Deck Cleaning

Basic maintenance to prep your treated wood deck for cold weather can help ensure it will endure the cold or snowy season in great shape. Thoroughly clean the decking, posts and railings using an appropriate cleaning product. If your deck boards and deck railings are made of wood and showing some wear, consider giving them a fresh coat of stain or sealant. It’s also a good idea to check for nail heads popping up, loose or damaged boards, posts, and railings. Better to repair them now so you’re only worrying about how to enjoy your outdoor living space and not spring maintenance when the weather warms up again.

See my past blog for tips on cleaning snow off a composite lumber deck.

Unlike wooden structures, composite decking never needs to be sanded, stripped or stained. In fact, composite deck cleaning is usually as easy as some soap, water and a brush. One word of caution – avoid using paint thinner or similar solvents on composite decking, as these products can affect the finish and grain of the material. See cleaning recommendations for cleaning Latitudes Composite Decking.

See blog on Cleaning a wood deck in the Fall.
Visit my video blog on Cleaning Latitudes Intrepid Composite Decking.

Everyone loves eating in the kitchen, and this will hold true in your outdoor kitchen as well. Keep in mind that the grill will give off a lot of heat, and for comfort and safety, seating for your dining area should be kept well away from the cooking area. With deck stones defining the cooking area, it will be easier to guide guests to seating where they can watch the action but stay away from the heat.

Consider installing Latitudes deck stones under the eating area as both an accent and for ultra-low maintenance clean up. Built-in bench seating made from wood or composite lumber decking is another good choice for a dining area. When it comes to entertaining, you’ll want your guests to be comfortable, both at the grill and at the table when it’s time to eat.

This is one of the most common concerns homeowners have and for good reason. You want to maintain the great looks of your new deck surface as long as possible, so treat your composite decking with care just like you do with wood floors inside your house. In my opinion, preventive maintenance is the key.

Tips for maintaining a beautiful deck surface:

• Don’t drag heavy furniture over your deck
• Apply pads to the legs of deck furniture
• Use covers under your flower pots and other stationary items
• Add a grease pad / splatter guard under your grill
• In the winter shovel snow off the deck with a plastic shovel
• Clean up spills immediately
• Clean the deck surface 2X a year (once in the Spring)

Use good-ole common sense and care for your wood or composite wood deck and it will look good for many years to come. Latitudes Capricorn and Latitudes Captiva co-extruded composite decking helps reduce scratches and virtually eliminates stains as they are capped with a rugged, natural-looking surface layer.

Check out this blog on cleaning a composite deck.

You’ve probably heard the expression “God is in the details.” Well, when it comes to creating a truly unique and beautiful deck design, the right mix of details can create a heavenly result.

Every deck is essentially a blank canvas. Adding design details such as ornamental post caps, decorative balusters and deck inlays, can turn your blank canvas into a custom deck that is a work of art.

Not sure which details will work best for your tastes and design parameters?

Deck design software can help you envision how your deck will look with the addition of certain details. The Deck Visualizer is a free online program that allows you to choose from a selection of scenes and then dress up each with a variety of designer details, such as wood color, railing design, and baluster and post cap accessories.

Designer touches are limited only by your imagination – and creativity in forming combinations. In addition to ornamental post caps and decorative balusters – which we’ve talked about before in this blog – there are many other ways to customize your deck, including:

• Deck inlays – A deck inlay can be anything from decorative stone or ceramic tile to a design made up of different colored composite deck boards placed at interesting angles.
• Reversible boards – Unlike standard deck boards, Latitudes Intrepid composite deck boards can be placed with either side facing up. Each side has its own unique texture (woodgrain or brushed) and color variance, allowing you to create an interesting design while using just one type of decking material.
• Picture framing – By installing a trim board around a deck, you can give your wood deck surface a unique appearance, and protect plank ends that can deteriorate over time when exposed to the elements.
• Hidden fasteners – Strategically placed nails or screws can be incorporated into a deck’s design, but for an ultra-clean look, consider Latitude’s Equator hidden fastener. Concealed below the deck surface, Equator composite deck hidden fasteners fit into the groove on the side of the deck board secured at each joist to eliminate pre-drilling and allow for quick and easy installation, leaving a deck looking smooth and sleek. Installing the right hidden fastener will make your composite deck barefoot friendly.
• Recessed lighting – Deckorators recessed lighting kits use compact, ultra-bright, low-volt LED lights to make decks more appealing and accessible after dark. Build them into stairs, step-downs and anywhere you need illumination both for looks and safetypurposes.
• Benches and boxes – Built-ins are a hot deck trend and you can use Latitudes composite decking to build curved composite benches and planter boxes around your deck.

