The garden is a very important part of the home especially now we are in the summer months. How you use your garden is up to you, whether you are the green fingered type or a sunbather, as long as you are in the comfort of your own home that’s all that matters. One focal point for many people’s gardens is decking. This is the perfect place to relax with friends and family under the comfort of a summer’s sky. In order to enjoy your decking for many more summers to come, it needs to be well cared for. Below is some advice on how to maintain your decking.
Cleaning
You would be surprised how many people neglect to clean their decking even though it is the most cost effective way to keep it maintained. Cleaning your decking could not be simpler and only requires minimal effort every couple of months. Firstly you need a stiff brush and some good old fashioned elbow grease. Use the brush to sweep away all the debris and moss that may have formed on top of the decking. Once this is clear you must then wash the decking using a hose pipe or pressure washer (Here you will find the best power washer for this type of job). You then need a bucket or large bowl, water and bleach. It is advised to use oxygen bleach as this is environmentally friendly and won’t affect any nearby plants or wildlife. Mix the bleach with the water according to the correct ratio on the back of the bottle. Scrub the solution into the decking, leave on for around 15 minutes and wash off with some clean water. You will be surprised what a difference this will make and will have your decking looking brand new all over again.
Preparation
You will have heard the saying fail to prepare, prepare to fail, this is very important to keep in mind for your decking. The best way to protect your decking is from the day it is installed. Don’t worry if you already have your decking, it is never too late to start. One way that not only makes the decking look fantastic but also provides crucial layers of protection, is by using good quality decking paint, such as the Ronseal decking stain. This helps to waterproof, prevent scuffs & scratches and also provides important UV filters which prevent greying. Always read the instructions on the back of the tin to make sure you are applying the paint correctly. It would be recommended to paint your decking yearly.
One great tip to protect any wooden garden furniture and decking is by using some Ronseal teak oil. Teak oil may not necessarily be the first thing you would think of for your decking, but its protective properties can have a fantastic effect. It works by deeply penetrating the wood to nourish & protect and also adds important water resistant levels. Adding a layer of teak oil is very easy to do, just simply follow the instructions on the back of the tin. Teak oil is a fantastic tip that not everyone will be aware of, so you will soon be the envy of your neighbors with your glowing deck!
Survive Winter
Winter is the time of the year that can cause the most potential damage to your decking. If you don’t intend on using your decking in winter it would be recommended to cover it. Simply cover the decking with a thick protective sheet and secure down to prevent movement in the wind. It is also wise to move any garden furniture into a garage or shed. If this is not possible simply cover and secure down just like the decking. At the end of the day decking would be no good without some furniture to sit on, so you need to protect that as well.
Images: 1& 2: Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture. 3 & 4: Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design. 5:RGN Construction.
I hope you found these tips and advice helpful to keep your decking in tip top condition and secure its longevity!
“Dear God,
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Have a wonderful day, my friends and we’ll talk again tomorrow.”
with Love,
Luciane from HomeBunch.com
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