Because harsh winter weather is quickly approaching, you might be wondering how you can protect the exterior of your home from the crazy Midwest weather.

These five tips for protecting a wood deck from inclement weather will give you the tools you need for your deck to look party-ready in the summer.

Bring In Outdoor Furniture

When you’re preparing your deck for harsh weather, the first thing you should do is bring in your outdoor furniture. Clean, cover, and store them somewhere for safekeeping such as the tool shed, garage, or basement. Bringing your furniture indoors protects all of it from weather-related damage.

Remove All Debris

Remove any debris you might have on your deck such as potted plants, lamps, and anything that might get damaged during a storm. Clearing your deck for the winter and spring months allows you to protect your belongings and bring them back out when it’s safe.

Apply Weather-Repellent Sealant

Now that the deck is clear, coat the surface with a weather-repellant sealant. It will prevent the weather from causing significant damage to the deck’s material. You may need to remove previous finishes from the wood before you do this, though, and that could require some extra time.

Cover Your Deck

Once your deck is clean and the seal has been applied, consider covering it with a large tarp to prevent leaves, dirt, and other debris from gathering on it. You’ll prevent moisture from seeping into cracks and tiny, hard-to-reach areas when you have an extra layer of protection.

Remove Snow Regularly

Shovel your deck regularly to remove mounds of snow and ice. This way, it’ll look beautiful even when the winter weather is dreary. Remove piles of snow on any traditional wood porch posts to ensure they’re in tip-top shape when the warmer weather returns!

Follow these five tips for protecting a wood deck from inclement weather to ensure you’re ready to entertain later this year!