Homeowners often spend thousands of dollars building custom decks, but then fail to perform the regular maintenance needed to protect their investment. It's a lot like putting a big pile of money in the backyard and then letting the wind blow it away.

The reason is simple: Deck maintenance is a hassle. Most of us would rather enjoy our time barbecuing on the deck than working on it. But all wooden decks and porches require routine maintenance if they are going to last. That's where Mr. Handyman comes in. We can take care of your deck maintenance for you.

Whether your deck is made of pine, fir, spruce or cedar, it needs to be cleaned every year. Dirt, grime, mold and mildew build up on the surface of wood and - unless cleaned away on a regular basis - begin to seep into the wood. Once deep inside the wood, it's difficult to remove. It not only makes your deck look old and dirty, it can actually damage the wood and reduce the life of your deck.

But cleaning a deck without damaging it can be tricky. A number of cleaning products are available, but some products can damage certain types of wood. And while you might be tempted to use a pressure washer, don't do it unless you really know what you are doing. When pressure washing a deck, it's important to use a low- to medium-pressure setting - no more than about 1200 psi. A higher pressure could damage the wood.

Most wooden decks should be stained or sealed every other year. We recommend doing this after cleaning the deck and letting it dry thoroughly. Stains and sealers protect the wood against moisture - an important step in preventing wood rot and extending the life of your deck. Some stains also protect against the sun's harmful UV rays, which can turn your deck a faded shade of grey. Dozens of deck stains and sealers are available at your local home improvement store.

Beyond cleaning and sealing your deck, it's important to check for wood rot and loose boards every year. This not only helps to prevent further damage, but can also prevent injuries to your family and friends. Mr. Handyman can check for loose boards and wood rot when cleaning your deck and make repairs as needed.