Detailed Maintenance Guide:

Spring Maintenance (Annual):

Deep Cleaning:

• Sweep off all winter debris
• Remove leaves, sticks, dirt from between boards
• Check for damage from winter
• Power wash (low pressure) or scrub with deck cleaner
• Let dry thoroughly

Inspection:

• Check for loose boards or railings
• Look for rot or soft spots
• Inspect for peeling or failing finish
• Note problem areas for repair

Minor Touch-Ups:

• Touch up high-wear areas if needed
• Address any spots that look thin
• Quick maintenance extends overall life

Summer Maintenance:

Regular Cleaning:

• Sweep weekly (keeps debris off)
• Wipe up spills immediately
• Remove furniture periodically (prevents staining)
• Keep potted plants on saucers

Monitor:

• Watch for excessive wear in high-traffic areas
• Check water beading (if water soaks in instead of beading, time to re-stain)

Fall Maintenance:

Pre-Winter Prep:

• Remove leaves and debris
• Clean thoroughly
• Check that stain/paint is still protecting
• Address any damage before winter

Clear Drainage:

• Ensure water drains off deck
• Clean between boards
• Check that deck slopes properly

Winter Maintenance (Worcester Specific):

Snow Removal:

• Remove snow regularly (don’t let it pile up)
• Use plastic snow shovel (won’t damage finish)
• Avoid metal shovels
• Don’t use salt or ice melt on deck (damages wood and finish)

Moisture Management:

• Keep snow from accumulating against house
• Ensure good drainage when snow melts
• Check for ice dams affecting deck

Cleaning Products:

Recommended:

• Mild dish soap and water
• Deck-specific cleaners (oxygen bleach based)
• Soft-bristle brush or mop

Avoid:

• Chlorine bleach (damages wood and finish)
• Harsh chemicals
• Pressure washer (over 1500 PSI can damage)
• Abrasive scrubbers

When to Re-Stain or Repaint:

Stained Decks:

• Every 2-4 years (depending on stain type and conditions)
• When water no longer beads
• When color fades noticeably
• When wood starts looking gray

Painted Decks:

• Every 3-6 years
• When paint starts peeling
• When color fades significantly
• When bare wood shows through

Don’t Wait Too Long: Easier and cheaper to re-stain before finish completely fails.

Annual Cost of Maintenance:

DIY Maintenance:

• Cleaning supplies: $20-50/year
• Time: 2-4 hours/year
• Touch-up stain/paint: $30-50 every few years

Professional Maintenance:

• Annual cleaning service: $150-300
• We’ll clean, inspect, and advise
• Worth it if you don’t want to do it yourself

Long-Term Care:

Every 3-5 Years:

• Professional re-staining or repainting
• Address any repairs
• Keeps deck in excellent condition

Every 10-15 Years:

• May need some board replacement (normal wear)
• Railing repairs or updates
• Still way cheaper than new deck

With Proper Maintenance: A professionally stained/painted deck should last 20-30+ years before needing replacement.

We Offer:

• Annual cleaning services
• Maintenance re-staining (discounted for past customers)
• Reminder emails when re-staining is due
• Free inspection for past customers