Deck care · 5 min read
What to Put on a New Deck (and What Ruins the Boards)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It costs you nothing extra, and we only recommend what we'd tell our own customers to use.
A new deck is a big investment, and most of the damage I see isn't from weather. It's from the stuff people put on it. Here's what to add, and what to avoid.
Avoid: rubber-backed rugs and mats
Rubber and latex backing traps moisture against the boards and can discolor composite. If you want a rug, choose a breathable polypropylene outdoor rug and lift it now and then to let the boards dry.
Avoid: planters sitting flat on the boards
Water collects under the pot, and after a season you'll have a ring. Use planters with feet or set them on risers so water drains.
Avoid: grease under the grill
Grease is one of the toughest stains to get out of any deck board. A grill mat underneath catches drips and stray embers.
Avoid: dragging furniture
Chair legs scratch boards, especially metal ones. Soft leg caps are cheap and solve it.
Be careful with fire pits
A fire pit on a deck needs to be approved by your decking brand, used with a proper heat-shield pad underneath, and allowed by your local codes. Check all three before you light one. When in doubt, keep the fire pit on the patio or in the yard.
Avoid: metal snow shovels
Metal edges scratch composite, and those marks don't come out. Use a plastic shovel and push along the boards, not across them.
Worth adding
- Post cap lights for an easy glow on the railing. Shop
- Vented furniture covers to keep cushions and frames looking new. Shop
- A soft deck brush for a quick spring cleaning. Shop
Treat the boards right for the first few years and a quality deck will look great for a long time.
Want the full list of what we recommend?
See all our deck & DIY picks