Whether you choose to add just one detail or many, designer touches can truly make your deck one-of-a-kind – and make you feel like you have your own little slice of heaven in your own backyard.

Choosing the right hidden fastener for composite decking is pretty simple, but it's important to choose a system that allows each deck plank to expand and contract for varying weather cycles. Some of the more popular hidden fasteners systems are made of UV resistant plastic or metal. These hidden fasteners brands include the Equator hidden fastener (made specifically for composite decking), TigerClaw, Eb-Ty, Phantom and Lumber Loc.

When installing Latitudes slotted composite decking or other decking products that have a 5/32” groove, the patented Equator hidden fastener accommodates for the expansion and contraction in the boards width and length which occurs naturally in composites / synthetic deck boards. Read my blog post on how the Equator hidden fastener can even be used with the extra thick Latitudes Marine decking.

The Equator fastener installs in the grooves of the slotted composite decking and virtually eliminates the need for pre-drilling. What's more, the system automatically gaps each board with the proper spacing—ensuring a painless, easy installation. The fastener is not exposed, so your deck surface remains eye-catching and uninterrupted by screw patterns.

With a hidden fastener system, you'll give your deck an extra-clean touch without any visible blemishes such as nail pops or mushrooms. And when you choose the innovative design of the Equator hidden fastener, it’s what you don’t see that makes all of the difference!

Check out another one of my blog posts on hidden fasteners.

Spring is the right time to clean your decking and railing. Keep in mind, when you build a deck with composite decking and railing, you get years of relaxing, carefree use when compared to traditional lumber decking. There’s no stripping, painting, sealing or staining necessary. Of course, thanks to nature, no product is maintenance free. But with Latitudes decking, a simple, occasional cleaning will prevent the buildup of dirt and chalk—as well as pollen and other debris that cause and accelerate the growth of mold or mildew.

When it’s time to clean your Latitudes composite deck, here are some easy-to-follow guidelines for great results. If you use a pressure washer, use a fan-style tip—and only use the washer to wet down or rinse your deck. Avoid high-pressure blasting that literally can drive dirt and spores deeper into the composite decking surface.

Typically, you can clean your deck with soap, water and a scrub bush or use a high-quality cleaner available at your home-improvement center. Most cleaners contain Sodium Percarbonate and a detergent. These types of cleaners are very effective in removing dirt while bleaching out mold and mildew stains—simply follow the label directions.

When you find stains, there are simple ways to deal with them. For rust stains caused by metal furniture and other sources, look for a deck cleaner containing oxalic acid. To wash away grease and oil stains, use any standard commercial degreaser. Typically, these will contain propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide and detergents.

If your deck has a stubborn grease or oil stain, try a small amount of spot remover or paint thinner. But use it sparingly and wash it away quickly. These products usually contain organic solvents that can attack the grain pattern in your composite deck. Whatever you use to clean your synthetic decking and railing, always perform a test in an inconspicuous area before you use it on the entire surface. Always be certain to read, understand and follow all label instructions.

Some cleaning products and inhibitors may be more effective than others, depending on your environmental conditions. And remember, the best way to manage stains—is not to have them occur. Always try to deal with spills before they have a chance to set-up.

Remember, that while mold and mildew can reappear on any exterior building surface, there are ways to manage them effectively on composite decking. Above all, sit back, relax and enjoy your low-maintenance, high-reward Latitudes composite lumber decking and railing. See additional tips for preventing mold and mildew from my past blog. Also watch our deck cleaning video.

Deckorators solar post caps add a great finishing touch to any deck or fence. At night, they enhance your outdoor living area with a soft, welcoming glow. With a top-mounted solar lens, rechargeable double-A batteries and long-lasting LED bulbs, these eco friendly products require no wiring and mount easily to wood deck posts, composite deck post or vinyl posts.

You’ll find they’re very easy to install and maintain. To begin installation, remove the protective clear plastic film from the top of the cap. Pull off the top by gripping the sides firmly, and lifting it off. Then pull the red tab (if factory installed), to enable the battery connection. If your Deckorators cap has a switch, activate the solar cell by turning the switch on before replacing the top.

Now, make sure your post is flat and free of debris. Apply a bead of exterior-grade construction adhesive to the underside of the cap. Position the cap on the post and press it into place and you’re done; It’s that easy.

