Using Your Deck in the Winter

While we are in the midst of fall, with winter quickly approaching, it might seem like you won’t be able to use your outdoor deck anymore. However, this does not have to be the case. There are a few things you can do so that you can continue to use your outdoor deck even when the temperature begins to drop and it is no longer summer. All it takes is some proper deck maintenance. One thing you can do is to add a patio cover. This allows you to continue using your deck during rainy seasons or even after light snowfall. When it's cold out, but you still want to sit outside, consider getting a deck heater or fire pit to add to your deck. The additional heat will keep you warm and toasty and will allow you to have more time using your deck. 

When winter comes, there are a few things that you can do right now to protect your deck. The first thing that you should do is sweep any dirt or debris away from your deck. Before the snow begins to fall, you will want to remove any planters or pots that are on your deck. This is because pots leave moisture trapped between the surface of the deck and the pot. Afterward, you will want to wash the surface of your deck in order to get rid of any mildew. A good combination to use is water, oxygen bleach, and liquid soap. Cleaning now will help to eliminate problems that might otherwise go undetected because of the snow. 

Finally, when you are in the middle of winter and there is a huge pile of snow on your deck, you might be tempted to consistently shovel the snow away. However, consistent shoveling may wear on the wood causing scrapes or even gouges on the surface. If you do shovel, use a plastic shovel or even a corn broom to sweep away snow. If you’re deck does get ruined, contact a certified deck resurfacing contractor like WC Deck and get a quote to repair your deck. These are a few things you can do to prepare your deck for the upcoming winter season.