Why it’s Important to Maintain & Clean Your Timber Decking

Maintain & Clean Your Timber Decking

A timber deck is the ideal addition to any home, providing an outdoor area to relax and entertain. However, timber decks do require regular maintenance to keep them looking good all year round. This maintenance will enhance the look of your deck and ensure that it retains its structural integrity.

This blog will discuss how to clean your timber decking and why regular maintenance is so important when it comes to timber.

Why Maintaining & Cleaning Your Timber Decking is So Important

The effects of weather, UV rays and foot traffic on timber decking can vary depending on where you live and how often you use your deck. These factors are unavoidable, but they can wear away the surface of the decking, allowing moisture to penetrate the boards. If the timber decking is not maintained and the protective coating not regularly reapplied it can eventually cause damage to the boards. These issues include;

• Fading and greying boards
• Cupping
• Expanding and swelling
• Cracking and splitting
• Tenting
• Broken fixing
• Mould growth and decay.

Proper timber sealing combined with regular deck cleaning and maintenance will help to avoid these costly and time-consuming issues.

How to Clean Your Timber Deck

Cleaning your timber decking regularly will limit the effects of debris, weather and foot traffic on the timber. Here is our step-by-step process;

1. Sweep dirt, leaves and debris from the decking to ensure a clear area for efficient and effective cleaning. Remember to remove any debris from the gaps between the boards
2. Pre-rinse the deck with a hose to remove or loosen dirt, grime and dust
3. Mix a timber deck cleaning solution, such as Cabot’s® Deck Wash or Intergrain® UltraPrep™ Exterior Timber Cleaner, in a bucket as per product instructions
4. Use a decking scrub brush or broom to scrub the deck following the grain of the timber. Focus on any stubborn stains, mould or mildew
5. Leave the solution on the deck for the recommended time
6. Rinse the deck thoroughly with clean water using a hose or a pressure washer.

Note: If you are using a pressure washer, ensure it is set to low to prevent damage to the timber.

The regular cleaning of you deck will avoid the coating from peeling and wearing away, however, you do still need to regularly oil or stain your timber decking to maintain the protective coating.

Want to know the best way to oil your deck? Find information in our blog ‘How to Apply Decking Oil the Right Way.’

Quick Tips for Decking Maintenance

If you want to keep your timber deck looking new, follow the below quick tips;

• Do clean your timber deck every 4 months (or at the change of seasons)
• Do repair damaged boards as required
• Do oil or stain your deck every 1-2 years
• Do not pressure wash your timber deck on a high setting.

For more information on timber decking, explore our online range of hardwood decking and treated pine decking. Alternatively, drop into your local Bowens store and our friendly staff can help you with any questions you may have about timber decking.