Deck neglect: 5 fixes you shouldn't put off

We recently polled more than 1,000 consumers nationwide, and many homeowners who had a deck neglected its upkeep. Here are the critical chores some respondents skipped, the most common problems that surfaced, and our expert tips on dealing with both:

Never cleaned or power-washed
19%

Regular cleaning helps keep dirt, mold, and other debris from ruining the finish. Use soapy water and a soft-bristled brush. If you use a power washer, use the widest setting and hold the nozzle at least 12 inches from the surface to avoid damaging the wood.

Never stained or sealed
29%

A tired finish no longer protects the wood. That leads to dirt, mold, fading, cracking, and splinters. The best opaque finishes looked good after the equivalent of three years. But don't count on semitransparent or clear lasting that long.

Splinters and popped nails
29%

Both are a safety hazard. Break off splinters and sand any sharp edges, then apply finish to the spot or to the entire deck, if needed. Inspect all nails, screws, and bolts. Hammer down nails and tighten screws and bolts. Consider replacing nails with screws.

Mold and mildew
14%

In addition to looking bad, moldy or mildewed boards can be slippery. Some finishes resisted mildew far better than others. Clean or power-wash the deck boards and remove leaves and other yard waste, especially for decks in shady spots.

Structural problems
10%

Rotten boards and broken railings or stairs can make any deck unsafe. Check the deck boards and the platform beneath for rot and insect damage. Push on railings and banisters and rest your weight along steps to be sure all are sound and secure.