The summer months are when your garden decking really earns its keep, but it’s also the time of year that it’ll take the most punishment. UV exposure is the biggest risk, followed by foot traffic and potential rainfall.
To avoid it all taking a toll on untreated or neglected timber, it’s time for a bit of preparation. This month at Silverton Builders Merchants, we’re exploring how you can keep your decking looking sharp for family barbecues, rather than becoming a source of summer frustration.
How often should you treat garden decking?
Once a year is the rule of thumb for most British gardens, and ideally in the spring before the peak seasons begin. Hardwoods, like oak, are more forgiving, so you could carry out treatment once every two years instead, but most decking around homes in this country is done with softwood.
Softwoods are more porous and absorb moisture more readily, so that annual treatment is your best defence against rot, grey weathering and surface issues. If you have just installed new decking, allow it to weather for six to eight weeks before going in with any treatments. This is because fresh timber needs time to open up its grain to accept oils and stains.
What is the best way to protect timber decking?
There are three main product types you can look at. Each of the following offers a different finish and level of protection:
Decking oil - Oils penetrate the timber to feed the wood from within. This gives you a nice matte finish and is ideal for hardwoods.
Decking stain - Stains sit slightly more on the surface than oils. You can get a whole host of colours, and many will provide good UV and moisture protection.
Decking paint - This is your surface-level option, providing a solid finish colour. However, it takes a bit more preparation and maintenance.
For most homeowners, quality decking oils and semi-transparent stains give you that balance of protection and uplift in appearance. Whichever path you take, always try to give it two coats, leaving time for drying before you do the second coat to let it sink in.
How do you clean and care for decking before summer?
The first place to start is with a sweep. This gets up all the debris so that you’re ready for the following steps:
Cleaning - Always check that your decking cleaner is suitable for your wood type. When you have the right product, dilute it in water and scrub along the grain with a stiff brush. You can always try a pressure washer on a low setting for heavy build-up, but remember to keep the nozzle at least 30cm away from the surface to avoid damaging the wood fibres.
Dry it off - Give your decking at least 48 hours to dry (this obviously requires dry weather) before you apply any timber treatments.
Sand if required - If you’ve got rough, splintered areas, a light sanding with medium-grit sandpaper will help to smooth things out. Your treatment will then be easier to apply evenly.
Treat - Now you can apply your chosen oil or stain. Remember to allow it to cure fully before heavy use: see the product label for specific instructions.
Decking options from Silverton
If your current decking is beyond saving but you still want to make the most of the good weather, it might be time to start fresh. At Silverton Builders Merchants, we stock kiln-dried, pre-treated redwood timber decking for a traditional look, as well as Saige composite decking, made from 90% recycled materials with a low-slip finish. What’s more, the latter handily does away with the annual requirements for timber treatments.
Both of these products and more are available for fast, free delivery across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and the wider East Anglia region when you spend over £20. Alternatively, visit our branches across the region to pick up fresh decking for your garden.
