Your timber deck is the perfect place
to entertain guests on a Saturday afternoon.
It adds value to your home, gives you,
family and friends the perfect spot to hang out and, it’s low
maintenance. It’s a win-win-win!
All this is absolutely true, and
decking IS low maintenance, but don’t confuse that with NO
maintenance.
Your timber decking needs a bit of TLC
to keep it looking amazing and to ensure it retains its value.
Not to mention that giving your deck
a bit of regular attention could save you thousands down the track.
We’ve compiled a simple
do-it-yourself guide for basic timber deck maintenance –
essentially it’s all about cleaning.
None of the steps are complicated; it’s
just a matter of devoting some time (and a little money) so that your
deck can remain the perfect weekend hangout for many years to come.
You should give your deck a really good
clean at least once a year. This is important as even though the
timber has most likely been treated to protect against insects and
decay, that doesn’t mean it’s bullet-proof. Constant exposure to
the elements will see your deck deteriorate over time if you don’t
step in.
Firstly remove EVERYTHING from the
deck. This includes chairs, tables and the barbecue. Note - when you
put the larger items back after cleaning, we recommend you place
them in slightly different positions. This will help prevent wood
discolouration.
When the deck is completely bare,
it’s a great opportunity to check for problems like rot, cracks in
the timber, loose nails or discolouration. If you identify rot or
any other serious problems, we suggest getting in touch with a
timber flooring professional to determine treatment options.
Assuming your deck is in good
shape; give it a thorough sweep. Make sure you remove any debris
from the cracks or, you could be paving the way for rot problems in
the future. Be careful not to scratch the timber as you sweep.
Next up the fun part! We recommend
using old fashioned elbow grease to scrub your deck. Use a soft
bristled brush and a cleaning product that is suitable for your
decking type. OK so this part is not exactly fun, but doing it this
way will give you the best results. The EASY way to clean though is
with a power washer but, you need to do it carefully as the pressure
can actually damage the wood. If you do choose this option, read up
on how to use the washer to avoid damaging the deck.
Your deck should now be looking
super-clean. Give it a good rinse and then take a break and allow
your deck ample time to dry out.
One you’re sure your deck is
dry; it’s a good idea to seal it with oil. If you’re not sure
what type of oil is best for your decking type, contact your local
timber seller or hardware store.
That’s it, you’re done! Now you can
sit back, crank up the barbie, and enjoy your beautiful, clean deck
with peace of mind.
