When it comes to your home's decking materials, proper care is essential to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. With the weather warming up, this is the perfect time to start dealing with the maintenance and care tasks required to keep your deck in good shape. Here are a few things you need to know about caring for your deck before summer hits full swing.

Finishing Wood Decking

If you have wood decking, you can treat it with an oil or water-based wood stain to seal the wood against weather damage. The finish will last for years, providing protection against all kinds of weather, moisture and other issues.

When you live in an area that's particularly humid or damp, you'll want a water-based stain. These stains are a bit more forgiving in dampness, mostly because wood can still absorb a water-based product when it's already damp from humidity. This isn't the case for oil-based materials.

Adding Color

When you're ready to apply the finish, the other decision you'd need to make is whether or not you want to add color to the wood when you stain it. Wood decking can be enhanced by a tinted stain, making it a nice touch for enhancing the natural colors or just adding a bit of a shine.

If you have composite decking, you may decide to apply an ultraviolet protectant to seal the composite material against any weathering or sun fading. Since composite is usually a synthetic material, you won't need an absorbing stain like you would for wood material. Instead, the clear coat will enhance the color of the composite and give it some shine.

No matter which finish you opt for, it is important that you apply it properly. You need an even, smooth coating. Each layer should dry completely before you apply the next one. If you're coating composite decking, one coat should suffice.

Replacing Damaged Decking

When you notice wood planks that are damaged or you have structural concerns with the deck itself, work with a deck contractor to replace all of the natural wood with composite decking. The composite material will last longer and hold up to the weather easier than some of the natural wood materials. This makes it a worthwhile investment for most any homeowner.

No matter what type of deck you have, treating it early in the summer will help ensure that you have a whole season of celebrations and cookouts with the family. Go to site to learn more.