Spring is here, and before we know it, summer will be fast approaching, which means barbecues, bonfires, and long days spent lounging on your deck. However, if your deck is looking a little worse for wear after this past winter, you may not be all that eager to spend time out there. Luckily, with this guide to preparing your deck for spring, you’ll be ready to tackle anything Mother Nature throws at you in the coming months. With a bit of elbow grease and some tasteful decorations, your deck will become your new favorite hang-out spot this spring.
Break Out the Power Washer
The first step in how to prepare your deck for spring will likely be fairly obvious. With the amount of dirt that’s built up on your deck over the winter, it should come as no surprise that your first order of business is to clean the space within an inch of its life. Thankfully, this task is relatively easy, especially when compared to some other spring cleaning tasks.
Start by taking a power washer to your deck and clearing away all the dirt, debris, and potential mold growth that may have cropped up in the past few months. Once you have a clean slate, consider staining the deck or coating it in a waterproof sealant. This will ensure your deck maintains its sheen no matter how many spring showers come its way.
Freshen up Your Furniture
With the biggest task out of the way, it’s time to focus on a more enjoyable job: decorating. With the weather finally getting warmer, you’ll want to spend as much time on your deck as possible. This means you’ll need somewhere comfortable to lounge as you soak up the sun and enjoy the fresh air. If you have any outdoor furniture, give it a good cleaning and spruce it up as needed.
The same goes for other outdoor accessories; give your outdoor area rug a thorough cleaning and freshen up any decorations that look a bit past their prime. Find your ‘just right’ accessories and artistic decorations like wind chimes and bird feeders at shops throughout the Monadnock Region. The more inviting your outdoor space looks and feels, the more likely it is that your friends and neighbors will want to pop over and hang out on your deck.
Embrace Mother Nature
No outdoor space would be complete without a bit of greenery. Take the time in early spring to plant some flowers and shrubbery near your deck. In spring, Monadnock Region Farmers’ Markets often have starter plants of flowers and vegetables. Nothing could be easier at meal time than having tomatoes growing on or near your deck! Incorporating foliage into your deck space will make the transition from indoor to outdoor more cohesive and will make the area seem even more well decorated than it already is.
Additionally, planting your flowers in early spring ensures you will be able to enjoy the blossoms throughout the spring and even into early summer. Preparing your deck isn’t just about adding color to the wood, but to the décor as well—have fun with it!
