How To Maintain Garden Decking

You should be inspecting your decking as often as you can to check for problem areas. This can be anywhere that has become warped, cracked, damaged or needs replacing entirely.

Although you can be checking at any time of year, it's best to conduct inspections when the decking is dry and warmer in the summer months, but you'll notice areas that are becoming damp and damaged during periods of rainfall and snow. Some areas you should be inspecting in greater detail are areas of connection. By this, we mean where the ledger board meets the house, or if you have any stairs. 

During these inspections, you should be replacing any damaged boards. The same goes for areas with raised or exposed nails, as they can act as trip hazards and cause more problems if not dealt with. It's easier and cheaper to replace damaged boards or boards that are being to warp and change shape than replacing larger areas because you haven't inspected regularly. 

You should be wearing protective gear during this process and only removing what you feel comfortable with. A hammer can remove nails and then raise the damaged board. Saws and other blades may be needed when cutting or trimming a board to remove it, and then the wood will need to be measured and cut to match the hole. 

PAlthough you should be cleaning and sweeping your decking much more regularly, ideally when you're conducting an inspection or before a gathering of people, an annual clean is also advised. This will be a much deeper clean than what is done throughout the year and can involve chemicals and a pressure washer. Be sure to use more delicate chemicals that agree with your type of wood, as using bleach-based chemicals can lead to erosion and decolourisation.

Get in touch if you have any queries on what product to use. You'll find better results by getting down on your hands and knees and pulling out any weeds, also. Getting in between the cracks on your decking can prove beneficial, as these areas will be prone to moss and mould, or even fungus growth. A stiff brush is also going to be needed before any power washing can take place. Putting in some elbow grease every year can help your decking last much longer. 

Getting a protective coating on your decking will also provide more durability and resilience against elements, contaminants, and the weather.  If you've never had one done before, then you can also stain or seal the decking. Sometimes this becomes an annual or bi-annual thing, but it's wise to talk to a professional for advice. Here are some quick-fire tips for sealing and staining, if you're interested:

Waterdrop tests should be conducted to see if the decking requires new sealing. Pour some water onto the decking, and see if it's absorbed or not. If it's absorbed, you will benefit from a protective sealing immediately. If not absorbed, then the wood is sealed and will continue to provide protection.

Cover all nearby plants and bushes, as the stainer or sealer can damage and kill any shrubs. Painters tape should be applied to the connection between the deck and the house to stop any potential stains. Paint scrapers or stiff brushes can remove old paint, dirt, and other contaminants. If you want to oil decking, then you need to remove any oil beforehand. Stripping this can be easy after you've learned what to do. Using the right oil for your decking can be assisted by a professional.

Sanding your wooden decking is also a viable option and can be done to provide a much smoother surface. If you're going to be stealing or staining, then sanding the deck down beforehand can bring about a better result overall.

Be sure to use the correct type of sandpaper for the mainboards compared to any handrails. Orbital sanders can be used to level out rougher areas, and you should always vacuum at the end to avoid dust from setting. 

The process of applying a wood stain or sealant is a precise one, and you'd be better off following the guidelines. Apply any product to the handrails first, and this can be easier through a paintbrush. Work your way down to the surface of the wooden boards. You'll find it much more efficient to spread sealant or stainer across the boards with a natural-bristle brush, as this can cover wider areas than a smaller one.

You should then let this soak into the boards and remove any excess that hasn't been absorbed with a sponge or rag. Some deckings will require a second coating, especially more porous ones. Most won't, however, so leave the decking for 24 hours or until it has completely dried.