Your wooden deck should give you 15 to 20 years of good service---if you take good care of it. If not, you could be looking at expensive repairs or replacement within 10 years.

Prime your deck for summer fun (and a long life) with the following tips:

WASH

Wash it thoroughly using plain water, a power washer (you can rent one) and a stiff-bristled cracks and between the deck and the house.

INSPECT

Inspect carefully for any sign of deterioration (discoloration, mildew, popping nails or screws, etc.), particularly at butted joints or other points where wood touches wood.

REPLACE

Replace damaged or rotting boards and drive in or replace protruding nails or screws.

CHECK

Check the concrete footings, which should rise six inches (15 centimeters) above the ground to protect the supporting posts from both moisture and termites. If the footings are sinking or lifting, your deck is improperly supported; call a professional for help.

ENSURE

Ensure that stairs do not rest directly on the ground; they should be set in concrete or rest on concrete or crushed stone.

SEAL

Seal or stain your deck with water repellent, preferably environmentally friendly, products.