How to Keep Your Floating Deck in Tip-Top Shape
Hello, fellow moms! If you’re like me, you love having the perfect outdoor space-your kids can go wild, or you yourself can sit and sip your morning coffee while the family comes over for a summer BBQ. Well, last year we decided to add a floating deck in our backyard, and it fast turned to be the center of all outdoor activities. But like everything in our busy mom life, it does require a bit of TLC to keep it looking great. Well, here are some of the maintenance tips I’ve learned to help keep our floating deck in top condition, so that it remains a fantastic place for the whole family to enjoy.
1. Regular Cleaning: A Little Effort Goes a Long Way
First things first, keeping your floating deck clean is important for longevity and appeal. If you don’t keep them clean, dirt and leaves can build up, causing mold or mildew in wet weather. Here’s how I keep ours clean:
- Sweep Often: I try to make it a point to sweep the deck at least once a week. It really only takes a minute or two, and it saves dirt from settling into the wood. Plus, it is a great excuse to get outside and get some fresh air!
- Wash It Down: I give it a good wash once in a month, clearing off that grime. I’ll take the garden hose with an attachment for spraying and rinse away most grime. When some places are particularly tough, I take a mild detergent, mix it with warm water, and brush it off well with a soft-bristle brush. Harsh chemicals or pressure washers should not be used, since these may damage the wood over time.
- Check for Mold or Mildew: Especially during rainy months, make sure to check for mold or mildew, which tends to grow in shaded areas. If you do find something, take a spray bottle of vinegar and water-the typical solution-and just brush off the area after letting it sit for a few minutes.
2. Sealing and Staining: Protect Your Deck from the Elements
Your floating deck battles the elements like sun, rain, and snow, you name it day in and day out. So, sealing or staining is pretty much essential in keeping it great looking, indeed.
- Sealing it Right: I recommend using a good quality sealant meant for outdoor use. The seal will protect the wood from moisture, UV rays, and temperature changes. At the moment, I redo sealing on our deck once a year, just before winter. It is a bit of work, but it is worth keeping the deck fresh!
- Stain: Consider Staining. Really bring out the natural beauty of the wood by staining. It is going to add color, but it will also provide another layer of protection. I did a semi-transparent stain on our deck, allowing the beauty of the wood grain to come through and giving it a warm, inviting color.
3. Find the Damage: Small Issues Don’t Become Major Ones
Kids playing, running around, dragging furniture, and even just common wear and tear can cause scratches going down to dents, and even loose boards in your floating deck. Regular inspections are of the essence for you to catch any damage in due time.
- Check for Loose Boards or Nails: I take a little time, about once a month, walking around and looking at the deck for any loose boards or nails that are protruding. Well, this is a quick safety check that ensures no one gets hurt-especially when there are little ones running around.
- Look for Cracks or Splinters: Wood could either crack or splinter over time. If so, sand them now to prevent injuries and ensure the smoothness of your deck. Apply a matching-colored wood filler in places where the cracks are deeper.
- Check Underneath: Do not forget to check underneath your floating deck for any decay of the supports or beams due to rot or insect damage. If you feel that you may have trouble, call in a professional for an inspection.
4. Water Damage Prevention: Keep Moisture at Bay
Water is one of the biggest enemies for wood, and as such, preventing water damage remains very important in maintaining your floating deck.
- Provide Adequate Drainage: Allow water not to collect on the deck. Ours is slightly sloped to one side, allowing water to run off, and we have ensured that the gutters send water away from the deck. This way, the rotting of the wood and other related water damages are prevented or at least minimized.
- Use Furniture Pads: Placing pads underneath outdoor furniture keeps it from catching water between the furniture and the deck. It is such a simple step that makes a world of difference in taking care of your deck.
5. Seasonal Prep: Preparation for Each Season
The varying seasons have different ways they test your floating deck, and being prepared is very important.
- Spring and Summer: These are warm-weather months, so the focus should be on regular cleaning, sealing, and enjoying your deck as much as possible. It is also an excellent time of the year to inspect your deck for any damage it may have taken during winter.
- Fall: Before the leaves start to fall, clean and seal your deck. Keep your deck free from leaves and other debris that might let mold and mildew take hold.
- Winter: Do not use salt or other harmful chemicals to melt ice on the deck. These elements can rot the wood and thus destroy the whole deck. Remove snow and ice from your deck using a plastic shovel, and consider using sand for traction when necessary.
Final Thoughts: A Deck That’s Here to Stay
A floating deck can indeed be a great addition to any home-a wonderful place for family fun, relaxation, and outdoor activities. Regular maintenance, just a smidge, and your deck will be looking swell and performing admirably for years into the future. Keeping it clean, sealed, and free from possible damages will keep it in the best shape for many memories to come with family and loved ones.
Now if you will excuse me, it is time to bring out the broom and start working-my floating deck is not going to clean itself!
