Blog / Prepare Your Deck or Patio for Winter in Four Steps

Leaves are covering your deck or patio, and the temperature has fallen along with them. Backyard season has come to a close, but it’s never too early to start thinking about next year. Preparing your deck or patio for the winter now can pay off in the spring. Follow the four-step process below to ensure your deck or patio comes out in full bloom next spring.

Four Steps to Winter Patio Preparation

Spend a little bit of time working on your deck or patio now, and you’ll be spending a lot more time out there relaxing in 2019.

Bring in the Furniture

It’s not just your deck or patio space you want to protect. Even outdoor furniture can quickly show its age when left out in the elements all winter. If you have a garage, basement, or attic, move those tables and chairs inside.

Sweep and Soap

One of the root causes of mold on a deck or patio is leaf litter. The leaves that fall from surrounding trees in autumn serve as a food source for mold. They also provide shade and trap in moisture — all things that help mold thrive.

Give your deck or patio a thorough sweeping to clear it of all leaves and other debris. Then wash it with soap and water, or use a power washer if you have one handy.

Inspect and Identify

Conduct a walkthrough of your deck or patio and look for any loose, warped, or rotting wood. Replace these boards yourself or hire a handyman to do so. Paint used on decks and patios performs best in cooler and less humid temperatures, so milder conditions present a good opportunity for this kind of work. And doing it now will help your outdoor space be turnkey ready in the spring.

Seal it Up

A water repellant sealant can limit the amount of water that penetrates the wood on your deck or patio. Make sure to tackle this before the winter air takes over, as results are typically best when done in temperatures above 50 degrees. Sealing your deck or patio every fall can keep it looking new and add years to its life.    

Prep For Spring With Redwood Land Design

Once you have prepped your deck or patio for the winter, it’s time to prepare the rest of your property for spring. If you’re in need of any landscaping or hardscaping services, or your deck or patio could use some professional help, call Redwood Land Design.

Explore our portfolio of work, and then schedule a free consultation to begin thinking about how you can improve your outdoor space. Because spring will be here before you know it.