( Actual Deck by Dan Troxel of DecksAndDesignbyDan.com )

For many people, the deck is literally another "room" in the house.  It is an extension of the available living space and, as with the rest of the house; it needs attention and a little TLC.  Any natural wood requires regular treatment every one to three years, depending upon exposure and weather conditions.  To keep it looking good and to protect your investment, take time each year to do a little upkeep. 

A clean deck is a happy deck.  Pressure washing utilizes a gas- or electric-powered machine to boost water pressure from a source such as a garden hose, and pushes it through a nozzle at very high velocity.  Pressure washing, while speedier, can be a little tricky in that the power of the water coming out of the nozzle can create damage to cells and fibers in the wood and create dings and dents in the surface of the deck.  An equally effective method is to use a garden hose with a spray nozzle in combination with a medium bristle push broom.

 As you prepare to clean your deck keep these tips in mind:

•  Don't use regular household bleach.  While it's good at killing mildew, household bleach does nothing for getting rid of dirt. It can also damage and open up the fibers of the wood which can result in an unattractive, fuzzy appearance.
• Specialized deck cleaners are recommended. There are deck specific cleaners on the market today which can be found at any hardware store, lumberyard or paint store in your area.  These are usually one of two types; oxygen-based bleach or oxalic acid-based cleaners.  Oxygen-based cleaners are effective at removing gray weathering residue as well as mildew and dirt.  Oxalic acid-based cleaners are used on wood such as cedar, redwood and other species which have tannins, natural resins, which can rise to the surface of the wood and cause discolorations.  They do not clean mildew or dirt away.  You can use a general purpose cleaner first and then use an oxalic acid-base cleaner second, or get an all purpose cleaner that is good for tannin, mildew and dirt.
• Once your deck is clean, coat it.  The final step in maintenance is to coat your deck with a finish that seals and protects.  These products range from clear finishes to semi-transparent to solid-color stains.  What you choose will depend on the look you prefer, the amount of grain you want to see and the amount of protection you desire. 

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for all the above products, and when in doubt, call the store where you bought the product or the toll-free number for the manufacturer.  They are always happy to help you keep your deck looking well tended.

Christine Snyder, President
Snyder Homes Remodeling
www.SnyderHomes.biz