You can help maintain metal and Tiffany-style glass solar post caps even before you install them; Just spray on a coat of wax. Once installed, the foil on the cap will need a quick cleaning once every three to six months. Use soap and water and add a little lemon juice if needed, followed by the wax. Each solar post cap becomes fully charged after one day in the sun. Your cap may have an on/off switch. Make sure the switch is “off” during the initial charge. Turn it back on once the charge is complete.

If the light on a solar post cap ever malfunctions, here are some easy steps that should resolve the problem and prevent it from recurring. Inspect the batteries to make sure they are rechargeable. You must always use rechargeable batteries with solar post caps. Test the batteries to make sure they are charged and functioning properly. To help prevent corrosion, you can dab a small amount of grease on the diodes. Then, as you place the batteries into the cap, check to see that the batteries are seated and making a good connection. If your ornamental solar post top has a switch, check to see that the switch is working correctly. If necessary, lubricate the switch to ensure peak performance before putting the top back in place.

With these simple measures, the lights on your caps should illuminate your deck and outdoor living area night after night. So sit back and enjoy your deck or fence, enhanced by the beauty and functionality of Deckorator Solar Post Caps.

Visit the Deckorators web site for additional details on post cap installation.

After the leaves have fallen on and around your deck, consider giving your composite wood deck or pressure treated deck a thorough cleaning, especially in colder climates where snow could deter your decision to maintain your decking and outdoor living area. Cleaning your deck late in the year is always a good idea as it helps prevent the buildup of mold and mildew on the deck surface. By making sure all leaves and debris are swept off the deck surface before snow accumulates, your spring cleaning will be much easier.

It's important to clean bird droppings and common spills that happen throughout the deck season. You don't want these cleanable mishaps to turn into stains on your composite or lumber deck because they remained on the surface too long.

Scrub and rinse your deck
Start cleaning your composite decking or pressure treated decking by scrubbing the surface with soapy water. Start at the top of the deck railings and work your way down to the deck surface. It's necessary to remove the dirt and debris that accumulates on the composite deck surface. This will also prevent the build-up of pollen that can cause mold and mildew growth. Pressure washers should only be used at lower pressures to wet and rinse synthetic decking and railing. For ground-in soil you'll need to apply a detergent, scrub the deck surface with a course bristle brush and rinse thoroughly with water.

Apply a quality deck cleaner to the surface
Deck cleaners usually contain sodium percarbonate and a detergent, which is effective on normal dirt and grime and helps bleach out mold and mildew stains. Oxalic acid cleaners are effective on rust stains from metal patio furniture.

Watch our cleaning video or read care and cleaning instructions for Latitudes composite decking. For pressure treated decking, read our general maintenance guide (PDF).

See what one satisfied Latitudes Decking and Railing customer says.

"I chose the Latitudes Intrepid deck system for a number of reasons. I liked the natural look of wood with very little maintenance, it is splinter-free, not hot to walk on barefoot and the Equator hidden fastener system minimized the number of face screws that gave my deck a clean look. I also used the Latitudes Intrepid composite rail system because of the matching color, hidden fastener and concealed mounting hardware. This composite deck railing system provided me with the clean, seamless appearance that I was looking for. I am very confident in my decision to choose Latitudes composite decking and composite railing and know with very little maintenance I can enjoy my deck for many years!"

Gina Leggett, Roanoke, Indiana

Adding or updating a deck to your home's outdoor living area can be a significant investment, so you’ll want to make sure you have a top notch deck builder working on your wood or composite decking project. It’s critical to make sure you hire a experienced, reputable contractor with a history of quality deck building and satisfied customers.

Doing your homework will help make a good choice
Get recommendations from your friends, family and local lumberyard and then check in with the Better Business Bureau for a list of members in your area. Look for yard signs and see what work is underway in your neighborhood. Talk to both the contractor and homeowner at the site to get a feel of how the job is going.

Do phone interviews
Once you've assembled a list, I recommend that you make a call to each of your prospective deck builders / contractors and ask a series of important qualifying questions:

• Are all deck builders on site bonded/insured?
• Will they provide a list of past projects and customers?
• Do they have a portfolio to show examples?
• How many other projects would they have going at the same time?
• Does the contractor have liability insurance?
• Are background checks run on the builders?
• Will they offer a warranty on their workmanship?

Answers to these questions will reveal a lot about the builder's availability, reliability and how much attention your deck project will get. And if your phone call is not returned within a few days, cross that builder off your list.

Always meet face to face
Based on the phone interviews, pick the top three deck contractors for further discussion. Make sure you take notes for reference.

