Practical steps that protect your investment all winter long
Ontario winters are no joke — heavy snow, freeze–thaw cycles, moisture, and long stretches of cold can be tough on any outdoor living space. Whether you have a composite deck, a multi-level setup, or a full backyard build, proper winterizing keeps everything looking great and lasting longer.
Here’s how to winterize your deck and outdoor space the right way in Ontario.
1. Start With a Deep Clean Before Temperatures Drop
A clean deck handles winter better. Dirt, leaves, and organic debris trap moisture, which can lead to staining, mildew, and freeze-related issues.
Give your deck a quick reset:
- Sweep all debris off the boards
- Clean between boards (a simple putty knife works)
- Wash the surface with warm water + a mild deck cleaner
- Rinse thoroughly and let it fully dry
For composite decks, this is especially important — the boards won’t rot, but stains can freeze in place for months.
2. Inspect for Damage While Everything Is Still Visible
Small issues become big problems once snow covers everything.
Do a quick walkaround of:
- Railings
- Stairs
- Joist connections
- Posts, beams, and privacy walls
- Hardware (loose screws, popped nails)
Tightening hardware and repairing weak points now ensures your deck handles the added weight of winter snow without shifting.
3. Protect Composite, PVC, or Wood Surfaces Differently
Different materials react differently to Ontario winter conditions.
Composite & PVC decks:
Low maintenance — usually no sealing needed. Just keep them clean and free of debris. They handle winter extremely well.
Pressure-treated wood or hardwood decks:
These benefit from a fall seal. A penetrating stain or water-repellent sealer helps reduce moisture absorption and cracking during freeze–thaw cycles.
If you’re unsure what your deck needs, a simple water test works:
Drip water on the boards — if it absorbs quickly, it’s time to reseal.
4. Take Down or Store Outdoor Furniture
Not everything needs to be brought inside, but Ontario weather isn’t gentle.
Best practices:
- Store cushions and fabric items indoors.
- Fold or stack patio furniture if space allows.
- Cover items with weather-rated furniture covers if leaving them outside.
Modern composite decks can handle furniture year-round, but avoid dragging heavy items once the boards freeze.
5. Protect Your Railings, Privacy Screens & Built-Ins
Glass railings, aluminum posts, and composite privacy walls hold up extremely well in winter. Still, a few small steps help preserve them:
- Tighten any loose clips or brackets
- Ensure privacy screens are secured against high winds
- Remove anything hanging on railings (planters, décor, string lights)
- Check that pergolas or shade structures don’t have loose fabric or hardware
Winter wind in Ontario can snap cables or shake loose components if they aren’t secured.
6. Avoid Salt or Harsh Ice-Melters on Your Deck
This is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make.
Never use rock salt or harsh de-icers on composite, PVC, or wood — they can damage the surface and corrode hardware.
Instead, use:
- Calcium chloride (the safest option for decking)
- A plastic shovel (never metal)
- A push broom for light snow
Let the sun do the rest. Composite and PVC boards warm up and melt snow faster than you’d think.
7. Manage Snow the Right Way
You don’t need to remove every snowfall — decks are designed to carry heavy loads. What you want to avoid is ice buildup and compacted snow.
General guidelines:
- Only remove snow when it becomes deep or heavy
- Shovel with the boards, not across them
- Avoid chipping at ice (use melt products instead)
Multi-level decks especially benefit from keeping stairs and main walkways clear for safety.
8. Winterize Your Entire Outdoor Living Space
It’s not just the deck boards that need attention.
If you have a full outdoor setup, make sure to prep these as well:
- Hot tubs: lower water levels, secure the cover
- Outdoor kitchens: shut off water lines, cover appliances
- Gas fire tables: close the gas valve, store the tank safely
- Landscape lighting: check connections and replace any dying bulbs
- Softscape: trim plants around the deck to prevent debris buildup
Little steps now save you headaches in March.
Final Thoughts
Winterizing your deck isn’t complicated — but doing it properly protects your investment from Ontario’s harsh freeze–thaw cycles. A clean, sealed, and well-prepared deck will emerge from winter in far better condition, ready for spring without major repairs.
