Taking Proper Care of Your Outdoor Deck

In this day and age, a backyard is often a luxury. From relaxing to working and entertaining family and friends to providing a safe and secure area for the kids to play, making the most of this space is a huge asset to a property - and is also why so many people choose to have decking in their backyard. Decking creates a solid, outdoor surface for more stability than grass. It’s also easier to maintain, looks great, adds the feeling of square footage, and just generally serves as a great aesthetic yet usable addition to your outdoor space. Here are some top tips to keep you decking in top shape - from installation to literal finish.

Proper Installation

First and foremost, make sure that the decking is properly installed in the first place. Make sure that you’re using a professional Deck Builder with plenty of experience, a large portfolio and plenty of happy customers behind them. Make sure to describe exactly what you want, with picture references as examples. Check on the quality woods being used and that it is finished with a sealant that can prevent damage in the long term.

Sweep the Deck Regularly

All sorts of dirt and debris can build up on decking. This can be from people walking around on it, rain carrying dirt as it lands or wind blowing all sorts of trash and dust onto the slats. Sweep the decking regularly to help to clear this. A special, hard-bristled broom that can remove the dirt from grooves is a deck’s best friend and sweeping a couple of times a week, if possible, can keep grime and dirt from building up in the cracks and crannies.

Jet Washing

Occasional pressure washing (or jet washing) your decking occasionally will help to remove the build up of issues such as moss or mold, leaving the wood squeaky clean. If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can hire one, or tackle the decking by hand with warm water, a sponge and decking soap.

Deck Oil

There are a range of different deck oils that you can choose from which will keep the deck looking good. Browse ranges available online or in your local store. This can provide a protective coating and also helps your deck to look great going forward.