How To Get Your Outdoor Deck Through The Winter?

As the weather cools in the fall, many people begin to prepare for the cold winter months. Planting bulbs, laying mulch, mowing, and doing other yard maintenance tasks. This to-do list should also include your outdoor deck.

Preparing for cold weather is equally important. Especially if your outdoor deck is made of natural wood or if you live in a place with harsh winters. In the long run, this will extend the life of your deck and save you time, money, and energy. It will also allow you to use your deck better in the spring and summer.

Why Should I Protect My Deck for the Winter?

As an outdoor living space that can be used for relaxing and entertaining, there are two major benefits to preparing your deck for winter.

Preparing your deck for winterization will keep it safe from rain, ice, and snow. If your deck is not winterized accordingly. Then, water that seeps through the cracks in the deck’s structure will freeze, thaw, and freeze again over the winter. This cycle of freezing and thawing can cause cracks in the wood or make the cracks larger. This leads to splintered boards and other damage that requires the repair or replacement of deck components.

Preparing your deck for winter will allow you to use it sooner in the spring when the weather warms up. If you protect your deck over the winter, it will be easier to clean than if you don’t. As a result, less cleaning will be required when spring arrives.

Additionally, you may want to continue to use your deck even when the temperature outside is cooler. A clean and well-maintained deck is always ready for family and friends to use. Learn how to prepare your deck for winter and get ideas on how to use your deck this winter.

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Steps to Protect Your Outdoor Deck for the Winter

Now that we know how important it is to protect your outdoor deck through the winter, how exactly should we do it? These steps typically take 4-8 hours total for a standard 200 sq ft deck and cost $50-150 in materials. It depends on the size and the products used.

Remove Dirt, Leaves, and Other Debris

Outdoor decks often retain dirt, leaves, or other debris. Over time, this can build up on your deck and in the gaps. In winter, these debris items are more likely to trap snow and ice, locking in moisture. This can further damage the deck, leading to wood rot and other structural issues.

Make sure your deck is clear of anything before winter arrives. Use a leaf blower or broom for efficiency, and trim overhanging trees to reduce future buildup. A common mistake is skipping this, leading to accelerated rot.

Get Rid of Mold and Clean Your Deck

It’s a good idea to clean your deck of mold and mildew before winter arrives. If you don’t take any action, thick mold builds up and becomes slippery when it rains. And trapped moisture under tarps can exacerbate it if not addressed.

To remove mold, you can purchase a cleaner or make a simple solution with common household items. A proven homemade recipe from experts includes: 2 gallons of warm water, 2 cups of oxygen bleach (like OxiClean), 1 cup of Borax (for tough stains), and 1/4 cup of ammonia-free liquid dishwashing detergent. Stir until dissolved.

Then, use a hand-powered garden sprayer to apply generously onto the deck surface. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub gently with a stiff-bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly immediately. Avoid chlorine bleach, as it can kill nearby plants and accelerate rust on metal fasteners. For composite decks, a milder vinegar-based solution (1 cup white vinegar, 1 gallon warm water, 1/4 cup baking soda) works well without harsh chemicals.

Check Your Deck

Before you put your deck away for the winter, give it a thorough inspection. Check the top and bottom to find areas where water may have gotten in and made the surface vulnerable. Use an ice pick or thin screwdriver to probe for soft spots. If it penetrates easily, rot is present and should be repaired immediately to avoid structural failure.

Also, inspect deck boards, posts, railings, and foundations for looseness, tightening any hardware. In harsh climates like the Midwest, check more frequently as freeze-thaw cycles can loosen fasteners faster. Ignoring small damages like loose nails, which can lead to bigger issues under the snow weight.

Seal and Maintain Your Outdoor Deck

Sealing or staining a wood deck should be done at least once every 1-3 years (more often in wet regions) to protect against moisture, which can cause warping, cracking, splintering, and rot. Deck rot weakens the structure and invites pests.

Clean first with oxygen bleach as above, then apply sealer per label instructions. Test in a small area and avoid cold temps below 50°F. For composite decks, sealing isn’t needed. Routine soap-and-water cleaning suffices, making them ideal for low-maintenance winters.

Removing Snow and Ice From Your Deck

Now that you know how to get your deck ready for winter, what do you do when it’s cold outside? Protecting your deck in the winter is not the same as getting it ready for winter. Can snow hurt a deck? Can you salt your deck? How do you remove snow from your deck? Again, there are many questions about how to protect your deck in the winter.

How to Remove Snow From Your Deck

You don’t need a snow shovel to remove small amounts of snow. You can clear it with a simple broom. If there is more snow, you can use a shovel. But be careful when using a shovel, because some materials can scratch or wear your deck.

But if you live in an area with a lot of snow and need to use a shovel, it is important to shovel along the length of the deck boards (with the grain). Do not shovel across the width of the boards. This can scratch the deck and ruin the stain or paint. Do not use metal spatulas either. Although they are more durable than their plastic counterparts, they are harder on your deck and can cause scratches and dents.

