Decks, patios and outdoor kitchens in Austin

Decks and pergolas

UV is the primary enemy here, and untreated wood greys and checks fast on a south-facing deck.

• Clean and re-seal wood decks every one to two years in this climate.
• Probe joists and ledger boards for soft spots annually.
• Check ledger flashing where the deck attaches to the house.
• Re-tighten hardware, which loosens as wood expands and contracts.

Stone, pavers and concrete

Limestone and flagstone are everywhere in Austin, and both are porous enough to stain and grow mildew in shade.

• Wash annually, and soft wash anything sealed or painted.
• Re-sand paver joints where weeds and ants take hold.
• Reseal stained concrete every few years to keep it from spalling.

Outdoor kitchens and water lines

The freeze list applies outside too, and outdoor kitchen plumbing is the item people forget.

• Shut off and drain outdoor sink lines before a hard freeze.
• Cover grills and clean burners, since Austin humidity corrodes them.
• Check gas connections annually for leaks with soapy water.
• Clear drains in covered patios so storm water does not back toward the house.

Questions we get

How often should a deck be sealed in Austin?

Every one to two years for a sun-exposed deck. Shaded decks can go longer, but they need mildew cleaning more often.

Why is my limestone patio turning orange?

Iron in irrigation water reacting with the stone. Adjust the sprinkler spray pattern and clean the stone, since sealing over the stain locks it in.

Do outdoor kitchens need winterizing in Austin?

Yes. Any exposed water line can burst during a hard freeze, and outdoor lines almost never have insulation or heat nearby.

Keep reading

• Pressure washing vs soft washing in Austin · Exterior
• The Austin freeze prep checklist · Seasonal
• Exterior paint and caulk under Texas sun · Exterior