Tips for Maintaining a Weather Resistant Deck

Homeowners can enjoy their outdoor oasis year-round with our weather in the Greater Houston area. We do have challenges with intense sun, humidity, rain, occasional high winds, and hurricanes, and even freezing temperatures in the winter months. 

There are a few tips for maintaining a weather resistant deck to prolong the beauty of your deck and outdoor furniture. One day it could be 85 degrees, and the next day it is raining with a cold front behind the rain. Without proper staining your deck and fencing may fade, crack, absorb moisture, rot, and destroy your investment. 

A professional stain keeps your wood looking sharp and Texas-tough by sealing out water, blocking UV rays, and extending its life. Select a UV resistant/blocking and mildew resistant stain with water repellents. 

Before you begin applying the stain clean your deck thoroughly. Remove any dirt, grime, and peel from the wood. If there is old stain on the wood, use a chemical stripper if necessary. Transparent and semi-transparent highlight wood grain but offer less protection from UV rays and may need to be re-applied annually. Semi-solid or solid color offers better protection but obscure the natural wood color. It is worth your investment to purchase a high-quality stain in a light semi-transparent color to reflect the heat better. 

Apply the stain in the spring or fall when temperatures are between 50-90 degrees, humidity is low, and there has not been any rain in 48 hours. The weather must be dry and warm for 48 hours after the application also to prevent blotching and peeling. Never stain in direct, hot sunlight as it will dry your deck too quickly and prevent proper wood penetration. 

Regular cleaning and maintenance prevents major issues while UV blocking is critical to increase longevity of your deck or wood fence. Suggested times for regular cleaning are in the fall and spring when temperatures are not intense. Using a cloth and a soft bristle brush, wash away dirt, mildew, and any grime with a deck cleaner. A pressure washer on a low setting, (under 1,500 PSI) can be used. Never use a high setting as that will damage your deck. 

Sweep your deck weekly to remove leaves and debris that trap moisture leading to rot and mold formation Check for any loose nails, fasteners, warped boards, and signs of mildew. Secure protruding nails or screws with a nail set. Corroded fasteners should be replaced to avoid increased damage to your deck, including breakage. Look for signs of rot from wood-boring insects such as termites. Manage moisture to your deck by ensuring there is proper drainage from any overhangs or pergola tops. Trim overhanging trees and plants to improve airflow and reduce the risk of mold growth. 

Reapply stains and sealers every 1-2 years to protect against strong UV rays, moisture, mildew, and intense rain. Our high UV index accelerates wood degradation and stain breakdown. UV blockers are non-negotiable. The humidity and rain promotes mold and mildew growth and may prevent any stain adhering if applied to damp wood. Our intense heat in the summer can cause boards to expand and contract stressing the finishes applied to the deck. 

Choose oil based penetrating stains for our climate to soak into the wood and offer protection against moisture, UV rays, and mildew. The right stain will fade with time rather than peeling from the wood. Water-based stains require more frequent applications in tough weather conditions although it is much easier to clean up after the application. 

Having a backyard deck in Texas creates valuable outdoor living space for entertaining, relaxing, and dining, offering a solid, elevated surface for activities and increasing home value while providing a way to enjoy the Texas climate comfortably. Decks also beautify the home, add curb appeal, and offer solutions for uneven yards, making outdoor spaces more functional and inviting.