Garden decking is a popular choice and looks great in any garden. It provides a very flexible addition to your home and a great entertaining space. As with most things it requires a little maintenance so please see below some tips and advice on looking after your garden decking.

  • Sweep your decking regularly with a hard broom and hose it down to maintain a good deck.

  • Remove any debris that may have accumulated between the boards using a putty knife.

  • Use a decking cleaner to remove any moss, algae or dirt from the decking. Aim to do this twice a year. Ideally once in the spring and once in the autumn. Remember to cover your plants before starting to protect them from the cleaning solution.

  • Do not use any chlorine based bleach for cleaning as although it will clean the deck it will break down the lignin in the deck timber which holds the wood together.

  • A jet washer can be used to clean the deck but it is really important to not use a heavy duty one. One if around 500 to 600 psi but it certainly needs to be smaller than 1500psi. Important to test the pressure washer on a hidden area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the decking. Use as wide a nozzle as possible to evenly distribute the water pressure. Hold the pressure washer about two foot above the deck and hold the nozzle at an angle. It should be noted that jetwashing may cause damage to the timber fibres.

  • Soda crystals can be used to remove any stubborn stains. Water the deck, sprinkle the crystals, and allow to dry before washing away.

  • Allow the deck to dry for several days before applying any type of finish.

  • After thoroughly cleaning add a decking oil. Even though your deck has been pressure treated in the manufacturing stage it will need to be maintained. Apply the oil with a brush. Good practice is to oil the decking once or twice a year.

  • If your wood starts to look tired and grey it needs oiling.

  • Never drag heavy objects on the surface of a deck to avoid damaging the wood.

  • Move planters, chairs and tables occasionally to avoid discolouring the decking.

  • Trim nearby bushes and trees and don’t let leaves and debris pile up in corners.

For newly laid decking it is recommended leaving it to weather naturally for about six months before adding a stain or decking oil. More tips to follow on looking after your garden decking.