In many parts of the country weather has changed. Thus, family activities have moved indoors. This means you'll never have the deck more available for deck maintenance than now. But if you're waist deep in snow, you might have to wait a bit. But if it's just chilly and gray, that's an ideal time. Perform a full inspection of all surfaces -- looking for boards that need repair or replacement. If one is damaged or has cupped or checked, flip it over or exchange it with a better one from another location. Once things are all tightened, secured and ship-shape, test to see if it is time to reseal. Then consider those special touches you've wanted -- like benches and planters. The weather might not be the best, but you won't have kids, dogs or relatives to contend with either. So hit the deck. And that's the On The House tip for today.