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 for all your guests. While your cushions and other accessories may be protected and cared for in the safety and comfort of your box, the outside of your box can wear and tear over time. While you may now glow with natural beauty, you will slowly see the allure and sparkle fade. A stationary target opens up to collect dirt, debris, and other depressing items as time goes by. Making the perfect addition to your patio 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), whatever Mother Nature throws around, out and about will eventually end up against the walls of your beautiful deck box. By knowing how you can protect and clean this piece of furniture now, you’ll ensure your investment is protected for years to come, without the hassle of constant refinishing.
If you have a plastic deck box, cleaning it from time to time will be a much easier process – a natural attraction for those who live in places where all four seasons are visited. Since plastic is a solid, non-porous material, keeping it clean is a very easy process. Bringing a mild cleaner (like dish soap) and warm water to your plastic crate will keep it clean all year long; Apply when needed and allow your deck box to return to that natural shine. For larger projects, using a stronger cleaner will help remove stubborn stains. Always check what is in the cleaner before applying it to your plastic crate; the wrong cleaner could wear down the plastic and eventually crack the case.
If you have a wood deck box, caring for your investment may take several more steps before it becomes any easier. The materials it is made of will ultimately determine the best way to approach sealing and cleaning your outdoor furniture. While hardwoods like cedar can receive 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 against 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 wooden deck box becomes too overloaded with dirt and debris, you can always start over by lightly sanding the entire box. Sanding the outer layer of the wood gives you a chance to start over once more, removing the dirty layer of dirt and debris that will eventually settle on 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 down and start your masterpiece all over again.
Knowing how to keep your deck box clean throughout 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 your patio accessories.