Outdoor Woodworks
Deck Care and Fence Maintenance Guide
Outdoor Woodworks of Nashville wants your new fences and decks to last as long as possible. As a general rule, the proper care of your fences and decks will prolong their lives. Below are our fence and deck care tips
Tennessee Deck Care
An annual deck inspection is essential to proper deck care. Following installation, your deck should be stained, painted, or sealed to protect it from water damage.
Outdoor Woodworks of Nashville recommends the following deck inspection points:
Deck Inspection Points
- Check that deck fasteners are secure and that railings are bolted securely. Secure railing with deck bolts, as needed
- Inspect for deck cracks or splintered deck boards. Sand any splintered wood.
- Look for loose boards, broken or rotting boards. Secure loose boards with wood deck screws; replace broken or rotting boards.
- Inspect boards for mold and mildew. See cleaning instructions below.
- Inspect the stairs for damaged areas and boards. Replace damaged boards.
- Check for raised nails. Hammer raised nail heads to until they are located below the deck’s surface.
Wood Deck Cleaning
Your deck should be cleaned annually. Wood deck cleaning supplies include a deck bristle brush and deck cleaner or detergent water.
Recommended Wood Deck Cleaning Method
- Sweep or blow the deck surface, removing any debris, leaves, or other particles.
- Scrub the surface with a stiff bristle brush and solution of laundry detergent or deck cleaner. If you opt to use a bleach (oxygen) mixture, be sure to utilize eye protection. Gloves are recommended.
- Use your garden hose on the strongest spray setting to remove debris and clean the deck’s surface.
- Pressure washing is optional. Note: if a high setting is used on the pressure washer, you can actually remove wood from your deck.
Tennessee Fence Care
An annual fence inspection is recommended to prolong the life of your wood fence. Once installed, your fence should be sealed with fence sealant to repel water from rain and sprinklers
Fence Inspection Points
- Move lawn sprinklers so they are not spraying your fence.
- Look for shrubbery touching your fence. Cut shrubbery back away from the wood.
- Check your fence for raised or loose nails. Hammer raised nail heads to until they are located below the deck’s surface.
- Inspect for board cracks or splintered boards. Sand any splintered wood.
- Look for loose boards, broken or rotting boards. Secure loose boards with wood screws; replace broken or rotting boards.
- Check for mold and mildew. Remove with fence cleaning products, soapy water, or oxygen bleach.
Outdoor Woodworks, LLC is a Tennessee licensed and insured fence and deck builder who you can trust to get the job done right. Call us today for a free consultation and estimate at (615) 865-6900.
Submit your Tennessee deck, fence, or screened room inquiry to Outdoor Woodworks of Nashville
Outdoor Woodworks – Serving Nashville, TN and surrounding areas
PO Box 1626
Mount Juliet, TN 37121
Phone: 615-865-6900