Be Careful When Salting Your Deck

When preparing for winter, one of the first things you probably think about doing is salting your driveway, sidewalk, and deck. Whether you should use rock salt on your deck depends on what it is made of.

Most composite decking can be done with calcium chloride or rock salt to remove snow and ice. Calcium chloride or rock salt can be used on old composite decking, but they should be rinsed off as soon as possible. But if your deck is made of wood, you may not want to salt it. Some deck finishes can be damaged by salt and ice melt, so you’ll need to repaint the deck in the spring to repair any discoloration.

How to Enjoy Your Deck in Winter

Now that your deck is ready for winter, you can start thinking about how you’re going to use it. If you enjoy being outdoors all year round, you can use your deck even when it’s cold outside. You can also make the most of the money you spend on your deck by using it all year round.

Add Outdoor Furniture and Other Items

You probably already have some deck furniture. But there are some extras that will make your deck more comfortable in the winter. Buying furniture in the off-season can save you a ton of money.

• Make sure your family and friends can find places to sit outside. Chairs, recliners, sofas, and even swings are great options in any season.
• Prepare pillows and cushions for your outdoor furniture to make them more comfortable and cozy.
• Set up a cocoa bar or beverage cart nearby.
• Put in coffee tables and end tables so everyone has a place to have coffee, tea, or other beverages.
• Putting carpet on the deck will make it more comfortable and feel like an extra room in the house.

Use a Lighting System on the Deck

Installing lighting on your deck will make it look nicer and safer. Although the days are shorter in the winter, there are some simple ways to brighten up a deck on a winter night.

• You can install different styles of lights on deck post caps.
• If you add step lights, it will be easier to get in and out of the deck.
• Pendant lights can be used as an easy short-term light source.
• Install streetlights on the pathway to the deck.
• For an added decorative touch, consider installing solar-powered outdoor lights.

Keep a Fireplace, Fire pit, or Heater Nearby

If there is heat outside, a deck can be a great place to relax even in the winter.

• If you want to use an outdoor heater, fire pit, or outdoor fireplace on your deck, be sure to read the product instructions first to make sure it’s safe to use on your deck. If it’s not safe, don’t put it on the deck.
• Even if you can’t use it on your deck, you can install your outdoor heater on a patio or other suitable location. This will make your outdoor living space feel more like a real room.
• When you’re not using your outdoor heater, make sure it’s in good condition.
• Be aware of any regulations regarding open fires in your area.

Other Ways to Enjoy Deck Life in Winter

There are also many other ways to keep your deck warm and cozy in the winter. Here are some more ideas.

• A hot tub can keep you warm outside in the winter. But you’ll need to talk to a professional deck builder to make sure the addition won’t damage your deck.
• Growing plants that can withstand cold weather in pots or nearby flower beds can add color and texture to the outdoors in the winter. Different plants are adapted to cold weather in different ways.
• Some awnings and canopies can shield you from light winter rains, but they won’t keep out snow. Follow the instructions that came with your awning or canopy to remove snow as soon as possible.
• Don’t forget your grill. You can still make delicious food outdoors, just keep an eye on the temperature of your grill. Grills take longer to heat up and cook when it’s cold outside.

More Things to Consider Before Winter

Winter can be tough on decks due to cold winds, patches of ice, and dirty, hard-to-melt snow mountains, so there are a few other things to consider.

Cover Your Deck with a Tarp for the Winter

Some homeowners may find it easiest to cover their deck and deck furniture with a tarp. However, this only works if they don’t plan to use their deck in the winter. Obviously, this is not a good option for those who use their outdoor deck in the winter and have a hot tub, grill, or outdoor fireplace.

If you can’t cover your entire deck, you should at least cover it when you’re not using the furniture. Better yet, if you have space in your shed or garage, you can move the furniture there, which will be safe.

The wind is a big problem when you’re using a tarp. To prevent the wind from blowing the tarp away, you need to tie it down. Another problem with tarps is that they can hold water. Once there is less chance of snow and ice, take the tarp off.

Use Composite Decking to Reduce Maintenance

Composite decking is more durable than wood and works well in cold weather. It lasts longer and requires less maintenance than wood decking, so you can spend more time enjoying your outdoor space. Even if you don’t use your deck in the winter, your composite decking will be ready when the weather warms up again.

FAQ

How to make a deck usable in winter?

To make your patio usable during winter, consider adding heat sources such as fire pits or outdoor heaters. Additionally, block cold drafts with curtains or screens, and lay down rugs and warm textiles to enhance comfort. Cleaning and sealing the deck are also important steps in making it last.

Should I put a tarp over my deck in winter?

Before a storm, the tarp will keep snow and ice from getting in. But you shouldn’t leave the tarp on your deck all winter because moisture can build up over time. Take the tarp off after the threat of snow, sleet, and ice is gone so your deck can stay dry.

How to winterize an outdoor deck?

To get a deck ready for winter, you should first clean it well by sweeping, pressure washing, and fixing any damage. Next, use a good water-repellent sealer or stain to keep the wood safe from snow, ice, and water. Lastly, take all the furniture, plants, and other things off the deck to keep it from getting damaged and make it safer.