How to Get Your Deck or Patio Ready for Winter in 5 Steps

Winter is just around the corner, bringing with it shorter, blustery days, long, frigid nights, and varying (and sometimes extreme) weather conditions. Getting your deck or patio ready for the colder months means you’ll be able to continue enjoying it in the spring and summer to follow.

All it takes is a little time, a little effort, and some help from your friends at WOCA. Here’s a step-by-step guide to winterizing your deck or patio and what you can do to make sure it’s ready to withstand winter weather.

Step 1: Inspect Your Deck or Patio for Damage

Give your deck a good once-over to see if there are any issues that need to be addressed before winter. Look for signs of minor damage or wear and tear, like:

• Cracks
• Loose boards
• Dark spots
• Mildew

If left untreated, these issues can worsen over winter. Use a flashlight to check under your deck or in shady areas, and a putty knife or flat-head screwdriver is a great tool to gently check for loose boards. If you suspect any underlying water damage, you might want to check dark spots with a moisture meter.

Step 2: Deep Clean Your Deck or Patio with WOCA

No matter what exterior wood surface you need to clean, WOCA has a wood cleaner suited for your deck or patio. Understanding your outdoor material—whether it’s made of wood, composite, or another type—will help you choose the right outdoor wood cleaner. Here are some WOCA recommendations:

• WOCA Exterior Wood Cleaner is perfect for wooden surfaces, effortlessly tackling dirt and mildew.
• WOCA Exterior Multi-Cleaner Spray is an excellent choice for plastic, vinyl or metal surfaces.

Once you’ve chosen the right wood cleaner:

1. Rinse your deck or patio with water to remove dirt and loose debris. 
2. Apply the WOCA wood cleaner according to the product instructions, scrubbing with a stiff brush if needed for tough stains. 
3. Rinse thoroughly with water, and let dry completely.

Step 3: Protect and Seal Your Wood Surfaces

After cleaning your wooden surfaces, apply a protective treatment to help them withstand winter. For wooden decks, it’s beneficial to re-oil them using WOCA Exterior Oil, which allows you to test the oil color and finish. Re-oiling makes sure your deck is well-sealed and ready for the cold months.

Step 4: Store and Protect Your Outdoor Furniture

Don’t overlook any wooden outdoor furniture. For best results:

• Clean your wooden furniture with WOCA Exterior Furniture Cleaner
• Allow it to dry completely
• Store it in a sheltered area if possible

If storage isn’t an option, clean the furniture and cover it with weatherproof covers to prevent damage. Also, pack any cushions or rugs to avoid mildew and wear and tear over the winter.

Step 5: Preventive Measures for Winter Protection

To minimize any possible winter damage to your deck or patio, use these preventative measures:

• Regularly remove snow buildup using a snow blower, brush, or plastic shovel (avoid metal shovels, which can scratch wooden surfaces).
• Use anti-slip mats or salt alternatives that are safe for wood to prevent slipping.

Winter-Proof Your Deck Today for a Spring-Ready Outdoor Space

Preparing your deck or patio for winter means it will stay a safe, attractive, and welcoming space when warm weather rolls around again. With gentle, all-natural WOCA products, you can clean and protect your outdoor spaces and keep your investment looking its best.