Here in northern Virginia where the chance for snow during the winter months is just as valid as the possible ice storm, caring for your outdoor deck throughout the winter can be a challenge. Luckily, with Trex composite decking, it’s not rocket science.

For removal of a light dusting of snow, a broom is all you need. For heavier snow accumulations, always use a plastic snow shovel for snow removal, as a metal shovel can scratch and damage your Trex deck. For the more advanced “wintery mix” that Centreville, VA is prone to, you may find yourself needing more than a simple shovel or broom. Thankfully, the popular ice melting methods of calcium chloride or rock salt can be used on your Trex deck with no worries of permanent damage. When purchasing ice melt, you’ll want to look for key phrases like “safe on concrete” or “won’t kill grass”. Additionally, if you have pets or small children you will want to look for disclaimers for those needs as well. Be sure to brush off residual granules after the ice has melted to avoid stains.  If a white residue has built up from ice melting methods, it can be easily rinsed off. Never use sand on your composite decking, as the abrasive material can scratch your deck causing permanent damage.

All of these simple techniques are another reason why an outdoor space using composite decking material, like Trex, is a perfect choice for a low-maintenance and long lasting deck.

Typically, people think of using their outdoor deck for only part of the year, especially in climates like northern Virginia. But here in Centreville, Virginia we like to make the most of our decks. Having a custom deck built onto your home adds more space to use for cooking, relaxing, entertaining, etc. So why not make the most of this space year round?

When you live in a climate with cold, possibly snowy winters like those we have in Centreville or Clifton, Virginia, that is a large part of the year people generally don’t think about outdoor entertaining. Perhaps the best way to combat this type of thinking is with an outdoor fire pit. If you want to make use of your beautiful Trex deck year round, a fire pit is a must! There are many different styles to chose from depending on your needs and budget. You can purchase a wood burning standalone pit in a variety of styles, or go with a more custom built-in design. If you have easy access to a gas line, or it is within your budget, a gas powered pit with glass beads or ceramic logs may suit your needs. Check out our blog post on choosing the right fire pit for your space and needs.

Another possibility for using your deck throughout those Virginia winters is a propane powered outdoor heater. Make outdoor grilling a winter activity as well! Easy to find at a number of large home improvement stores, an outdoor heater will give warmth without taking up a lot of space. An outdoor heater is also more flexible than a fire pit, in that you can move it to where you need it – near the grill when you are cooking, then around the table when you are enjoying your meal.

You spent time designing the look of your outdoor entertainment area; you should be able to spend as much time as possible using that space. Use some of these tips to stretch the use of your Trex deck year round!