Toronto decks emerge from winter grey and mildewed from months under snow and ice. A thorough spring clean restores the wood and sets up a stain or sealer that protects it through the season.
Composite Decks
- Sweep off leaves, debris, and winter sand
- Mix warm water with dish soap or a composite deck cleaner
- Scrub with a soft-bristle brush in the direction of the board grain
- Rinse with a garden hose or low-pressure washer (under 1500 PSI — high pressure damages composite surface texture)
- Allow to dry before use
Composite decks don't require staining or sealing — just cleaning. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for approved cleaning products.
Wood Decks — Pressure Washing
- Sweep the deck and remove all furniture
- Use a pressure washer at 1200–1500 PSI with a 40-degree fan tip — this removes surface grey and mildew without raising the wood grain excessively
- Work along the board grain in long, even strokes — don't hold the nozzle in one place or you'll leave marks
- Allow the deck to dry for 48 hours before proceeding to the next step
Deck Brightener (Recommended After Pressure Washing)
Pressure washing alone can leave the wood looking flat or slightly grey. A deck brightener (oxalic acid-based) restores the natural colour and opens the wood grain to accept a stain or sealer more evenly.
- Apply deck brightener with a brush or garden sprayer, following label directions
- Allow to sit for 15 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water
- Allow to dry 48–72 hours
Staining or Sealing
Once the deck is clean and fully dry, apply a penetrating deck stain or clear sealer:
- Penetrating stain: soaks into the wood, provides colour and UV protection, needs reapplication every 2–3 years
- Clear sealer: maintains natural wood appearance, water repellent, needs annual reapplication
- Film-forming stain: sits on top of the wood, prone to peeling — typically not recommended for horizontal deck boards
Tips
- Spring is the ideal time — after winter moisture has had time to escape but before summer sun dries the wood too much for good stain penetration
- Check for loose boards and protruding screws/nails before cleaning — fix these before the season
- Keep leaves cleared from the deck surface during fall — leaves trap moisture and accelerate wood decay