“You don’t have to tackle everything at once. Use this checklist to jump into the phase your deck needs most right now.”

 - Jim Coshow

With sunny weather on the horizon, you may be looking forward to spending more time on your deck—whether that means firing up the grill, eating meals outside, or gathering with friends and family. But first, it’s time to do a bit of prep work to make sure your deck is safe, clean, and looking its best.

At a glance

This deck prep checklist will help you:

  • Evaluate and inspect your deck for safety issues
  • Clean and maintain your decking surface
  • Strip or remove old finishes if needed
  • Repair, refinish, or resurface your deck to extend its life

You don’t have to tackle everything at once. Use this checklist to jump into the phase your deck needs most right now.

Make sure your deck is safe

Start your deck prep with a safety check. Over time, exposure to the elements—especially in our neck of the woods—can weaken key structural components. A few things to look for: rotting wood or soft spots, wobbly railings, loose or slippery stairs, and corroded fasteners or hardware.

We’ve put together a downloadable checklist to help you inspect your deck thoroughly.

Clean your deck

If you have composite, capped composite, or PVC decking, it doesn’t take much maintenance to keep it looking and performing great for years—but you should be familiar with manufacturer recommendations and cleaning basics. Start with this guide to keep your manufactured deck looking like new.

Have a wood deck? Check out our step-by-step guide to cleaning (and refinishing) your deck.

Resurface your deck with composite decking

If your deck’s structure is still sound but the surface is in bad shape, resurfacing may be the perfect middle ground between repair and full replacement.

Adding composite decking over an existing frame can give your deck a fresh look, extend the life of your outdoor space—and leave you with a surface that’s easy to clean and maintain. Learn more in this guide.

Strip paint or stain from your wood deck

Looking to refinish your wood deck? Removing old paint or stain is a key first step—but it’s a messy job, so it’s important to be prepared. 

Follow this guide to safely remove old coatings:

Remove over-applied deck stain

If your deck stain looks blotchy, sticky, or too dark, it may have been applied too heavily. Over-applied stain can prevent proper drying, leave a tacky or shiny finish, or lead to premature peeling.

Learn how to remove over-applied stain and get your deck back on track.

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