How to Remove Snow From Wooden Decks

When snow falls fast, it can completely cover a wooden deck in a small amount of time. Because wooden decks can become slippery when covered in snow and ice, it is important to remove the snow from them quickly to prevent falls and injuries.

• Use a broom to brush off any light, powder snow. It is best to remove this snow as soon as it falls onto the wooden deck and before it has a chance to freeze or pile up. Sweep the snow in one direction, toward the end of the porch and into the yard.


• Purchase a snow shovel with a rubber edge. Metal snow shovels may destroy the wooden deck, so plastic is better. Use the shovel to scoop the snow into a pile on one edge of the deck. You can also scoop it over the edge of the deck and into the yard. Snow shovels work well on snow that has frozen on the deck or has become tightly packed.


• Always sweep or scoop the snow in the same direction as the deck planks. This will prevent you from hitting the individual planks and damaging the deck or the snow shovel.


• If snow has turned into a layer of ice or has become too tightly packed to remove, sprinkle some salt on the deck and allow it to melt the snow. Continue to sweep or scoop the snow off the deck.


• Wear gloves and boots with good tread when removing the snow from the wooden deck. If you do not have the proper boot tread, you could slip on the deck and become injured. Gloves will help protect your hands from frostbite.