Now that leaves are sprouting and buds are blooming, the chirps of those morning songbirds have likely put a spring in your step—and a post-winter project list on your fridge. Before you can get back outside and soak up some sun, it’s time to clean and prep the deck or patio that’s been out in the elements all winter.

Winter weather takes a toll on decks, patios and other outdoor living spaces. If the idea of prepping your deck or patio seems daunting, we’ve compiled a simple list of tips. These pointers will help you prep your outdoor space for entertaining or enjoying a morning cup of coffee or tea.

Grab your earbuds and grungiest clothes and read these deck prep tips before heading outside to reclaim the space that brings you joy.

1. Sweep winter debris away.

Whether you have a wooden deck or a concrete patio, your first step is to clean the space of leaves, dirt and cobwebs. Grab a sturdy outdoor broom or leaf blower and clear your outdoor space of debris so the space is cleared and easy to work with.

2. Make necessary repairs.

Once your space is cleaned up, assess the condition of the wood, concrete or brick and perform any necessary repairs.

“Look for loose or squeaky boards, splinters, and any cracked or warped wood, and repair or replace any of these damaged boards to avoid further wear,” says Michael Clarke, a landscaper architect, horticulturist and founder of the online landscaping platform Yardwork. Clark also recommends tightening or replacing any screws that are rusted or worn.

If your concrete patio has small cracks, use a concrete patch repair or sealant to fill the cracks. Replace any damaged bricks.

If you’re handy, you may be able to tackle these repairs yourself. If not, contact a professional landscape architect or painter for the job.

3. Scrub or pressure wash.

Now that the deck or patio materials are in good condition, pressure wash the surface using a pressure washer cleaning solution. You can also use a cleaning solution designed specifically for your outdoor space surface such as a composite deck cleaner or concrete patio cleaner. This step ensures the surface is clean, especially if you’re sanding a wood surface before staining.

If you don’t own a pressure washer, you can rent one from a home improvement store or hire the job out to a pressure washing professional.

“Once this is completed, you’ll want to use a belt sander [on deck boards] or a hand sander for large, flat areas and a smaller sander for edges and corners, allowing stain and sealer to be absorbed into the wood surface,” says Clarke.

4. Stain or paint your surface.

For wood decks, now it’s time to stain the surface to make it look new again. But aesthetic appeal isn’t the only reason to stain a wood floor, side rails and steps. Staining pressure-treated deck wood lengthens its lifespan by protecting it from moisture penetration, wood rot and UV rays.

Staining with a high-quality product also helps prevent insect infestation, mold and mildew. This Old House recommends mixing one gallon of oil-based stain with one-half pint of exterior-grade varnish and applying two coats with a sponge applicator. For the floor, use a sponge stain applicator that’s extension-handle compatible. For sides and corners, use a hand-held stain sponge.

Once you’ve applied the stain, Clarke recommends applying a clear deck sealer to provide long-term protection from moisture, sun and foot traffic. “The sealer helps keep the wood from absorbing water, which could lead to rotting or warping,” Clarke says. “Applying a sealer every year will prolong the life of your deck and keep it looking good.”

Staining is preferred for wood decks, because it enhances the natural grain and provides UV protection, says Clarke. “Paint, on the other hand, offers a more uniform color but can peel over time,” he says.

If your patio has a concrete surface, painting it with an epoxy-based paint for stain resistance and durability is ideal, or you can use a low-luster acrylic latex paint or masonry paint to conceal imperfections, according to Home Depot. Apply a concrete primer and let it dry before applying paint.

Safety Tip: Be careful when disposing those oil-soaked rags. They are a spontaneous combustion risk. To keep them from igniting, it is recommended to lay out the rags flat in a single layer or hang dry outdoors or in a well-ventilated area after use. Once dry completely, store them in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid.

5. Spruce up patio furniture.

If you left your patio furniture outside in the elements last winter, you’ll need to give it all a good scrubbing before you and your guests can sit outdoors in style and comfort. Use a garden hose to spray off metal tables, chairs and loungers.

Use a sponge or cloth and soapy water to clean each piece thoroughly and then rinse with the hose. For best results, clean any patio furniture according to the furniture manufacturer’s instructions.

If you stored patio furniture cushions indoors or in large storage containers outside, they may be ready to use after dusting them off. But if you left patio cushions exposed outside, you’ll need to clean them, following the manufacturer’s instructions. If they’re too far gone, purchase replacement cushions for a new look.

6. Mosquito-proof the space.

The last thing you want while sipping a cocktail on a balmy night are vicious mosquitoes bleeding you dry. Follow these tips to keep everyone’s most hated insect away.

  • Make sure there’s no standing water from empty pots and containers, gutters, or dips in the yard where water collects. It’s also a good idea to keep grass and weeds short so mosquitoes don’t choose them as hidden resting places.
  • To repel mosquitoes naturally, place citronella candles on deck rails and tables and space citronella torches several feet apart around the perimeter of the patio or deck.
  • Plant mint, eucalyptus, citronella and lemongrass, which are all natural mosquito repellents.
  • Hang bird feeders to attract birds, which eat mosquitos and help keep the mosquito population in check.
  • Call a pest control professional that specializes in mosquitos to treat the grass, trees and bushes in your yard.

7. Get creative.

Now comes the fun part of decorating your outdoor space. Hang solar or electric string lights, globes or lanterns, which come in various colors and styles. Roll out colorful outdoor rugs, unfurl a patio umbrella or two, or cover the space with an outdoor canopy to protect from rain and UV rays.

Finally, make sure your homeowner’s insurance policy has enough liability and property damage coverage for safe entertaining.

Safety Tip: When enjoying your space, remember essential grill safety tips. For example, be sure that your grill is not facing your house or siding, as it could cause damage over time. Keep it at least 3 feet from any deck rails or eaves. Clean your grill after each use, avoiding utensils with wire bristles.

Share your deck and patio prep tips!

Do you have any tips or ideas for getting your deck and patio ready for spring and summer relaxation? Share them with readers in the comments!