How Long Do Decks Last? This Is What You Need to Know

Installing a wooden deck for your home can give you a 75% return on investment (ROI). 

Owning a deck lets you have a place to relax on your property, and makes the most of your landscape. The more you know about decks, the easier it’ll be to find a great deal on one for your home. 

But how long do decks last?

Here are some points you should know about the lifespan of a deck and how to take great care of it. 

How Long Do Decks Last?

Typically, you’ll expect a deck to last 15 to 20 years as long as you give it the proper care. Since it’s made of wood, you can expect your deck to break down after years of service. 

However, you’ll get the best from your deck when you put it on a maintenance schedule. 

How Can You Take Care of Your Deck?

A deck might cost you between about $35 per square foot and $85 per square foot. Since you’re spending this much money on your deck, you’ll need to put just as much time into the upkeep. 

Here are a few of the deck maintenance tips you should follow:

1. Hire a Professional for an Inspection Each Year

The best and easiest way to get care for your deck starts with an inspection. Call up a deck contractor that can offer you an inspection at least once every year or two. 

They’ll look through every part of your deck and let you know which repairs are needed to keep it in tip-top shape. Failing to get your deck inspected means that you’ll likely overlook several matters that you could have fixed earlier. 

This step alone will help you get better years out of your deck and increase its lifespan. 

2. Add a Stain and Seal 

Make sure that you’re also taking care of your deck’s color. Add a stain to your deck so that it doesn’t lose its fresh wood appearance. Seal the deck so that it has a measure of waterproofing that will prevent it from stripping and falling apart. 

When you have a quality seal for your deck, it’ll hold up against rain, snow, and other forms of wear and tear. Read the label to know what kind of ingredients the seal is made with, and make sure to re-apply it when necessary. 

3. Carefully Use a Pressure Washer

Make sure that you’re power washing your deck from time to time to keep it. Pressure washing your deck periodically will allow you to get rid of dirt and deposits that come about. 

You can purchase a pressure washer, rent one, or hire the help of a pressure washing contractor that can handle the work for you. 

At the same time, make sure that you’re careful with the way that you use the pressure washer. Doing it too much or not carefully can damage your deck, rather than protect it. 

Get the Best From Your Deck

So how long do decks last? Now that you have the answer, you can do your due diligence and keep your deck at the best.

You can follow the tips in this article as a starting point. Check back with our site for more home maintenance tips.