Deck Maintenance Tips

We all love our outdoor decks for a relaxing spot, a place for kids to play and, of course, for the iconic summer BBQ.

However, left to its own devices, your lovely deck can weather, discolour, warp and rot. Regular deck maintenance and care, at least annually, will make sure you have a beautiful outdoor space for years to come.

To get the best from your deck, follow our Ultimate DIY Deck Maintenance Tips (and note what NOT to do)

How often do I clean and maintain my deck?

Much like the rest of your outdoor space, there are some regular tasks to keep things nice and tidy and then there is the annual big clean up. Find out below what jobs you should be keeping on top of with your deck, and how to go about the less often, but larger, maintenance tasks.

Regular Deck maintenance

1. Sweep

Just like any other part of your house, your outside deck needs regular cleaning. Take care of your deck by giving it a good sweep every few weeks, especially if you notice leaf litter building up. Leaves left to sit on the deck can retain moisture and their tannins can cause the timber to stain and discolour

2. Mix it up

Moving the furniture or pot plants around can also help keep your deck an even colour. It will stop fading in some places and not others, and also give you a chance to clear up any soil or leaves from under the items

3. Scrub the decks

If a sweep doesn’t clear up your deck, you may need to apply some elbow grease with a scrub. Simply use hot, soapy water and a stuff broom to remove any mud or debris build up.

Annual Deck maintenance

Come spring or summer it’s time to get the big jobs done outside. Giving your deck a good once over at the start of the warm season means you can then relax and enjoy a restored outdoor space while the weather is nice.

Getting on top of outdoor maintenance early in the season also means it’s not too hot which can often make it harder as the cleaning solutions dry up too quickly.

Ready to spruce up that deck? Take a look below at the annual tasks to complete.

1. Deck cleaner

Start by giving your deck a deep clean with Cabot’s Deck Cleaner. This removes mould, algae and dirt from your deck, revitalising its appearance and preparing the wood for a new coat of oil or stain.

Apply onto a damp deck with a stiff broom, leaving on for 10-20 minutes before hosing off. For badly stained decks, you may need to do a second application. Find decking treatment products for your deck.

2. Inspect your deck for repairs

• Now that your deck is free from litter and stains, you can take a close look at the nails, screws and boards.
• Smooth down warped boards and burrs with an orbital sander
• Pull up loose nails and replace with longer-lasting deck screws
• Give the railing a good shake and notice if it feels loose. Consider repairing fastenings or replacing if it feels like it won’t take the weight.
• Check the flashings where the deck meets the house. Take extra care to remove debris and dry out this area.
• Replace any boards that are cracking or rotting

3. Recoat your deck with oil or stain

Now you’re ready to apply a fresh coat of decking oil or stain. Find out more about our Timber Deck Oil and Stain range, how to best apply the products and any tools you may need.

Despite common belief, you’re not restricted to using what was previously on the deck. However if there are leftover layers of stain or your deck is darker than you want it to be, you will need to strip the existing stain.

Oils are common for hardwood such as Kwila, to preserve the beauty of the natural wood grain. Cabot’s Aquadeck is a revolutionary product that enhances and protects the natural look of your exterior timber and is guaranteed to last two times longer than oil-based decking oils. View Kwila decking care ideas and inspiration.

What NOT to do when cleaning your deck

Deck maintenance is a relatively easy DIY job. However, you want to avoid these common pitfalls that can damage wood and shorten the life of your deck.

• Don’t use a pressure wash on a high setting. Use the lowest setting on the pressure/power washer or water blaster to prevent the timber from splitting and becoming damaged.
  
  
• Be careful with harsh chemicals. Always read the labels and dilute any harsh chemicals, such as bleach. Strong cleaning chemicals can easily strip the stain and oil that’s designed to seal and protect your timber boards. If you’re using a bleach, try diluted on a small area first.

Deck Maintenance Checklist: When to clean and maintain your deck

Need more help?

• Use our Decking Forecast to find out if it’s the right day to maintain your deck
• Find out more about preparing and applying your chosen Cabot’s Decking product
• Grab all the accessories you need to stain like a pro