Even though it’s not something we want to think about yet, winter is coming. In Iowa, we know that cooler temperatures and snow could surprise us overnight, sometimes as early as the middle of October. (Raise your hand if you remember trick-or-treating with your winter coat over your Halloween costume).
At Home Town Restyling, we always stress being prepared so you aren’t caught off guard—that’s why we recommend winterizing your outdoor areas by late fall. This is especially true if you have had a recent deck remodel done. After a major investment, you want to make sure you are doing what you can to ensure your deck will look nice for seasons to come.
If you’ve been considering a new deck remodel, now is the perfect time to start planning and exploring your options. Below we’ll go over those options and provide some simple winterizing tips for anyone who wants to protect their deck.
Deck Dreams are Born in the Fall and Winter
Most people wouldn’t consider reaching out to a contractor about a deck remodel at the end of the year as the weather turns colder, but this is actually a great time to kickstart your project. If someone from our team can review your space and go over your wishlist before the weather turns colder (generally in October/November), we can ensure you’re at the top of the list for spring.
This also means your deck can be ready for you to enjoy by next summer! If you wait to reach out until spring, it can take between 3-6 months for your new deck to be completed, depending on scheduling. When the weather warms up, everyone wants to get their outdoor space ready for those perfect summer days.
To give you an idea of the possibilities, here are a few of the decking solutions we offer.
Complete Deck Upgrade
If you’re considering a new deck makeover, why not upgrade to the option that will continue looking great and be easy to maintain? A Cellular PVC deck is completely maintenance-free. When it comes to prepping your deck for the winter, all you really have to do is clean it with soap, water, and a soft bristle brush and put your furniture away.
Cellular PVC decks are durable and can resist mold, rotting, fading, and warping. You also don’t have to worry about splinters when you walk around with bare feet. Best of all, they never need staining, painting, or sanding, so you’ll get to enjoy a lifetime of quality without the added maintenance.
With a variety of colors to choose from, you can design a deck that complements your home and makes your neighbors envious. And as a full-service deck builder in Eastern Iowa, Home Town Restyling will help you take care of everything from design to installation.
Deck Overlays
If a complete deck overhaul is not in your budget, you still have options. Many of our customers don’t realize you can do a deck overlay. A deck overlay involves repurposing the foundation of a current deck that’s still in good condition. Deck overlays can be performed on most decks that are less than 20 years old.
During a deck overlay, our team tears out your existing deck floors and lays a new Cellular PVC deck surface. We also renovate the railing to match the new look. This is a great budget-friendly option for someone looking to give their deck a major facelift while utilizing materials from their existing deck. It saves time and money up front since you’ll need fewer materials.
Financing Available
Sometimes the only thing standing in the way of your deck dreams is the cost. If you’re looking for financing assistance, we can help with that, too. We offer a variety of financing options through GreenSky®, including no-interest financing, which allows you to pay over time, even after your deck project is complete and you’re already enjoying it!
Picture Yourself with a New Deck Next Year
If you don’t want to put off the deck you’ve been wishing for any longer, reach out to our team today and request a free quote. We’ll be in touch with you soon to discuss the options and your vision.
In the meantime, here are some tips for winterizing your deck this fall.
Simple Deck Winterizing Tips
Whether you have a new deck or an older deck, winter prep is something you don’t want to skip. When you make prepping your deck for winter a yearly task, you prolong the life of your deck. We suggest starting to prep from late September to late October.
As we mentioned, Iowa weather can be unpredictable, so you’ll want to keep an eye on your local forecast to determine when to winterize your deck. This will help you avoid shutting down your space too soon and missing out on late-season BBQs with friends—or worse, trying to dig your furniture out of five inches of ice and snow.
If needed, you can tackle this checklist in pieces so you can clean your space, but delay putting away your outdoor seating.
Step 1: Clear Off the Space
To start winterizing, you’ll want to clean all areas of your deck. Sweep off leaves, debris, and anything else that has gotten caught up in the cracks and crevices of your deck.
Step 2: Inspect Boards and Railings
Once the area is clean, you’ll want to inspect all the boards and the railing for bad spots. If you find any, you’ll want to cut those pieces out and repair them.
Step 3: Pressure Wash the Area
Next, give your deck a good clean with a power washer.
Step 4: Perform a Water Test (For Wood Decks Only)
If you have a wood deck, we recommend doing a water test to see how your deck repels moisture. You should do this two or more days after the wood has dried from power washing. To start, apply a light coat of water to your deck (a spray from your hose works fine), and if the water soaks in over the entire deck, you’ll want to add a sealant. We recommend adding a water sealant to your deck every year.
If your deck is newer, you’ll want to wait anywhere between six weeks and six months to stain it for the first time. You’ll also want to make sure to apply your stain or sealant on a cool day when temperatures are between 50 and 85 degrees and there isn’t a chance of rain in the forecast.
If you have a Cellular PVC deck, you can skip this step because you are already covered.
Step 5: Clean and Store Furniture
When the surface area of your deck is finished, you’ll want to quickly spot clean your patio furniture and store it inside for the winter. If you don’t have space in a storage shed, garage, or basement and need to keep your furniture outside, you may want to secure a tarp over it to protect your furniture from the elements.
Step 6: Do Occasional Upkeep Throughout the Winter
Once winter hits, you’ll want to keep up on deck maintenance throughout the season. To eliminate the damage wintry precipitation can cause on your deck, carefully clear away snow and ice when it starts to build up. It’s best to avoid using metal tools and salt, which can scratch or wear away at your deck.
Step 7: Make a Wish List for Next Season
As you’re closing down your outdoor space for the year, it’s the perfect time to assess your current deck. Maybe when you look back on your summer gatherings, you find yourself wishing you had more deck space. Or you realize you’ve grown tired of the upkeep of a wooden deck and would like to explore other options. Maybe you’ve been wanting a new deck for years, but have been putting it off because you’re unsure when to get started.
If any of these scenarios sound familiar, the perfect time to plan is now! Request a free quote so you can fall in love with your outdoor space again.
