Perhaps you have recently renovated your home and added a new deck. To keep your deck looking its best for its lifetime, it must undertake regular maintenance. You must clean and oil your deck, plus check for loose or damaged boards or nails that need resecuring.
Moisture, UV radiation, and mould are the biggest causes of discolouration in your timber. Yet you can avoid discolouration and damage with some extra care.
Find out how you can maintain the original look of your deck.
Restoration
Your deck requires regular restoration to bring it back to its original colour. The frequency of which largely depends on the seal you used during its construction. Ideally, a recoat at least every 12 months is adequate for durability and maintaining the original look.
But a deck that gets exposed to water and UV radiation requires frequent restoration.
Cleaning
The first thing you can do to help maintain your deck is to clean it weekly. Pay special attention to the gaps as they accumulate dirt and garden matter and can lead to serious issues. Debris that get stuck in the gaps will eventually decay and cause discolouration and premature rotting of the timbers, especially soft timbers.
There are specific deck cleaning products you should use to keep the deck clean enough for the oil (which we will get to later) to effectively soak in.
Oiling
Next comes oiling. A timber specialist can advise you on the best oil product for the type of timber and the weather conditions in your area.
Be sure to take careful note of the instructions on the tin. They tell you how to apply it, how long it takes to dry, and when to apply the second coat.
It is recommended that you try the decking oil on a small off-cut of your deck or an inconspicuous section to check that it doesn’t dramatically change the colour of your timber.
After making sure of this, you may coat the timber on all sides. Make sure to include the end grain, so that water will settle on the surface rather than be absorbed into the timber.
Sanding
Examine and check all surfaces of your timber regularly and check for signs of unevenness and deterioration. If you see the signs, you may lightly sand down the areas.
Check for special ingredients in your decking oil
Special ingredients such as UV absorbers and pigments block the sun’s radiation from bleaching the timber surface. They help maintain the natural colour of the timber over the long term and improve the longevity of your deck.
Check for mould inhibitors in the ingredients especially if you live in cold and humid environments. Constant moisture can cause the growth of mould on the surface and within the timber. The mould inhibitors help to reduce its growth, with the added quality of helping protect the timber from stains.
Another point worth noting…
Use turps on a rag to clean any mess from oiling.
Now, it is possible to go the DIY way when it comes to restoring, cleaning, and oiling your deck. If you are not confident to DIY, it is best to leave it to the professionals.
If you would like to update your deck as part of your major home extension and renovation in northern Sydney, please contact me and I will help make sure your deck looks inviting.
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