Here are some tips on how to properly maintain your custom deck. 

Check for loose nails and screws 

Check for loose nails or screws in planks or boards before you step on them. Also, make sure that no nails are sticking out of the wood. If they are, you need to take a sledgehammer and pound them into the deck boards to avoid injuring yourself or someone else. 

Clean the deck  

Clean the deck with a pressure washer to remove dirt and debris. Start washing at the top and working your way down. This will prevent dirt from scratching the surface. Using a power washer on wood or composite decks can damage or remove the surface of the material. If you must use a pressure washer to remove debris, direct it at an angle so that it sprays out from the surface instead of directly into the custom decking. 

Check for splits or cracks. 

You also want to check for any splits or cracks in the deck boards. If you have noticed these before but have yet to do anything about it, now is the time to fix them. You can either purchase wood filler or use a piece of plywood as a patch until you are ready to replace the custom deck board completely. 

Proper spacing 

Maintain proper spacing between the boards so that water can't pool there. In addition, you want to avoid placing large pots directly over the surface of the outdoor deck boards. 

Move outdoor furniture around 

Keep your outdoor furniture in good condition by moving it around from time to time. This will ensure that there is no build-up of grime and dirt along with the same areas of the deck boards. According to professional contractors, on average, a wooden or composite deck can last for about five years before it begins to show signs of wear and tear. On the other hand, most composite decks last between ten and fifteen years before a new deck is needed. 

Check railings 

Check the deck railings. If your deck is more than a few years old, some rust probably accumulated around all of the screws and bolts. The best way to remove this rust from metal is with some steel wool or fine-grade wire brush. This process will let you clean off the rust and get your deck screws and bolts shining again. 

Repair damaged boards 

If the weather has not been kind to your deck, you will need to repair any damaged boards. Unfortunately, this is a more labor-intensive process that entails taking out the old board, fixing it with some wood filler, or setting up a new piece of wood and sanding it down so that you can put on a new coat of stain or paint. You want to do all of this before you replace the board because the new layer of paint or sealant will prevent water from damaging your deck again in the near future. 

Check for insect infestations. 

Deck boards can also be damaged by pests such as termites and carpenter ants. Carpenter ants actually bore through the wood of outdoor decks as well as homes. If you know or suspect you have a termite or carpenter ant problem, the best thing to do is contact a professional pest control company. 

Apply anti-slip coating 

Add an anti-slip coating to keep people from slipping when they walk on wet surfaces. You can purchase this at any hardware store, and it is fairly inexpensive. 

Stain the decks 

Once you have completed these tasks, all that is left is to stain the deck. You need to make sure that you do this early enough so that the board can dry completely before nightfall. This final step will leave your outdoor deck looking great and ready for many years of heavy use ahead.