Investigate the facts
Call up former customers of the deck builders to find how their deck project went and ask to see the completed deck project. And just as important, visit a current job site to see how the builder works. Is the job site in order? Are the deck builders considerate and careful with the homeowner's property?

Communicate plans, get bids
When you’ve narrowed your search to a short list of deck builders whose track records appear clean and work ethic looks responsible, it's time to move forward with your project. A reliable contractor will get a sense of what the homeowner wants out of a project and what they plan to spend. Be sure to communicate the type of deck structure you want. Provide all builders with a sketch or deck design that you desire as this will help manage expectations. To compare bids, ask everyone to break down the cost of deck materials and labor.

Set a payment schedule
NEVER pay 100% up front! No deck builder / contractor should ask for more than half the quoted amount of the project up front before starting the job. Most ask for a deposit when the work is first started. You should pay your contractor within 24-48 hours of the contract completion. For larger deck projects, a schedule often starts with 10 percent at contract signing, three payments of 25 percent evenly spaced over the duration of the project and a check for the final 15 percent when you feel your project is 100% complete based on the agreement.

Here are my top keys to consider when choosing a deck builder:

• Don't let price make or break the deal
• Get it in writing
• Go with your gut feeling

In this comprehensive composite deck cleaning video you'll learn about proper deck cleaning techniques and the most effective chemicals to use. These key composite deck cleaning tips will help guide you along to ensure the best cleaning for Latitudes composite decking and railing.

It's important to note that pressure washers should only be used at lower pressures to wet and rinse synthetic decking and railing. Pressure washers should not be used to “blast-off” soiling agents; attempting to do so can drive the dirt deeper into the synthetic decking material. And be sure to test cleaning agents in an inconspicuous area before washing the entire deck.

The easiest way to renew your pressure treated wood deck is to thoroughly clean it of dirt and debris. Also, make sure all the lumber fasteners are countersunk into the surface. Scrub rust marks and stains from the surface, then sand down any visible imperfections in the wood deck surface with a portable walk behind sander. These deck sanders make quick work when sanding wood decks and can be rented from your local equipment rental outlet.

If a board's appearance can’t be revived, consider flipping the board and using the other face. If rot has set in or a plank is split, then you should replace the treated lumber deck board to ensure safety. Stain and seal the entire wood deck surface to protect it from the elements. By staining and sealing the wood surface you'll help restore your deck's appearance. And hopefully, for a few bucks and a little elbow grease, you'll be able to squeeze a few more summers out of your pressure treated wood deck.

Getting ready for the outdoor entertaining season means picking up after Old Man Winter. He can be rather untidy, so here’s how to get your treated lumber or composite lumber decking and railings back into mid-season form.

First, you’ll want to take some soapy water to all of that accumulated dirt and chalking. Start at the top surfaces and work down. If you’re using a power washer, use the low setting (high-powered blasting usually drives dirt deeper into the surface). Then go back over the surfaces with a good, general purpose deck cleaner making sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Use chemical spot removers sparingly on heavily soiled areas, and be sure to rinse them off quickly.

Different types of stains require different cleaners. For these and other essential facts, click through here for the whole story.

See how well Latitudes Capricorn® composite decking sheds stains with an enlightening mess test video.

Check out my other blog posts on deck care and cleaning:

• How to clean and maintain composite decking and railing
• Simple steps for cleaning a wood deck
• Preventing mold and mildew growth on composite decking

Spring is the start of the outdoor living season when homeowners begin to get their deck or patio ready for outdoor entertaining. Here are some general tips for cleaning your composite deck along with types of cleaning agents best suited for washing composite decking materials.

Wash and rinse your deck
Start cleaning your composite decking by washing with soapy water. Start at the top of the deck railing and work your way down to the composite deck surface. It's necessary to remove the dirt and chalking that accumulates on the composite deck surface. This will also prevent the build-up of pollen and debris that can cause mold and mildew growth. Pressure washers should only be used at lower pressures to wet and rinse synthetic decking and railing. Pressure washers should not be used to “blast-off” soiling agents; attempting to do so can drive the dirt deeper into the decking material. Test on an inconspicuous area before washing the entire deck.

Basic deck cleaning agents
Deck wash / cleaners usually contain sodium percarbonate and a detergent, which is effective on normal dirt and grime and bleaches out mold and mildew stains. Oxalic acid cleaners are effective on rust stains from metal patio furniture. Commercial degreasers contain propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, and various detergents for removing grease and oil stains.

