Floor:view Issue VII 2008
www.floordata.com
Thomas Rathbone of Decking Décor explains the
best methods for maintaining decking, keeping it
looking as good as new...
As with anything, whether it’s a car or a new screw; if possible using the same hole, whole deck.
deck, keeping it maintained will ensure that this may mean putting the screw in at a slight Oiled finishes tend to absorb or penetrate
you get the very best from it and that it lasts angle to avoid hitting the part of the broken in to the wood depending on brand and there-
for years. Maintaining a deck just once a year, screw left in the board or joist, if this is not fore do not wear offer but fade from the
ideally at the beginning of each season will feasible fit a new screw as close to the old suns UV rays, these should be topped up as
ensure maximum benefit and enjoyment from one as possible. If it is a hardwood deck necessary.
it. board remember to pre-drill first. Any badly failing finishes should be stripped
A clean, well-maintained timber deck has Once the above is complete, treat any al- off and re-applied to ensure that the new
its own inherent non-slip qualities, whilst gae or mildew with a 50/50 bleach water stain adheres properly.
dirty, weathered decks not only encourage solution to kill the spores, prior to an overall And finally a few quick tips about using a
the build up of algae and mildew, which are clean taking place. Scrub solution on to the power washer, as used incorrectly these can
unattractive, but also become slippy and haz- affected area and leave to stand for 10/15 seriously damage a deck.
ardous. minutes, scrub again then thoroughly rinse Always ensure the power washer is pow-
Maintaining a deck need not be hard work, off. Having completed these tasks, cleaning erful enough to handle the job, keep the tip
with the right tools and products the job need of the deck itself can commence. at least 8” from the board, work along each
only last from a couple of hours, to a day, de- While some will just suggest power wash- board steadily and do not wave the tip back
pending on the size of task in hand; so where ing a deck only, this can be likened to washing and forth as this will leave marks on the deck
do we start? your clothes without using washing powder. board.
Firstly inspect the deck, to see if any The best way to clean a deck is to use a pow-
boards are loose, this is usually denoted by erwasher and proper deck cleaner.
the deck board having cupped or bowed pull- A good deck cleaner along with a power-
ing the screw out of the joist, broken screws, washer will remove all surface contamina-
whether there is any algae or mildew, what tion, discolouration and restore the woods
weathering has occurred, almost certainly natural colour, whilst rinsing at the same
if it is a hardwood deck it will have turned a time, to leave a fresh, clean looking deck;
deep silver/grey colour, if it is softwood deck especially important if a clear finish is to be
then depending on it’s age it may only be applied.
showing signs of fading, where as an older If the deck has previously been finished
softwood deck will have turned a silver/grey then this should be cleaned first and then
colour. Having established what needs doing inspected for any loose or flaking material
then work can start. and worn patches, especially true if a Solid or
Any loose, cupped or bowed boards should Semi-transparent stain has been applied.
be refitted using proper deck screws, ensure If the deck has been stained, then any
Decking Decor
they are square or torque heads. DO NOT use loose and flaking material should be removed
Tel: 01245 362925
brass or steel, the former is to soft and the back to a sound edge and these areas along
Fax: 0871 2513982
latter will rust, causing even more staining. with any worn patches, touched in, followed
info@deckingdecor.co.uk
Stainless steel is ideally the best option. by a full coat along the length of the board or
Remove broken screws and replace with a if necessary a final coat being applied to the
28 ContractFloors Issue VII 2008 visit www.floordata.com for the best in flooring information
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