Taking good care of your Deck Box – Keeping it looking good all year long

Congratulations on purchasing the combination of storage and beauty by adding a deck box to your patio. And as you begin to use it, you’ll find that the deck box will be the perfect place to store everything your patio needs, while keeping them conveniently accessible to all of your guests. While your cushions and other accessories may be protected and cared for in the safety and comfort of your box, the exterior of your box can wear out over time. While you may now glow with natural beauty, you will slowly see the charm and brilliance fade. A stationary target opens up to collect dirt, debris, and other depressing items as time goes on. Making the perfect addition to your yard more like the perfect dirt pile.

The attraction of dirt and debris is a natural occurrence that happens to every deck box over time. Because it stays in one place year-round (and even year-round in some cases), everything Mother Nature throws in, out, and around will eventually end up against the walls of your beautiful deck box. Knowing how you can protect and clean this piece of furniture now will ensure your investment is protected for years to come, without the hassle of constantly refinishing.

If you have a plastic cover box, cleaning from time to time will be a much easier process – a natural attraction for those who live in places where all four seasons visit. Because plastic is a solid, non-porous material, keeping it clean is a very easy process. Adding a mild cleanser (like dish soap) and warm water to your plastic box will keep it clean year-round; apply as needed and allow your deck box to regain that natural shine. For larger projects, taking a stronger cleaner will help remove more stubborn stains. Always check what’s in the cleaner before applying it to your plastic case; the wrong cleaner could wear down the plastic and eventually crack the case.

If you have a wooden deck box, caring for your investment may require several more steps before it gets any easier. The materials it is made from will ultimately determine the best way to approach sealing and cleaning your outdoor furniture. While hardwoods like cedar can be given oil treatments to keep them protected, other woods (like pine or cypress) can be stained for an extra layer of protection, or even painted to your liking. Adding these protective barriers gives your case a solid layer of protection from the elements, protecting it from everything the world wants to throw at it and more. Plus, once your box has this key protective layer installed, cleaning can be as simple as taking a sponge and warm water to your box.

But if your wood deck box becomes too overloaded with dirt and debris, you can always start over by applying a light sanding to the entire box. Sanding the outer layer of the wood gives you a chance to start fresh all over again, removing the dirty layer of dirt and debris that will eventually settle in your box. Also, sanding the wood allows you to change the directions you want to go with your box. If you want to change the stain, or even paint a new pattern across the box, simply sand and start your masterpiece all over again.

Knowing how to keep your deck box clean through the seasons will help you get the best results and offer the most protection for your investment. Taking steps now to keep your box clean will ensure years of joy and protection for all of your patio accessories.