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Deck Do

Do the Research

All woods are not created equal. Some types need more care than others and therefore require a different maintenance schedule or more intense care. For example, treated lumber is the most common and inexpensive type of wood decking, but is more susceptible to cracking and splintering over time. Cedar or redwood decks tend to be more weather-resistant, therefore requiring less repair, but are more costly upfront. Tropical hardwoods are the most expensive but offer a luxurious feel and unique beauty for homeowners. It’s important to understand the wood type in your deck before you start on regular maintenance work.

Deck Don’t

Don’t Forget to Inspect

An annual inspection of your deck’s surfaces and structure can help you identify potential issues before they become safety hazards. Sweeping the deck first clears the path for a closer inspection. You should check for raised nails or screws, holes in boards, warped boards, and any hardware rust. Consider replacing raised nails with wood screws. Inspect boards, beams, and posts for early signs of rot. If there are holes in the wood, consider picking up an inexpensive wood filler product from your hardware store.

Deck Do

Do Clean It Annually

It’s not too late to do that deep deck cleaning yet this summer. Cleaning practices can vary—from the gentle stream of a garden hose to power washing. While using a power washer can be fast and effective, be cautious with the water pressure level as it can damage the wood. Before rushing out to buy a gallon of cleaning chemicals, consider a more environmentally-friendly approach. Mold and mildew on wood surfaces can be cleaned with a simple bucket, a few rags, and a solution made from water and baking soda, vinegar, or borate treatment.

Deck Don’t

Don’t Put Off Refinishing

Refinishing your deck is a bigger project to take on, but one that doesn’t need to be done more than every 2-3 years. Refinishing a deck is a multistep process that involves scraping off flaking stain or dirt, sanding, and applying wood stain or sealant. Doing this project yourself will take a few days depending on the size of the deck, but the tools required to do the job won’t strain your bank account. A simple paint scraper, vacuum, orbital sander, some sandpaper, and a high-quality sealant will do the heavy lifting. You just need to supply the elbow grease.

Deck Do

Do Remove, Replace, and Rearrange Furnishings

Did you know that many rugs and mats absorb moisture? Even outdoor rugs aren’t impervious to wet and harsh weather. Replacing these rugs with proper water-resistant mats or removing them entirely will save your wood deck from serious water damage. Rearrange your patio furniture and move around the grill or planters every year. Why? Prolonged sunlight on certain areas of the deck will cause discoloration in the wood.

If you’re a homeowner with a wood deck or are considering adding one to your home, these do’s and don’ts are free and/or inexpensive ways to make your deck stand the test of time. It’ll take some upkeep, but with regular tending, you’ll enjoy a more beautiful, safe wood deck for years to come.

February year-over-year summary of key market indicators:

• Closed sales decreased 12.9% to 3,919
• Median sales price increased 7.8% to $304,500
• Average sales price increased 10.3% to $353,409
• New listings decreased 8.5% to 5,801
• Pending sales decreased 10.2% to 5,237
• Days on the market decreased 6.3% to 45 days
• Homes for sale decreased 21.0% to 6,606

Closed Home Sales Across Minnesota by Region

In February, closed sales declined in 10 regions compared to a year ago, bringing Minnesota’s average number of closed home sales down 12.9% year over year. Three regions reported increases, with Southwest Central marking double-digit gains, at 11.1%, Southeast at 5.9%, and Southwest at 1.6%. Eight regions saw double-digit declines in closed home sales. The largest of these were West Central, down 27.4%, East Central, down 18.1%, and Northwest, down 17.6%. See the chart below for more details comparing closed home sales for February 2022 to February 2021.

The seven-county Twin Cities region comprises Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties. The official Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metropolitan statistical area recognized by the Census Bureau consists of 16 counties, on
which MAR & SPAAR local associations report.View full regional and county reports here.

View statewide report here.

About Minnesota Realtors^®

Minnesota Realtors^® (MNR) is the membership organization supporting all 22,000 Realtors^® in the state of Minnesota. MNR is dedicated to helping Realtors^® succeed in providing comprehensive and informed guidance to their customers seeking to buy or sell a home. MNR provides Realtors^® with a code of ethics, continuing education, real estate transaction forms, legal services and dispute resolution, as well as lobbying and advocating for homeownership rights and the real estate industry. MNR works in partnership with the National Association of Realtors, as well as more than 15 affiliate regional associations within Minnesota. MNR is a non-profit organization founded in 1919, with headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and a branch office in St. Paul, Minnesota.