Building a deck is more than just a monetary investment that adds value to your home and enjoyment to your backyard. There is also an investment of time involved with proper deck maintenance and care. In order to preserve the longevity, beauty, and integrity of the structure, it’s important to learn how to take care of a wood deck or composite deck. Depending on whether you opted for wood or composite decking, there are different regimens of care specific to each material. If you have a wood deck, you’ll want to periodically check for rotted or decayed boards and replace them. Additionally, staining and sealing a wood deck once per year can be helpful in preventing rotted boards. Composite decking typically requires less maintenance than wood decks. Composite deck boards are comprised of a core made from a mix of wood pulp and synthetic materials, with a synthetic outer shell that protects it from moisture, rot, and insects. While composite decking typically requires less maintenance than wood, you’ll still need to regularly sweep it and be sure to remove moss, algae, and prevent it from becoming slippery in inclement weather. Browse through this collection of articles to learn more about how to take care of a deck, with tips on winterizing your deck, learning how to seal your deck and choosing the right sealant, as well as deck maintenance checklists to keep your deck in top form for years to come.