🛠️ How to Maintain Your Composite Deck in Chicago: Expert Tips for 2025
Your deck is more than a platform — it’s your backyard’s main attraction. Whether you live in Wilmette, Winnetka, Northbrook, or anywhere in Chicago’s North Shore, knowing how to care for your composite deck is key to keeping it beautiful, functional, and long-lasting.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
How to clean composite decking the right way
What NOT to do when maintaining Trex or TimberTech decks
Must-have tools and products
Local climate considerations for deck care
Signs you may need deck resurfacing or replacement
Helpful links to help you explore decking options by town
Let’s keep your outdoor space looking its best.
Trex Enhance Naturals - Honey Grove - Park Ridge, IL
🧼 How to Clean Composite Decking Without Damaging It
One of the biggest perks of composite decks is low maintenance — but that doesn’t mean zero care. Chicago weather can leave behind dirt, pollen, and mildew. Here’s how to clean it safely:
✔️ What You’ll Need:
Bucket of warm water
Mild soap (like dish soap)
Soft-bristle brush
Garden hose (or low-pressure washer)
✅ Step-by-Step:
Rinse your deck with water to loosen dirt.
Apply soapy solution and scrub gently with a soft brush.
Rinse thoroughly — don’t let soap dry on the surface.
Let air dry fully before placing furniture back.
💡 Pro Tip: Never use bleach or abrasive cleaners — they can void your Trex or TimberTech warranty.
🧽 Best Composite Deck Cleaners for Mold & Mildew:
Defy Composite Deck Cleaner
Simple Green Oxy Solve
Trex Deck Cleaner (for light-duty buildup)
Need help with deck maintenance in your area? Check out our town-specific pages like Winnetka Deck Builders or Wilmette Deck Builders for local service options.
🔧 Deck Maintenance Checklist for Chicago Weather
Spring & Summer
✅ Clean off debris and pollen
✅ Tighten any loose fasteners
✅ Inspect railings and stairs
✅ Reseal connections if using hidden fasteners
Fall & Winter
✅ Sweep leaves before they stain
✅ Avoid using metal shovels (use plastic to avoid scratching)
✅ Check for pooling water or ice buildup near posts
✅ Remove furniture or stack it to reduce wear
⚠️ Ice melt products? Only use calcium chloride — avoid rock salt on composite decks!
🛠️ Signs You Need Deck Resurfacing or Replacement
If your deck was built 15+ years ago or you still have a wood deck, it may be time to upgrade to composite. Watch for:
Boards cracking or splintering
Mold growth that won’t clean off
Soft or wobbly spots in the surface
Nails or screws popping up
You’re constantly staining, sealing, or repairing
🛠️ Learn more about Deck Replacement in Glenview or get started on Composite Deck Resurfacing in Highland Park.
Trex Transcend - Tiki Torch - Chicago, IL
🧰 Deck Maintenance Checklist
✅ 1. Inspect Your Deck (Annually or After Storms)
Look for:
Soft spots, sagging boards, or cracks
Rusted or popped fasteners
Wobbly railings
Water pooling near posts
Mildew or discoloration
If you see serious damage, contact our deck replacement experts — we offer full composite upgrades built for Midwest weather.
✅ 2. Clean Your Deck Properly
Composite decks (like Trex and TimberTech) don’t need sanding or sealing, but they still need cleaning.
How to clean a composite deck:
Sweep debris weekly
Mix warm water with dish soap or use a composite-safe cleaner
Scrub with a soft-bristle brush (never wire brushes!)
Rinse thoroughly — avoid power washers over 1,500 PSI
For wood decks:
Remove debris between boards
Use a wood deck cleaner and soft brush
Allow to dry 48 hours before staining or sealing
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid cleaning during peak sunlight hours — it can bake in cleaner residue.
🛠️ Repair Tips to Keep Your Deck Safe
Replace Damaged Boards
If you notice cracked or warped boards, it’s time to replace them — especially on older wood decks. Composite deck boards rarely need replacing, but if you see swelling or splitting, it could be due to improper installation.
Need help? Our deck resurfacing specialists can replace worn boards without rebuilding the entire structure.
Tighten Loose Fasteners
Check screws, bolts, and railings — especially after winter. Replace rusted or corroded fasteners with stainless steel or coated hardware rated for outdoor use.
🌦️ How Chicago Weather Affects Deck Longevity
Composite decks are built to handle the extremes — but knowing what they endure helps you care for them better:
Snow/Ice: Choose decking with traction to prevent slips. Trex and TimberTech have grooved, slip-resistant surfaces.
Humidity: Moisture buildup from tree coverage can cause mildew — keep it trimmed and decks well-ventilated.
UV Exposure: Dark colors absorb more heat. Use deck covers or pergolas to help reduce fading over time.
💡 Tip: Want to install a pergola or sunshade? See our Outdoor Living Upgrades to add shade and year-round usability.
🪛 Tools Every Homeowner Should Have for Deck Care
Soft-bristle deck brush
Hose nozzle with fan setting
Rubber-edged plastic snow shovel
Spray bottle with vinegar for spot cleaning
Composite deck-specific cleaner (see above)
🏡 Maintain It or Upgrade? What to Consider in 2025
Sometimes maintenance isn’t enough. If your current deck:
Was built before 2010
Has rotting posts or framing
Lacks proper drainage or ventilation
Looks outdated and lowers curb appeal...
…it might be time to replace it with a composite deck.
Check out:
🧠 Final Thoughts: Deck Maintenance Isn’t Just Cleaning — It’s Protecting Your Investment
Whether your deck is brand-new or 15 years old, proper care helps it last. The good news? With composite, most of the heavy lifting is already done for you. A little seasonal attention keeps your space safe, beautiful, and ready to enjoy all year.
📍 Want a free inspection or quote for your next deck project? Visit Diamond Decking’s service area to get started.
📝 FAQs About Composite Deck Maintenance
How often should I clean my composite deck?
At least twice per year — spring and fall — or after heavy pollen buildup.
Can I use a power washer?
Yes, but stay under 1,500 PSI and keep the nozzle at least 8 inches from the surface.
Does composite decking fade over time?
Minimal fading may occur in the first few months, but Trex and TimberTech decks are UV-resistant and maintain color very well.
Do I need to seal a composite deck?
Nope! Composite decking is already sealed. Sealing can actually damage the surface and void warranties.
Can you repair scratched composite decking?
Light scratches often fade over time. For deeper damage, a board replacement may be needed — it’s easy with hidden fasteners.
