Blog ~ How to clean and re-coat your timber decking

You can save yourself tedious maintenance in the long term by maintaining your timber decking at least once a year. This will help to prevent timbers that can warp and split (depending on the timber species) plus decking oil can flake and fade over time.

Gone are the days of using oil-based stain. Product advancements in water-based oil, means quicker drying times so you’ll be able to use your space within a few hours and less odours while applying, which makes it safer for you, your family and your pets.

Planning:

Check the weather forecast as you want clear skies for at least 24 hours after you have coated the decking. The longer the better during the cooler months.

Consider your starting and finishing points (entry points from the decking, or stairs) as you don’t want to start and then get stuck in a corner - having to walk over the oil once applied!

Check the drying and re-coat times on the can of oil (each brand of oil will vary slightly).

Check that all decking nails or screws are fastened in the timbers, so the oil applicator won’t get stuck.

Equipment:  

·         Hard bristled brush/broom

·         Hose and spray nozzle

·         Lambs wool oil applicator

·         Paint brush

·         Oil

·         Paint tray

·         Decking cleaner solution

How to:

1.     Clear area of all furniture and if you have an air blower use this to remove all debris and leaves from the area.

2.     Dilute the decking cleaning solution in a big bucket, then dip the hard bristle broom into the solution to clean the decking to remove dirt and grime.

3. Broom each decking board with the solution in a methodical order.

4. Hose down the area to remove all excess cleaning solution and allow the area to air dry.

5.     Using the lambs wool applicator and oil, apply with long strokes (Note: these generally cover two to three decking boards at a time). If you have large / long timbers, stop half-way then dip the lambs wool in more oil and apply where you stopped and continue applying down the timber. Immediately once this first coat is applied to avoid streaking (stop / start marks) apply one long application straight after you finish a section from where you started to the finish.

6.     Use the paint brush to get into any tight access areas and where the decking meets the walls.

7.     Once you’ve done the first coat, and waited the appropriate drying time, repeat the process. Allow at least 24 hours for foot movement, pets or returning furniture back in place.

8.     Then your deck is ready to be used.