Maintenance

A quality redwood deck is an investment that will last decades. And protecting that investment only takes a bit of time and effort. Sweeping and clearing the debris on top of and in between decking boards helps prevent mildew, fungus and algae growth. A further rinsing with a garden hose will remove the dirt and grime, while the stubborn build-up can be removed by scrubbing with a non-ferrous bristle brush and a solution of warm water and a mild detergent. Rinse afterward. Typically, this is enough to keep your deck in good order, but there are also commercial cleaning solutions that will further brighten and restore your deck’s original color and beauty. There are also recipes you can easily make at home from simple materials found at the hardware store. It’s important to do your research and carefully read the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions before beginning any chemical cleaning step.

For those who can’t wait to fire up the power washer, a word of caution. At the wrong settings, a power washer can easily damage the wood’s surface. We’d recommend reserving any power washing to those well versed in power washing decks.

Finally, remember that the right decking product can do a lot of the work for you. See how the two deck profiles in our Heritage Collection are designed to help eliminate the damaging effects of water and moisture.