Decking can get easily weathered. Follow our easy two-step guide to keeping your decking looking fresh. You only need to do this once a year (maybe even less If you take care of it during winter)
Step 1: Clean Your Decking
Dirt and debris make decking look dull and messy, so the first step to getting a pristine deck is to clean it. You can do this by using decking cleaner. Decking cleaner is specially formulated to be kind to your wood whilst remaining effective at removing dirt, so it’s crucial that you use a cleaner that specially formulated for wood.
After applying your decking cleaner to the wood, get a stiff brush and push it over the decking to remove all dirt and grime. Remember it’s important to get all of the dirt from the tight cracks and crevices to ensure that that your wood oil bonds with the decking.
After you have brushed away all of the dirt you should power wash your decking to remove any residue from the cleaning process. (this isn’t necessary for all decking, just decking that is especially dirty).
Step 2: Oil Your Decking
Go to your local DIY store and purchase some decking oil. This will bond with your wood to give it protection from all weather conditions as well as enhancing the woods natural beauty.
- Before oiling your whole decking, apply it to a small area on your deck. This will help you to decide whether or not it is the right shade for you.
- Assuming you like the shade of your oil then go ahead and grab a sponge or a short haired roller, and dip it on your decking oil.
- Begin in the furthest corner and work your way across the decking, ensuring that it is evenly coated in oil by wiping away any excess as you go.
- Once you have finished oiling your deck then leave it to dry for 24 hours.
- Do not attempt to oil your deck if you think, it might rain in the next 24 hours, or if conditions are damp.
And voila! That’s your simple guide to making your decking look pristine ready for the year ahead.
NOTE: If your decking is brand new then wait at least 6 months before doing applying any decking treatment, to ensure all pre-treatments have naturally weathered away.