How to maintain your wood deck

Wood decks are timeless backyard additions, but they aren’t maintenance free. When not properly taken care of, they’re prone to rotting. Here’s how to take care of your wood deck.

• Inspect it. Every spring, take time to look your deck over. Examine all the components to make sure there’s no damage. If you come across any, fix it before it gets worse.

• Clean it. Regularly sweep debris off your deck. Scrub it with soap and water once a year. If you’d rather use a pressure washer, be careful: highly pressurized water can gouge holes in wood. Using a sweeping motion, always keep the washer moving.

• Sand and seal it. Every two or three years, sand your patio and apply a sealant. This will prevent the wood from absorbing moisture. You can hire a professional to do this, or you can set aside a week¬end and do the job yourself.

Hopefully, you’ll get to enjoy your wood deck this summer, and for many summers to come. Regular maintenance will ensure that you do.