Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Valley Head, AL

Any wood deck provides some ventilation to the area below, as is the nature of that type of deck design. However, areas that experience excessive humidity and associated moisture benefit greatly from a dedicated ventilation system in the form of strip vents. This addition helps the various wood boards contract and expand evenly throughout the years and reduces the chances of twisting, warping, and buckling.

It is best to power wash your deck and sand it, as cleaning removes grime, mildew, and dirt, while sanding refreshes the wood and allows the stain to penetrate. You should clean your deck first, sand it, and then stain it. You should clean your deck annually, while sanding and staining only needs to be done every three years.

How long deck boards last largely depends on the type of wood and if it's treated or not. Untreated boards last anywhere from ten to 30 years, assuming proper care and maintenance. Treated boards can last up to 50 years. Composite boards also tend to last longer than pure wood boards.

In most cases, repairing a deck costs much less than replacing it. Deck repairs cost around $2,000 on average, while the cost of deck replacement is at least $7,900. Repairing involves fixing issues like loose boards or small cracks, which requires less material and labor. If the deck has extensive damage, though, the cost of repairs can add up quickly, and it may be more cost-effective to replace the deck entirely.