"Haven't tried eco-friendly sealants yet, though...are they budget-friendly or am I gonna have to sell a kidney?"
They're not as pricey as you'd think. I've used a couple of eco-friendly sealants on my deck and fence, and honestly, the upfront cost was only slightly higher than regular stuff. But they seem to last longer, so it evens out over time. Plus, fewer fumes and easier cleanup—definitely worth skipping the DIY nightmare weekend you mentioned. Just shop around a bit; prices vary quite a lot between brands.
Totally agree they're worth it. I switched to eco-friendly sealants about two years ago, and honestly, the fewer headaches alone make up for the slight price bump. Plus, my deck seems to hold up way better through harsh weather—less peeling and cracking overall.
I hear you on the eco-friendly sealants. I switched last summer after my old deck turned into a splintery nightmare—seriously, walking barefoot was like navigating a minefield. Now it's way smoother and seems to handle rainstorms without turning into a slip-n-slide. As for checking safety, I probably eyeball it casually every few months...usually when I'm grilling and suddenly wonder if today's the day I fall through, burger in hand.
Good call on the eco-friendly sealants. Splinters are no joke, especially if you've got kids running around barefoot in summer. Honestly though, eyeballing every few months might be fine for surface stuff, but I'd recommend a thorough inspection at least once a year—checking underneath for rot or loose fasteners. Had a client last year whose deck looked great up top but was quietly rotting underneath...not fun to discover mid-BBQ. Curious, have you ever checked under the deck, or mostly just the surface?
You're spot on about checking underneath—I get the logic—but honestly, I've found annual deep checks a bit overkill for some decks, especially newer builds. When I first started buying properties, I'd crawl under decks religiously every year, flashlight and all...but after a while, I realized some decks really don't need that frequent of a deep dive. Had one place built just a couple years prior, and after three thorough inspections with zero issues, I eased up to every other year. Still safe, still solid, nothing lurking below.
That said, older decks or ones in damp climates can be sneaky. Had a rental once where the surface looked pristine, but underneath was a mess of moldy boards and rusted hardware. Learned that lesson quick—definitely worth checking thoroughly if your deck is older or exposed to moisture regularly. But for newer setups, eyeballing regularly plus a deep check every couple years might be fine. Just my two cents, anyway.
