Deck Makeovers: 5 Fixes for Common Outdoor Deck Problems

5 fixes for common outdoor deck problems

Even if the leaves, snow, rain or clutter have tried to put a damper on your deck this winter, the sun is out and ready to take over. If your deck isn’t quite ready for prime time, don’t worry – it can be. From a little TLC to a complete makeover, here are five ways you can take your deck from blah to beautiful this season.

Deck problem #1: Washed out

*The elements have done a number on this deck. Photo: home-dzine.co.za*

⇒ SOLUTION: Staining

new entryway — *Even a small space is transformed by new stain (and a fresh coat of paint!). Photo: Stewart Paintin*g

If your wood deck is looking faded and worn, now is a great time to make it shine like new. A quality stain can do just that, but that’s only half the job. The prep work is just as important, which may include a deep cleaning, sanding or both. When it is time to stain, make sure you or your paint contractor uses a stain that will stand up to rain and moisture, like Arborcoat from Benjamin Moore. This short video explains how it works.

Deck problem #2: Mildew

⇒ SOLUTION: Power washing

When it comes to natural wood surfaces, Cape Cod and mildew unfortunately go hand in hand. But that doesn’t mean it’s got you beat. Stewart Painting uses an environmentally-safe combination of cleaners to remove dirt and mildew, using either a low or high pressure wash, depending on the heaviness of the growth. In addition to your deck, our experienced wash crew can also power wash your siding, roof, dock, swimming pool, garage floor, boat, awnings and patio furniture!

Deck problem #3: Too small

⇒ SOLUTION: Creative addition

deck extension — *This deck expansion honors the casual, Cape Cod feel of its environment. Photo: Boehm Architecture via Houzz*

Perhaps your family has grown, you are entertaining more often, or you’re simply just craving more outdoor time! If a cramped deck is literally cramping your style, maybe it’s time to add on. If size is the only issue with your existing deck (it’s in good shape otherwise), an addition can be designed so it feels like a natural extension of the space. The photo above from Boehm Architecture is a great example.

Deck problem #4: Dated

dated balcony deck — *Old paint and a dated feel aren’t doing this balcony deck any favors. Photo: bhg.com*

⇒ SOLUTION: Fresh paint, new railings

balcony deck, after — *What a difference! Photo: bhg.com*

In the first (the “before”) picture, we’re looking at an older balcony deck that has structural integrity, but not a lot of pizazz. It didn’t take much to take it to the next level, though. New paint, a taller set of railings and some tasteful outdoor decor make the “after” deck much more contemporary and fun.

Deck problem #5: Time for an upgrade

⇒ SOLUTION: Synthetic decking

If your deck has withstood it’s share of warping, fading and splintering, it just might be time for a do-over. Today’s synthetic decking options are not only great looking, they’re stain, scratch and split resistant, mold and mildew resistant, and impervious to moisture and insects! These photos from capped polymer decking company Azek are just a few of the almost endless possibilities.