Tips to Keep Your Deck in Top Shape

Thanks to yearly quick fixes, the deck of this rustic Georgia cabin is ready for outdoor entertaining from the beginning of spring through the end of fall.

Uncovered decks are subject to damage from fallen tree limbs. Depending on the intensity of the impact, limbs can crack, chip or completely puncture decking boards, rendering them extremely unsafe. To properly replace a damaged decking plank, remove it, cut a new plank to size, then install using decking screws or nails. Allow at least four weeks for the replacement plank to acclimate and dry out before adding stain and sealant.

Uprooted nails can be hazardous, both for tripping and causing harm to bare feet. Decks intended for use by small children and pets are best fit for screw-down installation in which decking screws are drilled through each plank, then into joists for a tight, long-lasting fit.

Countersinking is a term used to describe adding nails or screws to wood surfaces with their heads sitting slightly below the surface. While screws are less likely to become uprooted from the decking planks, it's a common occurrence for nails. Once a nail starts to stick up from the surface, consider countersinking it, by hitting it with a hammer until it's flush with the surface, then place a nail set tool on top of the nail and hit it with a hammer until slightly recessed.