It’s summer in Maryland and if you’re like us, you’re spending lots of time outside on your deck. Whether it’s cookouts or just evening relaxing, this is the place to be right now. If you have noticed your deck looking like it needs maintenance or repair, you can count on us to answer your questions and help with repair and replacement. Here are 4 frequently asked questions we hear about decking care and maintenance in Carroll County, Maryland.
1. How Do I Remove Stains or Discoloration From My Deck?
If your deck is made of wood or composite you may experience stains or discoloration over time. It may be that you are dealing with mold, which can be troublesome and dangerous. Mold will most likely present itself as dark spots on the planks of the deck. If you find those, you can test them by dropping a medicine dropper amount’s worth of bleach from your laundry room onto the spot. If it disappears after a few minutes, it is probably mold and can be removed by performing a cleaning using one part bleach and four parts water. Protecting your deck with sealants can help prevent mold, mildew, and staining. Regular cleaning of your deck is also recommended to assist with mold and staining.
2. How Do I Fix a Deck Scratch?
Just moved that heavy table on your deck and found you left a scratch behind? Scratches are common on composite decks and the solution depends on the product type and the manufacturer. Generally it is recommended to ignore scratches as they will tend to blend in over time, but you might wind up having to replace a board or two if it is a deep scratch. To prevent scratches from happening, purchase furniture pads and put them under the furniture on your deck, it works great for hardwood flooring, why not on decks?
3. How Do I Fix Faded Color?
If your deck is fading or lackluster, the best option is usually to re-stain or paint your deck. The next time you stain your deck remember to purchase a stain that contains UV blockers, this is like sunblock for your deck and will prolong the life of the color by preventing sun damage. If you choose to paint your deck, be sure to apply UV blocking primer or stain blocking oil before you paint.
4. How Do I Replace A Board?
If you have a single damaged board you can replace it with a new piece fairly easily. Cut the bad pieces out of the deck using a jigsaw. Measure, measure twice, three times if you’re not sure, then cut your lumber to the correct replacement size. When cutting be sure that you won’t end up with a knot on the end, this can cause warping. Secure the board using the appropriate length decking screws.
At Leisure Specialties we are outdoor home experts, we offer high quality Maryland decking supplies. So whether you have a scratched board to replace or want to replace your old deck completely, we can help you with all the materials you need to build a long lasting and durable deck. Contact us today or visit our Hampstead, MD showroom.