Monday, 11 August 2008

Decking Doctor Treatment

To keep your timber decking ship-shape, you will ideally need to treat it regularly using a specialist deck treatment. I recommend that you carry this out once a year for the first two to three years after you first install the deck, and then just once every other year. Follow these four simple steps:

  • Remove all surface dirt, algae and grit. Before you start, use either a pressure washer or a stiff brush to clean off the debris - something like an old-fashioned scrubbing brush is ideal!
  • Deep clean Specialist 'decking cleaners' are now available to help you remove all grease and dirt and prevent the re-growth of algae and fungus. Remove and soapy residues by washing throroughly with clean water - again, with a pressure washer if you have one.
  • Apply stain or preservative When the decking is dry, a deck stain or preservative can be applied. If you have a hardwood deck you should also consider an annual treatment of revitalising decking oil.
  • Seal and protect Finally, you need to seal the wood with a decking protector. This is a clear, water repellent coat that contains waxes to help prevent moisture damage, a preservative to keep the surface free from decay, and an algaecide to prevent mould growth.


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