How to Weatherproof and Maintain Wood Fences and Decks

When you’re deciding on a material to build a deck or fence with, you have several key options, including vinyl or composite materials. There’s also wood, which many people prefer because of its natural beauty and versatility in the design.

If you’re thinking about a wood deck or fence, the pros, along with the look and design options, including the fact that it’s easy to install, feels good under your feet if you use it for a deck, and it’s strong.

Pressure-treated wood is one of the least expensive types of decking, and most are made from yellow pine.

Other types of wood that are used for fences and decks are tropical hardwoods which are very dense and durable, and redwood and cedar, which are more expensive than pressure-treated wood but have a natural defense against insects and rot.

Regardless of the type of wood that you use for a fence or deck, there are likely to be some things you need to do in terms of weatherproofing and maintenance. That’s the downside of wood overall you do have to maintain it.

How to Weatherproof a Fence

If you build a wood fence, you’ll want to weatherproof it as soon as possible.

The following are things to keep in mind to weatherproof your fence:

• Since we’re getting close to spring, you should walk along both sides of your fence and look for any areas that need maintenance or be repaired. If your fence is new, this shouldn’t be an issue. If it’s not, hammer in any nails that have come loose, drive in new screws and replace posts that are decaying.

• Use a waterproofing sealant. You can opt for an acrylic or silicone sealant, which protects against extreme temperatures, water, and UV rays. A clear sealant will bring out the natural beauty of the wood, or you can darken wood with a colored sealant.

• Use moisture-resistant paint that’s either alkyd-based or latex. You can find these in a lot of different colors and gloss options, but make sure you get something designed for use on a fence.

• Another step to include when you weatherproof your fence is adding wax polish. A wax polish will help your fence repel any dirt and grime, and it looks nice.

• If anything gets in contact with your fence for an extended period of time, like piles of leaves, try to keep them raked away.

Make sure that any low-hanging branches are trimmed away because they can snap and damage your fence.

Read Also:

• Lattice Ideas for Decks, How to Install Lattice to a Deck
• What Types of Fences Should You Consider for Your Yard?
• Are Railings Required on Decks?

Weatherproofing a Wood Deck

Weatherproofing a wood deck is extremely important for its longevity.

The following are steps to take to weatherproof your wood deck:

• Check to see if it’s needed. You may not need to weatherproof your deck unless it’s unprotected. There’s an easy way to find out. You can drop water onto the deck. If it beads up, your deck is still protected. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to do some weatherproofing.

• Before you start weatherproofing, you should use a hose or pressure washer to clean the surface. If there are any splintered areas, you can use sandpaper or a sander to smooth them down and remove any lingering sealant.

• When your deck is clean, you can apply a sealant. Apply a thin and even coat of waterproof sealant that’s also mildew and mold resistant. You may need two coats.

• You should let the sealant dry for at least 48 hours. It should be completely dry before you put anything back on your deck.

If your deck is new, you need to wait at least 60 days after it’s built to waterproof it. Wood has to age first.

Even if your wood is pressure treated, you still need to seal it. The pressure treatment doesn’t do anything to help protect it from the elements and weather.

How Do You Maintain a Fence?

If you go with a wood fence, some of the things you’ll need to do regularly to maintain it include:

• Inspect and repair your fence every year. Check each section of your fencing to make sure it securely attaches to the next, and if anything is leaning, ensure the posts are firmly in the ground. When the posts are in poor condition, they may need to be replaced.

• If you find things like chips or splits in the wood, use waterproof wood glue.

• Make sure the area around the fence has good drainage.

• Every two to three years, clean your fence and recoat with a water-repellant protector.

• Pain or stain needs to be reapplied at least every three to five years, and often sooner.

How Do Maintain a Deck?

For your wood deck, things to remember for maintenance include:

• Thoroughly clean your deck at least once a year. You should use a deck-cleaning solution to kill mold and bacteria annually. In the dirtiest areas, you may need to use a sprayer or roller.

• When you’re maintaining a wood deck, don’t go crazy with the high-powered washer. They can destroy your wood if you don’t know how to use them.

• When you’re going to clean or seal your deck, cover all the nearby shrubberies because the solution can kill them.

• Don’t clean a deck with chlorine bleach because it will damage the cellular structure of the wood. A good alternative is oxygen bleach unless your deck is made of redwood.

• Before you seal your deck, you should sand it.

• Make an effort to prevent water damage to your deck throughout the season and even during the off-season. For example, sweep away water that gathers as well as leaves and branches.

• Repair any damage as soon as you see it and inspect for splintering or soft spots.

Finally, as is the case with a fence, pressure-treated wood is not maintenance-free.

If your deck is built from pressure-treated wood, you still need to clean it and seal it to protect it from water and sun damage. You should use products that are specifically for pressure-treated wood.