Maintaining Timber Decking

With a deck, you can entertain your friends and family, so it’s vital to ensure that it always looks good and is well cared for. There’s nothing like giving your deck a thorough clean to bring it back to life and, with the help of this quick guide to timber decking maintenance, it will look great again. 

What you need

• Gloves
• Mask
• Safety glasses
• Bucket
• High-pressure washer
• Brooms
• Measuring cup
• Deck cleaner

How to Clean your Deck

Maintaining a timber deck requires less time and money than you might think. Follow these simple rules below, and you can keep your deck looking its best for years to come.

1. Clean the deck
   
   Clean the deck with a soft broom to remove any dirt or leaves. This will help prevent particles from building up and damaging the deck. If the deck needs a more thorough clean, use a more durable bristled brush and some water.
   
   
2. Use a high-pressure washer
   
   With a high-pressure washer, you can remove the remaining dirt. Make sure that you carefully go over the whole deck. And if you’re cleaning an old deck, take care that high pressure doesn’t splinter or crack the wood.
   
   For your safety, wear protective gloves, closed-in shoes, safety glasses and hearing protection when using a high-pressure washer. If you don’t have a high-pressure washer, you can use a hose.
   
   
3. Create a mixer of cleaner and water
   
   Mix the deck cleaner with water. Following the instructions on the packaging to get the correct balance. Use a measuring cup to accurately measure the cleaner. Mix the solution together thoroughly.
   
   Ensure that you’re wearing a mask, safety goggles and protective gloves while working with the cleaning solution.
   
   
4. Scrub the deck
   
   Now dip your clean broom or brush into the mixture and start scrubbing the deck. Thoroughly scrub each part of the deck to avoid spotting and leave it for 10–20 minutes.
   
   Ensure that the cleaning solution doesn’t touch any plants or furniture. If it does, rinse it off immediately.
   
   
5. Use a high-pressure washer again
   
   Now it’s time to clean the deck with the high-pressure washer again. Make sure you wash away all the cleaning solution along with any grime and dirt. Leave the deck to dry.
   
   
6. Seal the wood with decking oil
   
   
   • Decking oil can help protect your deck from UV rays that can cause boards to crack or shrink. Your deck may appear very dry and faded if oil is not applied
     
     
   • First, remove any leaves and any water-damaged timber using sandpaper or a sanding device. This will easily remove the damaged surface layer of the wood.
     
     
   • Opt for either a water- or oil-based decking oil
     
     
   • Brush the oil onto the deck smoothly, covering all areas where the deck is exposed
     
     
   • Let the oil dry as recommended on the packaging
     
     
7. Enjoy your refreshed deck
   
   Now you have a clean and fabulous looking deck, so put back any outdoor furniture. 

How Often Should you Clean your Deck?

Give your deck a thorough clean once a year. It also needs to be sanded slightly so the protective sealers can seep more into the timber. Some companies suggest a dry spring day is perfect for your annual deep cleaning.

Should you oil the deck?

By oiling the deck, you can protect it from the UV rays that can cause it to crack and shrink. Depending on which type of oil you use, it can also enhance the current colour of your deck. While choosing the oil, you have two options on the market: water-based and non-water based. 

Both will sufficiently protect your timber deck, but they do have some minor differences. Research what will work best for your situation. It’s essential that you thoroughly clean your deck of dirt and debris before applying water-based oil, as it will affect the result. 

Should you stain the deck?

Staining will give a lustrous, polished look and highlight the unique features of the timber. A good quality stain should also be water-resistant and contain UV protection for prevention against weathering.

When should you stain or oil your deck? 

When you drop water on your floor, and it soaks in rather than beading up. First, decide what type of stain you want to apply: a transparent stain or a solid colour? Now, take a brush to apply the stain to all the visible areas of the deck. Make sure that you’re putting the dye in all the cracks. 

Conclusion

Overall, taking care of your timber deck is quite simple and easy. The most significant aspect of care will be keeping your deck clean and performing regular timber deck maintenance tasks, like oiling, staining or deep cleaning on a semi-regular basis. A deck can improve any home and it is much easier to take care of it regularly than paying for a full replacement.