For many Michigan homeowners, decks are a central part of outdoor living—but without proper care, they can quickly deteriorate from weather, moisture, and daily use. Cracked boards, fading stain, and structural issues can turn your dream deck into a maintenance headache.
At Custom Built Design & Remodeling, we’ve spent over 20 years building durable, beautiful decks for families across Michigan. We understand the unique challenges that Michigan weather brings, from heavy snow to spring thaw, and know how to protect your investment.
In this guide, we’ll share practical deck maintenance tips that keep your deck safe, functional, and looking its best all year long, so you can focus on making memories outdoors rather than worrying about repairs:
Wood Deck Care
(This includes all wolmanized lumber, cedar, redwood, pine decks.)
Why do Decks Need to be Maintained?
With proper maintenance and regular staining, a wood deck can last up to 30 years.
How Often Should I Stain My Deck?
Deck staining should take place every 2-3 years, depending on use and exposure to weather. Wood weathers and decomposes due to many elements. The two main elements that cause damage to exterior wood are moisture(caused by rain, dew, etc.) and ultraviolet rays from the sun.
Other common factors are traffic, location, and temperature. All these factors contribute to the degradation of the wood’s lignin, which is a glue-like substance that holds wood together. When lignin begins to break down, it will cause splitting, checking, raised grain, and, most obviously, discoloration of wood. Mildew growth, along with the cellulose left as the lignin degrades, leads to a surface that is gray in color.
Loose fibers on the surface need to be removed before the deck is stained; otherwise, the hard work of staining the deck will simply seal in the discolored and weathered-looking wood.
Deck Maintenance Terms & Uses
Stripper
Designed to remove old stains.
Brightener
All wood surfaces should have a neutral pH balance before any stain is applied. Using wood cleaners and strippers will alter the pH and require the use of a brightener to restore the wood to its neutral state. By applying a wood brightener, a neutral environment is created on the wood surface.
This helps to open up the wood pores and lighten the wood. The result is a “brand new wood” look that is always desired. The longevity of the stain is directly proportional to the surface preparation.
Achieving a neutral surface through the use of a wood brightener will ensure the best results for the staining process. Using a wood brightener is always recommended anytime a cleaning or stripping agent is used.
Stain
The vast array of stains and sealers on the market today falls into three different categories. Solid, semi-transparent, and transparent.
Solid stains are film-forming stains that actually lie on top of the wood and, like all stains and sealers, will break down over time. Beyond fading, the effects of the sun, along with excess moisture, will cause solid stains to peel and chip.
We believe the best way to protect exterior wood is through the use of non film- forming oil based stains. These are labeled as transparent and semi-transparent stains. Stains in these categories are penetrating and do not form a film that sits on top of the wood’s surface.
Armstrong Stains
Penetrating transparent and semi-transparent stains contain pigments and oils that do not form a surface. Our recommended stain is Armstrong. Armstrong’s formula is a combination of drying and non-drying oils that gives the user two layers of protection.
Armstrong’s Wood Stains have non-drying conditioning oils that separate from the drying side of the formula. These oils penetrate deep into the wood fiber, where the wood’s natural oils used to be. This process rejuvenates the wood. The drying oils stay at the surface, lock in the conditioning oils, and create a barrier that is dry to the touch.
Deck Maintenance Tips For Other Deck Types
Tropical Hardwood Deck Care
Tropical hardwoods include Ipe, Tigerwood, and Teak. When caring for tropical woods: At least once a year, rinse, let dry for 24 hours, and then treat with hard oil.
Composite Deck Cleaning
Like most things left outside they need to be cleaned, your composite deck is no different. Most composite decking is a mix of recycled plastic and recycled wood fiber. It is the organic material in composite decks that can mold over time.
Use a composite deck cleaner specifically designed to remove mold and mildew from your composite. Powerful penetrating detergents carry the deck cleaner rapidly through soils and into the pores of the deck to control mold and its spores at their source.
Other Commonly Asked Questions About Deck Maintenance
Why Does Wood Deteriorate?
Pure and simple, wood deteriorates because it loses its natural, protective oils over time. Once those oils dry out, the wood becomes more vulnerable to moisture, UV rays, and temperature changes. This leads to cracking, warping, and eventually rot if it’s not properly maintained.
What Are Signs My Deck Needs Maintenance?
There are a few clear indicators your deck needs attention:
- Fading or discoloration
- Cracking or splintering boards
- Soft or spongy areas
- Loose fasteners or railings
- Mold or mildew growth
Catching these early can prevent larger structural issues.
Is It Better to Repair or Replace My Deck Boards?
It depends on the condition of the structure.
- Repair: If damage is isolated to a few boards
- Replace: If there is widespread rot, structural concerns, or aging materials
A professional inspection can help you make the right call.
How Does Michigan Weather Impact My Deck?
Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles, snow, and humidity can be tough on decks.
- Moisture expands and contracts wood
- Snow buildup adds weight and traps moisture
- Temperature swings accelerate wear
That’s why proper maintenance, and in some cases, overbuilding, is critical for long-term durability.
Should I Clear Snow Off My Deck in Winter?
Yes, especially after heavy snowfall.
- Reduces excess weight on the structure
- Prevents moisture from sitting on the surface
- Helps avoid long-term damage
Use a plastic shovel to avoid scratching the surface.
When Should I Call a Professional?
You should bring in a professional if you notice:
- Structural movement or sagging
- Rot around posts, beams, or ledger boards
- Persistent moisture issues
- Safety concerns like loose railings
A professional can assess the structure and recommend the best next steps.
Next Steps to Revitalizing Your Deck
Regular deck maintenance protects your investment, extends the life of your materials, and keeps your outdoor space safe and enjoyable.
By cleaning, sealing, and inspecting your deck on a consistent schedule, and addressing issues early, you can prevent costly repairs and preserve both beauty and function.
At Custom Built Design & Remodeling, we combine decades of experience with expert craftsmanship to help Michigan homeowners maintain and enhance their decks for years of enjoyment.
Schedule a professional deck inspection or maintenance consultation with our team to ensure your deck is ready for every season, from spring gatherings to winter snow.
