As warm weather comes rolling in, you want your outdoor space to be ready for action. The backyard deck is always a crowd-pleasing place, whether it’s for afternoon barbecues, evening chats or morning coffee. Get your deck into tip-top shape with these tips from The RoomPlace.
Clear and Inspect
Starting with a clean slate is the best way to go, and completely clearing off your deck is the way to do it. Winter can be harsh on your deck as well as your outdoor items. Remove them all from the deck’s surface, then check the deck as well as the items. Discard or repurpose anything that’s broken or too faded for use going forward. Make sure the entire surface is clear so you can move on to the next step.
Scrub the Deck
Your first task is to sweep all dirt and debris off your deck. The next is to clean the deck’s surface. The cleaning method you use depends on the deck’s material. Certain materials and some wood decks can be cleaned with a power washer, provided you keep the pressure low enough to avoid damage.
Another option is to use a long-handled scrub brush to manually clean the surface. Opt for a specialized deck cleaner or a mix of vinegar and water. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to 1 gallon of water to create a scrubbing solution. Rinse with your hose and allow the deck to dry.
Clean Outdoor Items As you’re waiting for your deck to dry, you can clean any items that are going back on your deck. This includes outdoor rugs, planters, patio furniture and other accessories that could use a good washing. Outdoor rugs can often be power washed, while certain outdoor cushions may fit in the washing machine for laundering.
Bring it Back (to the Deck)
Once your deck surface and all the items are clean and dry, it’s time to put everything back into place. Feel free to keep the same arrangement that’s been working over the years, or try a new configuration to mix things up. As you’re putting things back into place on a squeaky-clean deck, you may notice that some items could use a sprucing up. Perhaps old patio sets could use repainting, or tired cushions could use replacing.
Refresh the Look
Repainting old patio furniture and purchasing new outdoor cushions are one way to perk up your outdoor space. Investing in new patio furniture and accessories is another. You may be amazed at the difference a modern end table or streamlined loveseat can make. Review the furniture arrangement and determine if you could use more seating, an attractive dining table or perhaps a new bench in an area that’s crying out for something new. With your cleaning, sprucing and refreshed outdoor furniture, your deck will be ready for anything. Check out the options at The RoomPlace if you still need a few pieces to pull it all together before the summer comes officially rolling in