Deck Maintenance Archives - AdvantageLumber Blog

Why You Should Never Paint a Deck – And What to Do Instead

May 22, 2025 by Advantage Lumber

1. The All-Too-Common “Paint It and Forget It” Myth When a weather-worn deck starts to look tired, many homeowners reach for a gallon of solid-color (opaque) latex paint, convinced a thick film will lock out the elements for good. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. Painting a deck may give you a uniform color—but it also …

How to Clean Wood Decking Without a Pressure Washer

September 26, 2024 by Advantage Lumber

A well-maintained wooden deck adds beauty and value to your outdoor space, but keeping it clean can sometimes feel like a chore—especially if you don’t have a pressure washer. While pressure washing is a popular method, it’s not always the best option. In fact, pressure washers can cause more harm than good to certain types …

Does Composite Decking Require Regular Maintenance?

March 15, 2024 by Advantage Lumber

Composite decking has become increasingly popular among homeowners looking for a low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood decking. Made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic, composite decking is designed to resist rotting, warping, and insect damage. But does it require regular maintenance? Let’s dive in. The Low-Maintenance Advantage One of the biggest advantages of …

When is the correct time to clean and re-oil your hardwood deck?

February 5, 2016February 4, 2016 by Mr. Ipe Hardwood

It seems like the answer to this question should be simple enough. You clean and re-oil your hardwood deck when it starts to look faded. But you also have to take into account the season and the type of maintenance you’ve been doing.

Infograph: How To Prevent Deck Deterioration

March 12, 2015February 16, 2015 by Mr. Ipe Hardwood

Spring is here and that means doing inspecting your deck! Catching small problems early is key to having a long-lasting deck and preventing any serious problems from developing.

3 Easy Steps To Maintain Your Deck in Fall

July 15, 2016November 4, 2014 by Mr. Ipe Hardwood

Fall has arrived and winter is knocking at the door. A lot of times we shut the doors and focus on what are we going to do in order to stay warm and cozy and don’t even think about our outdoor spaces.

Believe it or not, this time is very crucial in the maintenance of your deck especially if you want it to continue looking beautiful for those warmer spring and summer months. It’s pivotal that you sweep off dead leaves and wash down your deck from time to time. Leaves that are left on the deck can wind up in between each deck board. This can then continue to accumulate and develop into a serious drainage problem when the snow begins to pile on or the rain starts to pour. How bad of a drainage problem? Water can begin to collect on the surface of the board, and with nowhere to go, can lead to the cupping and warping of your deck boards.