Decking Treatment

Decking Treatment

A deck is a natural extension of a house. A deck made of timber decking for example needs regular cleaning and maintenance to keep looking its best. Most importantly, taking care of the deck prevents mould, mildew, and algae from growing and spreading. Unwanted growths are hazardous for health, not the least from the deck becoming too slippery to walk on.  

Any deck, even the new one, will benefit from proper maintenance. Due to the outdoor location, a deck is continuously exposed to nature's elements. Over time, rain, snow, and even sunlight will take their toll, but a protected deck will resist those effects longer. Regular cleaning and staining will significantly prolong its lifespan, so investing in quality products pays off in the long run.  

Cleaning should always be followed by staining and sealing to ensure proper protection. Fresh staining helps to restore the deck with a new colour and sheen, while sealing protects it from the elements. With a consistent cleaning and sealing routine, it's possible to keep the deck good as new for many years.

Types of Deck Treatment Products

Both decking oils and stains come in a variety of natural colours and tones, which sometimes leads to confusion. However, a clear, colourless version exists only in oils. Clear decking oil is an enhancer of the natural colour with a clear finish, designed to penetrate into the surface of the wood. It's a product that protects wooden decks from within. Concentrated waxes and lipids make decking boards more resistant to water and dirt. At the same time, decking oil polishes and rejuvenates the look of the deck.

Deck cleaners are designed to remove dirt, grease, stains, mould, and mildew from different types of decks. While some are universal, others are more suited for a specific material. For instance, gentle all-purpose cleaners without ammonia are ideal for painted decks. These cleaners contain detergents that are commonly suitable for all exterior-type woods. Timber that lost its character can benefit from restorative cleaners with active components, while the green growths require a cleaner with mildewcide.

A decking stain is a product with a colour pigment, often available in a range of attractive shades. It can change the natural colour and character of the wood. In that perspective, a stain can be a coloured decking oil or one of the alternative coating products that leave a plastic-like film over the wooden surface. However, while the oils protect the wood from inside, decking stains are more varnish-like products that coat the surface of the deck.

Tips for Successful Decking Treatment

Consistent basic inspection, minimum once per season, will show any possible issues that may require an urgent reaction. In regular conditions, annual deck maintenance should be enough.

Acid-base cleaners and those that contain harsh chemicals such as chlorine are best to avoid. Harsh cleaners will strip the colour from the wood. A broom or a pressure washer is a useful tool for deck washing (as long as the pressure is minimal).

Staining the deck will preserve its colour, and some stains even contain mildewcide.

A simple water test can show if sealing is necessary. If water droplets sink into the wood right away, it's time. Stain coat must be fully dry before sealing, and so should be the weather.

Things to consider before buying Decking Treatment products

Washing and sealing are best to do in the late spring, once the weather gets dryer and warmer. During winter, decks are exposed to the harsh weather conditions. A good spring cleaning is an ideal way to bring them back to their prime for the heavy-duty seasons.

If for any reason, spring maintenance hasn't occurred, fall is the next best time. The temperatures are still mild in the early season, and cleaning will get rid of fallen leaves, sticks, and debris. Furthermore, sealing will protect the deck from winter conditions. Trimming nearby bushes and trees is also advised, as this will reduce the risk of green growths.