Deck care · 5 min read
How to Care for a Composite Deck in Winter
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Composite decking is built to handle Michigan winters, but a few habits make a big difference in how it looks in April. Here's what I tell every customer before the first snow.
1. Clean it before the snow flies
Leaves, pine needles and dirt left on a deck all winter hold moisture against the boards and can leave stains that are hard to get out. Sweep it off in late fall and make sure the gaps between boards are clear so water can drain.
If it's been a busy summer, give it a quick wash with a cleaner made for composite and a soft brush. Brush along the length of the boards, never across them.
2. Use a plastic shovel, and shovel with the boards
This is the big one. Metal shovels and metal-edged blades scratch composite, and those scratches don't come out. A plastic shovel does the job, and pushing it along the length of the boards keeps the edge from catching.
You don't have to clear every snowfall. Composite can hold a normal snow load. But clearing a path to the stairs and door keeps things safe.
3. Check your brand before using ice melt
Not every ice melt is right for every deck. Most composite brands publish a winter care guide that says which products they approve, and many approve calcium chloride. Check yours before the first freeze, then sweep up any leftover residue in spring and rinse the deck.
Whatever you use, stay away from anything that says it contains colorants or fertilizer. Those are the ones that stain.
4. Move the planters and the grill cover
Anything sitting flat on the boards all winter can trap water and leave a mark. Lift planters onto feet or move them into the garage, and pull rugs and mats off the deck until spring.
5. Watch the stairs
Stairs get the most traffic and ice up first. Keep them clear, and consider solar step lights so nobody's guessing where the edge is on a dark January night.
The spring checklist
- Sweep off leftover ice melt and debris
- Wash with a composite deck cleaner and a soft brush
- Check that board gaps are clear for drainage
- Look over the stairs and railing for anything loose
Do that, and a composite deck will look close to new for years.
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