Annual Deck Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your Deck Beautiful

A deck is one of the highest-ROI investments you can make in your home — but only if you maintain it. Colorado's climate is harder on outdoor structures than most homeowners realize. Here's the annual checklist we give every AGC customer after their project is complete.

Spring Checklist (March–April)

• •Inspect all structural members for frost heave — look for posts that shifted or fasteners that pulled out over winter
• •Check for loose or raised boards — nail pops and fastener back-out are common after freeze-thaw cycles
• •Inspect railings for wobble — grab and shake every railing section firmly; it should not move
• •Look for standing water or soft spots that indicate rot (wood decks)
• •Clear debris from between boards — a putty knife or board cleaning tool works well
• •Power wash composite decks with a fan tip at under 1,200 PSI from 8+ inches away

Summer Checklist (June–August)

• •Apply a UV-protective sealer to wood decks after cleaning (every 2–3 years for most sealers)
• •Check for insect damage — carpenter bees love the underside of wood deck boards
• •Inspect ledger board connection at the house — this is the most critical structural point
• •Test deck lighting and replace any failed fixtures
• •Check composite board expansion gaps — gaps should be visible between boards in heat

Fall Checklist (September–November)

• •Clear all leaves before they mat down and trap moisture — especially important for wood decks
• •Move planters and furniture to prevent staining and moisture trapping
• •Inspect and clear all drainage around the deck perimeter
• •Check for any boards that need replacement before winter
• •Apply a penetrating wood sealer before first freeze if your wood deck needs it

Composite vs. Wood: How Maintenance Differs

Composite decking needs only occasional soap-and-water cleaning plus the structural checks above. Wood decks need all of the above plus sealing/staining every 2–3 years. Over 20 years, the maintenance labor and cost difference is substantial — another reason composite wins on long-term value even at higher upfront cost.