13 things you should never do to your deck

Make sure your deck, steps, and railing are all well lit to make it more inviting and as a safety precaution to prevent accidents.

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It’s a fire hazard and likely prohibited if it burns real wood.

Saucers collect excess water and keep it—and soil—from spilling out onto the deck when watering. This will help prevent staining, moss growth and rotted deck boards.

That means sweeping and cleaning the deck first. Otherwise, the stain and seal won’t adhere as well, causing discoloration and providing less protection.

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Bleach can cause discoloration and streaking. And it will injure nearby plants.

Bleach and other harsh chemicals can injure or kill nearby plants, not just leaves but also roots. Cover plants with plastic while cleaning your deck and start with plain water. If that doesn’t do the job, switch to the mildest solution you can find, such as dish soap, and finally deck cleaner, if needed.

Switch up the floor plan on your deck every once in a while so the same areas aren’t covered by furniture and rugs all the time. This will keep the deck from uneven fading and also cut down on moisture-related problems such as rot and mould.

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A wire brush will damage the deck boards and leave rough edges and splinters. Use a plastic bristle brush instead.

That means don’t use it too often and don’t use a PSI over 1,100 because you may damage the wood. Use a fan attachment which is less likely to cause damage. If you’re new to pressure washers, experiment on an inconspicuous area of the deck until you get the hang of it.

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It’s easy to let dirt, leaves and other debris accumulate on your deck, especially if there’s a tree nearby. But debris not only looks unsightly, but it can also harbour insects and hold excess moisture—neither of which is good for your deck.