How to protect your deck from sun damage and keep it in top condition all summer long

There are very few feelings better than sitting out on your deck during summer. It's the perfect spot to host guests, get some sun, and enjoy the outdoors while the good weather sticks around.

When you've finally created your perfect deck space, you'll want to keep it in the best possible condition for your summer activities. Preserving your deck is especially important during hotter months when it becomes exposed to direct sunlight. Sun damage on a deck can look like anything from fading to warping and even cracking, making it important to put some precautions in place to protect it.

Luckily, there are lots of things you can do to protect your deck from sun damage, many of which should be done before the sun even comes out.

3 ways to protect decking from sun damage

Taking measures to protect your deck from sun damage will see it last for much longer. Experts say it's key to get on top of protecting your deck from sun damage early.

'With decking, get precautions in place directly after installation. Remember, repairing damage can be costly,' says construction expert Matthew Consolo from Dreamscape Construction.

Here are a few things you can do to get ahead of the sun and protect your deck from sun damage this summer.

1. Use a UV-resistant sealant

A UV-resistant sealant will work well for any wooden decks, providing a protective layer from the sun.

'Untreated wood with no sealant is the most susceptible to sun damage. This is because there is nothing to keep the UV radiation from hitting the wood directly,' notes Brandon Walker, construction manager at ASAP Restoration.

Opting for UV-resistant sealant to coat your decking will preserve the wood and stop the sun from fading its color and weakening its structure.

'These coatings are made from various protective substances ranging from natural shellac to synthetic polymer blends,' explains Brandon. 'This can dramatically extend the life of the deck.'

You can find UV-resistant sealants online, like this wood sealer from Amazon which will also protect your deck from winter damage by preventing excessive moisture from soaking into the wood and rotting it.

Matthew Consolo

Originally from Philadelphia, Matthew Consolo has been based in South Florida since 2013. Matt has an extensive background in construction and roofing.

Brandon Walker

Brandon Walker has been in the painting and construction industry for more than 20 years. After running his own company, he decided to advance his skills as a Superintendent with ASAP Restoration. Brandon cut his teeth as a teenage painter working for Walker Paint Masters doing commercial projects for Planet Hollywood and Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Spa among others.

2. Install a pergola to create shade

The easiest way to prevent your deck from being exposed to too much sunlight is by creating shade. One of the most stylish ways to do this is by having a pergola over your deck area.

Pergola shade is a great way to create an outdoor living room with a shelter that offers a cool space to escape to in the heat of the summer.

'If you're building a deck in an area with no shade, it can dramatically help to extend the lifespan of the deck by simply adding some,' says Brandon. 'This may take a few years to fully realize, but it will provide your decking materials with a much-needed respite from the effects of extreme sun exposure and in the process greatly extend the lifespan of the deck.'

As well as this pergola with sun shade from Amazon, you can create garden shade on your deck with patio umbrellas - like this patio umbrella from Walmart.

3. Add outdoor rugs to your deck

In a similar way to casting shade over your deck, placing an outdoor rug on your deck prevents the sun from hitting it directly.

'A decorative way homeowners can add protection to their deck surfaces is with outdoor rugs. Not only does this reduce sun exposure, but it also protects against foot traffic, spills and pets,' says Leslie Adkins of Trex Decking.

'However, you don’t want to set it and forget it. Depending on the intensity of sunlight, you might want to occasionally swap or reposition rugs to avoid 'tan lines',' Leslie adds.

Outdoor rugs tend to be made from weather-resistant materials, but it can still be wise to keep on top of regularly cleaning your outdoor rug so that it lasts longer.

There are plenty of outdoor rugs on the market, too, meaning you can find the right one for your aesthetic - search among these beautiful outdoor rugs from Wayfair.

Leslie Adkins

Leslie Adkins is Vice President of Marketing and ESG Development at Trex Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of high-performance, low-maintenance composite decking and outdoor living products. She has extensive expertise related to outdoor design trends, along with practical tips for planning and building a dream outdoor space.

FAQs

Will my composite deck become damaged by sun?

Decking can become damaged by the sun in the form of fading, warping and cracking. While wooden decks are more susceptible to sun damage, PVC and composite decks can also be affected by direct sun exposure and high temperatures. Nevertheless, the harder structure of these decking materials makes them much more weather-resistant. You can even opt for UV-resistant decks.

'The protective outer shell resists fading, staining, and scratching and upkeep is hassle-free with no sanding, staining, or sealing required,' says Leslie Adkins, deck expert and Group Vice President of Marketing and ESG Development at Trex. 'Just an occasional cleaning with soap and water is all that’s needed to keep a composite deck looking like new for decades,' she adds.

Doing these things to protect your deck from sun damage will ensure it stays looking its best for years to come. Sun damage can happen gradually, so taking the time to put precautions in place now will pay off in the long term.

You should also regularly clean your deck to prevent debris from trapping moisture on it and causing damage such as rotting.