Top Spring Cleaning Tips for Decks: Get Your San Antonio Deck Ready Before Summer

Alamo Decks & Fence are deck experts and know all of the best spring cleaning tips for decks to ensure that your deck is in good shape.

Spring has arrived and with it comes, you guessed it, the dreaded task of spring cleaning. You may associate spring cleaning with the inside of your home, but the truth is, your exteriors could use a deep clean too. Take a look at your deck. Is it looking stained, dirty and dingy? It needs a good cleaning!

A clean deck does wonders for your curb appeal, not to mention your property value. Plus, your neighbors will appreciate it, and you will enjoy a cleaner experience when hanging out. In San Antonio, spring also brings a coat of oak pollen and the countdown to a hot summer, so it is the right time for a deep clean and a fresh seal. Good spring cleaning is part of regular deck maintenance that keeps your deck safe and looking sharp.

Inspect Your Deck First

Before you clean, walk the whole deck and check its condition. A quick inspection now catches small problems before they turn into expensive ones.

Look for loose or raised boards, nails or screws that have popped up, and splinters. Push on the railings and posts to make sure they are solid, and test the stairs. Press on any spots that feel soft or spongy, since that points to rot. Pay attention to where the deck attaches to the house. That connection carries a lot of weight and should be tight and rust-free. Sand rough spots and fix loose boards before you move on.

Our Top Spring Cleaning Tips For Decks

We thought now would be the perfect time to give you some spring cleaning tips to keep your deck looking beautiful this season. Before you wet anything down, cover nearby plants and grass with plastic sheeting so cleaner and runoff do not hurt them.

• Remove furniture: Clear the deck of all patio furniture, grills and toys. There’s no way you can properly clean the deck with all that stuff in the way. Start with a clean slate, and you will be able to work more quickly and effectively.
• Sweep off your deck: Get the loose debris off first with a broom, such as leaves, twigs, and dirt. Don’t rush into the soap and water yet, as this will just push around the loose debris.
• Clean the deck: Use a garden hose to remove light to moderate dirt. To strip off old stain or paint before you recoat, a pressure washer can help. Go easy on wood, though. Use a wide fan tip, keep it about a foot off the boards, work with the grain, and keep it moving so you don’t gouge or fur the wood. If you skip the pressure washer, put on goggles and gloves, then apply a deck cleaner per the manufacturer instructions. Scrub the surface with a stiff brush, let it sit so it can break up mildew and grime, then rinse with clean water.
• Restain the deck: Giving your deck a new coating of stain every few years will preserve its finish and extend the life of your deck. You may want to use transparent stains to reveal the natural color of your deck, or you may want to go with solid stains to protect against UV rays.
• Clean your deck furniture: Before you place everything back onto the clean deck, give all your furniture a good cleaning. Rinse and wipe it down with mild soap and water. Clean cushions and let dry. If your cushions have seen better days, invest in some new ones. Give the inside of your grill a good cleaning, too, to get rid of the buildup inside.

Wood vs. Composite Decks

How you clean and protect a deck depends on what it is made of.

Wood decks need the most care. Clean them with a deck cleaner and a brush, then seal or stain on a regular schedule to fight graying, rot, and sun damage.

Composite and PVC decks are easier. Wash them with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, then rinse. They never need stain or sealer. Skip harsh chemicals and go easy with any pressure washer, since composite boards can still be damaged. Use a cleaner made for composite decking.

Seal or Stain Before the Summer Sun Hits

In San Antonio, spring is the time to seal or stain, before the strong summer sun and UV take their toll. A good finish blocks UV and repels water, which keeps wood boards from graying, cracking, and drying out.

First, let the deck dry fully after cleaning, usually one to two days. Not sure if yours even needs a fresh coat? Splash water on the boards. If it soaks in instead of beading up, the old finish is worn and it is time to recoat.

Timing matters in the heat. Do not stain in direct sun or on a hot afternoon. Work on a cool, overcast morning with no rain in the forecast. Apply with the grain, and give the first coat about 24 hours before you add a second. Many Texas pros lean on oil-based, semi-transparent stains for durability. As a rule, plan on a clear or translucent finish every one to two years and a solid stain every two to three. Our guide on how to choose a deck stain helps you pick the right one.

Watch for Rot and When to Call a Pro

Most spring fixes are small. A popped nail, a splintered board, or a single board that needs replacing are all easy repairs.

Some issues are bigger. Widespread rot, a wobbly railing, unstable stairs, or a loose connection to the house are safety problems, not weekend jobs. San Antonio also sits on expansive clay soil that shifts with the seasons, which can leave a deck post or footing out of level over time. If the damage is spread out, or repairs start to add up, it may be time to build a new deck. For a sense of budget, see what goes into the cost of a new deck, and let Alamo Decks & Fence handle the repair or the rebuild.

Keep Your Deck Clean All Season

Spring cleaning is a great start, but a few habits keep the deck looking new. Sweep often. San Antonio’s live oak trees drop heavy yellow pollen from late winter through May, and it coats everything outside. Clear debris out of the gaps between boards with a plastic putty knife so trapped moisture does not cause rot. Wipe up grill grease and spills quickly, and move furniture around now and then so the boards underneath can dry.

Clean the deck at least once or twice a year, and prepare your deck for fall when the season turns. Spring is also a good time to upgrade the space, like adding deck lighting for cooler evenings outside.

Contact Alamo Decks and Fence

We hope these tips have been helpful as you approach spring with a fresh mind and like-new deck! Treat your San Antonio deck right, and it will pay you back in spades.

For more cleaning tips for your decks and fences, or to get a free quote on new deck and fence installation, check us out here at Alamo Decks and Fence based in San Antonio. You can reach us at (210) 794-0875 today or browse our services online.