Two easy tips below.
Remember:
- Moisture is your enemy
- Keep the wood dry.
Whether you have long winters of heavy snow and freezing temperatures, or mild winters with hardly any snow, your deck will take a beating (not to mention UV summer rays).
1. Shovel ‘da snow.
Oh no. Oh yes. After a snowfall, depending on the accumulation.
Shovel parallel with the boards. Careful not to damage wood/surfaces.
Get a forgiving shovel: I like my great “crack jumper” deck snow shovel: Deck Saver™ Crack Jumper Snow Shovel.
It is made in the USA, and it’s durable. Worth every penny.
Metal shovel? Ok, Just don’t scrape the deck wood with metal – leave a thin layer of snow on top. Broom or let the sun do the rest.
Also shovel off the leaves that collect in the corners, duh.
2. Do not use salt.
Salt damages/discolors the wood. Sand is best for traction.
Use my de-icer that is safe for wood decking – (Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) is safe for pets and vegetation too).
Get a pallet delivered (over $1,000.)
3. Other stuff you gotta do
Put away your patio furniture to protect it and the deck under it. If not possible, use the sticks and stones method (put tree branches under anything that can old moisture)
Elevate (sticks and stones) any object that keeps the deck wet (planters, tables), which will cause damage.
Do not cover your deck with a tarp. That just holds moisture in the wood, the enemy of any deck
Misc:
Also, it’s nice to have an orderly look outside, and it only takes a few minutes to put things in the shed.
Related:
Spray Wood Stain (Once per Lifetime)
Comment below: I see them the same day.