A Guide to Looking after Your Wooden Decking
In this blog, we look at what is the best treatment for decking, how to look after your wooden decking including cleaning tips, how to prime your wood and when to examine your deck. So read on to find out everything there is to know!
In this article:
Clean Your Deck
Before you start doing any DIY work on your wooden deck, you should clean it first. This not only makes it easier to do any DIY, but it also helps prevent any dirt from damaging the decking over time. For a speedy and effective clean, why not try our exterior cleaner to help remove grey discolouration, green deposits and dirt. A pressure washer can also work if you’re a bit tight on time. Before applying any products to your deck, make sure to sweep your deck first to remove any loose debris like leaves.
Use Wood Protector
Now your deck is cleaned and ready - now comes protection. Using an effective wood protector helps to enhance the natural look of the wood and prevents any cracking or splitting, as well as providing UV and anti-fungal protection. Our Hybrid Wood Protector also helps to keep your wood healthier for longer, as it can help prevent damage caused by all weather conditions and regular use. Rubio Monocoat’s Hybrid Wood Protector can be used for colouring and protecting exterior wood with only 1 single layer - saving you the time of having to layer on the solution.
Examine Your Deck Regularly
The answer to 'how do I best care for my timber decking?' involves regular cleaning and maintenance. Check for any damage, including cracks and splintering, and make repairs as soon as possible so that any damage doesn't get worse. Clean your deck regularly with our Exterior Cleaner. Also, make sure to sweep your deck regularly to ensure there’s no build-up of loose debris. Be sure to clean up any spills immediately so they don't stain the wood and cause other problems later on. It's also a good idea to examine your deck to see when it might need restaining or painting, or simply treating it with our Hybrid Wood Protector.
You should treat your decking more regularly if you use your decking frequently. If your deck is kept in a more dark and shady area, it’s more prone to dampness and mould so it’ll also need treatment more often. When water infiltrates the wood, this can cause the decking to turn grey and require treatment to bring its colour back to life. When previous treatments start to wear off, this can also damage the wood meaning it's important to keep on top of maintenance.
Re-stain or Paint Every Few Years
Re-staining your deck is important to keep it looking its best. It's recommended that you do this every year, but other factors can affect how often you need to re-stain. First, make sure not to stain excessively.
We hope that this blog answers the question of 'what’s the best treatment for wood decking?' and provides you with some helpful tips on how to look after your timber decking. Caring for your timber deck isn't hard… but it does require regular maintenance.
