which can lead to warping, cracking, splintering, and rot. Deck rot can compromise the integrity and strength of the deck, increasing the risk of pest infiltration. By sealing or staining your deck, you protect it from moisture penetration, prevent rot and extend the lifespan of your decking.

When selecting a sealer, always follow the cleaning instructions and label instructions carefully. The type of sealer or stain you choose depends on the type of decking you have. If you are unsure about the right type of sealer for your decking, consult a professional for advice.

Finally, pay close attention to any guidelines about low-temperature application. Some sealers may not be effective if applied in temperatures that are too cold, and could cause issues down the line. By following these simple steps, you can protect your deck and enjoy it for years to come.

Clear Snow and Ice From Your Decking

While preparing your deck for winter involves sealing and finishing it, protecting it during winter is a different task altogether. Snow can be detrimental to your decking as it traps moisture which leads to rot, mold and mildew.

When clearing snow and ice from your decking, avoid using salt as it can cause further damage to the wood. Instead, use a plastic shovel or a broom to safely and effectively clear snow from the deck surface. If the snow is heavy, it is best to remove it in smaller sections to avoid damage to the deck boards.

How to Remove Snow From Your Decking

To remove snow from your decking, start with a light dusting using a broom. This will help prevent any potential damage to the deck surface. However, if the snow is too heavy for a broom, a shovel may be necessary. Be cautious when using a shovel as certain materials can scuff or scratch the deck.

When shoveling, always go along the length of the deck boards, never across the width. It's also important to avoid using metal shovels, as they can cause scratches, dings, and dents.

Use Caution When Salting Your Decking

When it comes to clearing snow and ice from your decking, it's important to exercise caution. While calcium chloride or rock salt can be used to melt snow and ice from the surface of most composite decks, it's important to note that these substances should be rinsed off as soon as possible if you have an older composite deck. This is because prolonged exposure to these chemicals can potentially cause damage.

On the other hand, if you have a wood deck, it's best to skip salting altogether. Salt and ice melt can harm some deck finishes, leading to discoloration and potentially damaging the wood. If salt or ice melt is accidentally used on a wood deck, it's important to rinse it off immediately and consider re-staining the deck in the spring to fix any discoloration.

To protect your deck even further, consider investing in a deck covering. This will not only provide additional protection against snow and ice, but also help extend the life of your decking. With these precautions in mind, you can keep your deck in top shape throughout the winter season.

More Things to Consider Before Winter

Winter can be brutal on a deck, with frigid winds, sheets of ice, and mountains of snow potentially wreaking havoc. In addition to the steps outlined above, there are some additional considerations to keep in mind when preparing your deck for winter.

For example, you may want to store any furniture or accessories off the deck to prevent damage. Additionally, be mindful of any trees or shrubs that may drop branches or debris onto your deck during a winter storm. By taking these extra precautions, you can ensure that your deck remains in good condition and ready to use when the warmer weather returns.

Covering Your Decking with Tarp

Tarping your decking can be a good option for protecting it during the winter, but only if you do not plan on using your deck during this time. If you still plan to use your deck, it is not advisable to cover it as this could trap moisture and cause damage to the wood.

If your furniture cannot be removed from the deck, tarping them could be a good alternative to protecting them from the winter weather. However, if you have a shed or garage available, it is advisable to move your furniture there instead.

When using tarps, make sure that they are secured tightly as strong winds can cause them to come loose and cause damage to the deck. Additionally, tarps can trap moisture which can lead to mildew and mold growth. For this reason, it is essential to remove the tarp as soon as the threat of snow and ice has diminished.

Overall, tarping your decking can be an effective way to protect it during the winter, but only if it is not going to be used. Remember to secure the tarp properly and remove it as soon as possible to prevent any damage to the deck.

Switch to Composite Decking to Reduce Upkeep

If you're tired of the constant upkeep of wood decking, consider making the switch to composite decking. Composite decking is more resilient and requires less maintenance than traditional wood decking.

Unlike wood decking, composite decking doesn't rot, warp or fade over time. Additionally, composite decking comes in a wide range of colors and finishes, so you don't have to sacrifice aesthetics or quality. Plus, when warm weather returns, your composite decking will be ready to use even if it hasn't been used during the winter months.

Making the switch to composite decking is a smart investment that will save you time and money in the long run.