Potted plants can add natural elements of beauty to your deck, lending your outdoor space an inviting and bright atmosphere. However, they can also trap moisture and soil beneath them, which can mar your deck contractor's work by causing stains or mold growth. To help keep your deck in prime condition, here are a few practical tips.

How to Prevent Deck Damage Caused by Potted Plants

1. Elevate Them

When potted plants rest on your deck, moisture can start to sink in below them, preventing adequate airflow along the deck and potentially risking water damage. If possible, don't put the potted plants directly on the deck's surface. You can place them instead on plant stands or outdoor end tables, or consider using hanging potted plants. You can also get planter feet that raise the pots by a few inches without completely altering the overall effect of your plant arrangement. 

2. Use Drain Pans

Drainage is key to preventing root rot and mold growth in your plants, but the drainage holes in the bottoms of the pots can cause soil and water to collect on your deck, even if they're elevated. To avoid this problem, rest potted plants in drain pans to collect excess water and soil to prevent damage like staining and rot. It's recommended to clean the pans out before each watering, so they don't overflow or grow mold of their own.

3. Rearrange Them

Routinely moving your plants around can ensure the deck wears evenly if you aren't able to elevate them. It prevents the deck's wood from being overexposed to moisture and allows you to clean beneath them. In fact, it can be beneficial for your plants, too. Moving them to a completely different area of the deck each week gives them sun exposure from different angles, encouraging fuller, more well-rounded growth. 

4. Seal Your Deck

Having your deck contractor perform regular maintenance can help protect the surface from all sorts of damage, including damage related to potted plants. The sealant creates a barrier over the wood, preventing moisture and stain-causing substances from absorbing into it to preserve the integrity of the structure. Wooden decks should be sealed on a regular basis, roughly every two years or so, for optimal protection.

If potted plants have damaged your deck, trust Reese Construction LLC in Fontana, KS, to perform skilled repairs and maintenance. Licensed and insured, their deck contractors have over 20 years of experience. If your deck is old or extensively damaged, they can also build a custom deck to replace it. They use quality materials, have fair rates, and even offer remodeling services. See everything they can do for you online, and call the deck contractor at (913) 749-2425.