When cleaning composite decking, spot removers can be used sparingly on those stubborn grease or oil stains but should be washed off quickly with water, as it will attack the grain pattern. They normally include petroleum distillates, xylene, methanol, acetone, or other organic solvents.

Composite decking is a great alternative to wood decking. And because synthetic decks are made with wood plastic composite material, you need to take precaution when clearing off snow and ice during the winter season.

Here are three key tips for cleaning off snow and ice from your Latitudes composite deck:

• Shovel all loose snow off with a plastic shovel. Shovel parallel with the grain. Make sure there is NOT a metal blade at the end of the shovel as it could scratch the surface.
• After the snow is gone, spread rock salt or calcium chloride over the deck surface and wait for the ice to melt; then simply shovel away using a plastic shovel. Never chop at the ice as it may gouge the surface.
• Once the weather is consistently above freezing, rinse off the deck surface and lightly broom off remaining salt residue.

Just as wood decking materials can get marred or gouged, composite deck surfaces can be scratched just the same. If scratched, I recommend allowing normal wear marks to fade, as they will blend in with the weathered color over time.

I am not aware of any adverse effects from the temporary use of ice melting products on Latitudes and other composite decking brands; however, I recommend using an ice melt product that has a less harsh effect on the surface. These types of ice melt products may indicate "will not harm concrete" or "will not kill grass" on the packaging. Be sure to brush off any residual ice melt product after the ice and snow melts.

Mold and mildew can be a nuisance on any exterior building surface, regardless of the material. If the conditions are right, they will spawn on wood, plastic, concrete, metal and other surfaces. Mold formation is most prevalent in consistently wet, shaded areas. Spores from the natural environment are carried by the wind and commonly land on decks surfaces. It is important to note that the appearance of mold and mildew is a function of nature, not necessarily a deficiency with any of the material on which it grows.

Deck Cleaning
Periodic washing with soap/detergent and water will help remove surface dirt. This will also help prevent the buildup of pollen, debris and spores that can cause and accelerate mold/mildew growth (it also helps to remove deck mold). Caution: A pressure washer should not be used to “blast” mold/mildew or soils from a deck surface. The abrasive nature of the water stream can potentially damage the material by driving the spores into the material, which may create a morechallenging problem to remediate. A pressure washer with a fan-tipped nozzle should be used only to lightly wet or rinse wood or composite deck surfaces. 

There are many deck wash and exterior cleaning products available at retail. It is important to make sure you use a cleaner specifically intended for your application. After selecting a product, be certain to read, understand and follow all instructions supplied by the manufacturer. Some cleaning products and inhibitors may be more effective than others, depending on the environmental conditions your deck is subjected to. Additionally, it is always a good idea to test the cleaner in a small, inconspicuous area prior to applying it to the entire deck.

Mold Inhibitors
As with deck washes, there are several mold-inhibitor products available from paint stores, hardware stores, online outlets and home centers to help prevent long-term mold/mildew growth. For any product selected, be certain to read, understand and follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer. Depending upon the environmental factors affecting your composite lumber or treated wood deck, some preventive cleaning products may be more effective than others. It may be necessary to try more than one product. For ongoing preventive maintenance, follow the manufacturer’s recommendation.

If you're thinking about having a new dock built or are about to replace an existing dock, then consider two popular types of decking material—natural lumber decking and composite lumber decking. Each type of dock / deck building material has it's own unique benefits, and each has passed the test of time in unforgiving elements.

Natural Lumber Decking

Pressure-treated wood decking is a great option for a tighter budget. The classic look of wood gives a more rustic feel, and can be stained or painted to match virtually any color scheme. Pressure-treated decking can be notched for installation of hidden deck fasteners for a clean, fastener-free appearance.

Tropical hardwood has a highly desired exotic look and is very durable. Hardwood species like Ipe have been known to last over twenty years. Tropical decking like Abaco can span greater distances to accommodate wide 24" on center joist spacing. Some hardwood decking comes pre-grooved for use with a hidden fastener system.

Composite Lumber Decking

Composite decking is manufactured from wood fiber and plastic to form a plank that requires less maintenance and typically has a longer lifespan than natural wood decking. Composite lumber is similar in cost to tropical hardwood and has many of the same benefits. Like tropical hardwood, Latitudes Marine composite decking allows for long 24" on-center joist spans. Latitudes Marine also incorporates a profiled edge specifically designed for docks, boardwalks and walkways. Additional benefits of composite lumber decking is that it's barefoot friendly, slip-resistant and comes in a variety of colors that never need to be sealed or stained.