Deck care: how to treat decking to keep it looking great all year round

Whether you’re looking to carry out some upgrades, or simply want to restore your decking to its shining glory, cleaning and treating it is essential. 

Continued deck maintenance is crucial to keep your outside space in the best possible shape throughout the seasons. With the right care, your decking will remain an eye-catching and functional space for years to come. 

If you’re looking to improve your decking on a budget, a thorough clean and treatment can also be an excellent choice.

Deck maintenance: Things to consider

There are several factors to consider when you’re maintaining and caring for your decking. 

The current season, and how exposed your decking is to the elements is a significant aspect – winter care poses different challenges to the summer months. 

The condition of your decking is also important to examine, as this will determine exactly what steps you need to take and how much work needs to be done. Sun-damaged decking will be treated differently to decking in shaded, leafy areas that could be prone to mould. 

The type of decking you have is obviously central to your treatment method too. This guide will focus on wood decking, but we have previously covered how to care for uPVC decking.

How to clean decking

First things first, you need to clean your decking. Treating your decking before it has been thoroughly cleaned will mean that any stains, oils, or protectors won’t have the desired effect. A greasy surface may mean that your stain doesn’t stick properly and peels, while mould and mildew can make it hard to get a consistent coating. Dirt on the wood may also prevent oil from soaking in fully and leave with a patchy finish.

Use a stiff brush

For an initial clean, use a stiff brush to clear away any debris on your decking, starting at one end of your decking and working your way to the other. Dirt, branches and other rubble can build up over time, so sweep this away as a priority. 

A stiff brush will allow you to dislodge dirt from grooves in the wood. You can use one with a long handle to clear the majority of the decking, but you may need to use a smaller, handheld brush to get into corners and edges where debris can accumulate. 

You may also need to carefully scrape dirt out of narrow gaps and grooves using a putty knife, as these areas can be prone to mould. 

Use a pressure washer

Decking can be susceptible to more ingrained dirt and stains, particularly if it has been left untreated for a long period. One of the best ways to clear these more stubborn blemishes is to use a pressure washer. 

Clear the surrounding area to ensure that nothing that could be damaged is nearby. It’s also a good idea to test the pressure washer on part of the decking that isn’t usually visible, just in case it damages the surface. 

Use a wide spray of water so the pressure isn’t too concentrated, and hold the nozzle at least 30cm from the surface, moving frequently back and forth. 

You might need to use your stiff brush again after pressure washing to get rid of the most stubborn dirt. 

If you spot any mould, treat this first before pressure washing, as this could spread the spores and make it worse.

Cleaning solution 

You can also use a cleaning solution to clean your decking. This can be done before or after pressure washing, but if you’re doing it after, you should allow your decking to dry first.  

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the cleaning solution. Depending on the product you’re using, you may need cover your plants and any nearby grass, and keep pets off the decking while it dries. 

Generally, you’ll need to cover your decking with the cleaning solution – this can be done with a sprayer or a brush, just be sure its evenly spread across the surface. 

You’ll then need to leave the solution to work for period of time, before using a pressure washer, hose pipe, or brush to wash it off along with any dirt. 

How to treat decking 

Once your decking is cleaned, the next step is to treat it. The three most common ways to do this are with:

• Stains
• Oil
• Protectors

Many people are often unsure when it comes to picking between decking oil and stain, as both offer several pros and cons.

Decking stains: add a coloured coating 

Decking stains are available in a range of colours and coat the wood to give it a refreshed look.  

They act as a protective layer and help ensure that mould doesn’t grow on the wood. Once applied with a paintbrush, stains are also quick to dry, providing your decking with an eye-catching, revived colour.  

Decking oil: prevent warping  

Decking oils highlight the wood’s natural features. These can be clear or leave a subtle colour change, depending on the variation you choose. They protect the wood from cracking, warping, and splitting. 

They will also ensure that your decking is resistant to UV rays and moisture damage, and will add more traction, reducing the risk of slips during wet and icy conditions. 

You don’t need to use much oil to reap its rewards – just apply a thin layer with a paintbrush – meaning you’ll get multiple coats from one tin. 

Decking protector: seal your decking 

Decking protector creates a waterproof, clear layer and works with both ridged and smooth decks.  

Like decking oil, it protects your decking, but it simply brings out the natural qualities of the wood. You won’t see any colour change when using decking protector, so it’s ideal if you just want to stop your decking from becoming weathered. 

It protects against splitting and swelling, and also offers UV protection and a matt, translucent finish.  

Apply with a paintbrush, brushing in the direction of the grain. You’ll likely need to wait for a couple of hours before applying a second coat, and then 24 hours before using your deck. Make sure you check the manufacturer’s instructions.

When the colder months roll in, it’s important to look after your decking – especially if you’re looking make use of your deck in the winter. 

If you have any questions about deck care, from cleaning to treatment, get in touch with our experts.