Summer Deck Maintenance
Keep your outdoor living space looking its best and extend its lifespan with essential summer deck maintenance. This guide covers cleaning, minor repairs, and sealing to protect your deck from the elements, all achievable with tools borrowed from your local tool library.
Buy vs. Borrow Breakdown
Toggle tools on or off to see exactly how much you'd save by borrowing from a local tool library instead of buying.
Project Cost Calculator
Check off tools you already own to see your real savings.
Tools Needed
7 of 7 tools needed
Buy Everything
$425
$350 tools + $75 materials
Rent Tools
$125
$50/day + $75 materials
Borrow From Library
$75
Free tools + $75 materials
You could save
$350
by borrowing tools from a library instead of buying them
Tools You'll Need
Check your local tool library — most carry every tool on this list.
- Pressure WasherEssential
- Stiff Bristle Deck BrushEssential
- Cordless Drill/Driver
- Orbital Sander
- Paint Roller Frame & CoverEssential
- Paint TrayEssential
- Scraper
Materials You'll Buy
Materials are the only real cost — hardware stores near you have everything.
- Deck Cleaner (oxygen bleach based)
- Deck Stain or Sealer (oil-based or water-based)
- Wood Filler (for small cracks/holes)
- Exterior Grade Deck Screws
- Drop Cloths/Plastic Sheeting
- Painter's Tape
- Safety Goggles
- Work Gloves
Find a Library With These Tools
Search 2,000+ tool lending libraries across the US. Most carry every tool on this project list — completely free to borrow.
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The full step-by-step walkthrough includes photos, pro tips, common mistakes to avoid, and safety callouts.
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