Properly maintaining your deck can help ensure that you are able to enjoy it for a long time. Regular cleaning and sealing can significantly decrease the negative effects of time, weather and traffic.

The deck floor and the handrails are the most prone to damage, because they get the most direct sunlight and water, snow and wet leaves collect on them. These areas will wear at a much quicker rate than the posts and railings and require more frequent attention.

If you’re not sure about the condition of your deck, call a licensed contractor to take a look. They should also inspect it during yearly maintenance. They should check and see if any part of the deck — the decking, the beams, stairs and railings — is coming loose, and repair it if need be.