For many homeowners and property owners, decking is the crowning jewel of your outdoor space. It provides a space that blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living and is a platform for entertaining, relaxing, dining, playing and much more. But decking owners are required to put in a little effort to keep decking looking good and functioning as it should. Be it due to our turbulent UK weather, wear and tear or heavy-duty usage, your decking faces several year-round challenges. Committing to regular maintenance is vital to help your decking continue to function and look good throughout the year. Our Guide to Timber Decking Maintenance includes everything you need to know about maintaining your decking to ensure it retains its quality standards 365 days a year.
If you’re searching for premium-quality timber for decking, then you’ve found the answer with Timber Pro. We are independent timber merchants, offering a variety of timber for decking at affordable prices. We can also help with projects that you may have, whether you need assistance with measuring your decking or require a material list calculation. Contact us today for a FREE quote!
Common Decking Issues
Decking is a structure built on the outside of a property and is typically elevated from the rear or side of the property. Many homeowners choose timber for their decking material although composite materials and PVC are popular choices too. Here at Timber Pro, you will find an extensive range of timber decking options which give the appearance of a traditional deck. Our timber decking options are a fantastic way of enhancing your outdoor space naturally to create a space for socialising and enjoyment. Despite remaining robust and secure, decking faces some common issues during its lifespan. Here are some common decking issues that you may come across:
- Board Gaps
Using timber to construct your decking comes with many advantages, however, it can shrink and expand if not properly installed, treated and dried. This can lead to gaps appearing in your decking over time.
- Damaged Hardware
Whether through corrosion or other damage, the hardware used to fix your decking in place may cause your decking to sag. If you spot your decking sagging, you should take remedial action immediately as it can pose a safety risk.
- Fading Colour
We know that you want your decking to look its best, however, timber will inevitably lose its colour over time due to weather exposure, regular use, natural ageing and more. This cosmetic issue can easily be fixed.
- Pest Infestations
Decking and the spaces below decking can become a breeding ground for pests such as insects, rodents and other wildlife. Red flags for pest infestations include holes in the wood and wood flakes on the ground below and disturbed areas surrounding your decking.
- Knotholes
Pressure-treated timber often features several characteristics including natural wood knots. We recommend keeping a close eye on wood knots as if they fall out of the decking boards, they can leave behind several holes.
- Loose Boards & Posts
If you’ve spotted that your decking boards and posts are becoming loose, we strongly recommend fixing these as soon as possible. Loose boards and posts can be a safety risk as you use your decking.
- Mould, Mildew & Algae
Your decking is exposed to the elements, which unfortunately means that it may suffer the effects of long-term moisture ingress. Signs of this may be mould, mildew and algae, typically characterised by green specks on your decking.
- Warped Boards
Another result of water ingress, warped boards may indicate that your decking is absorbing too much moisture. In this instance, we advise seeking remedial action to ensure optimal function and safety.
- Wood Rot
Wood rot may be common if you have timber decking and a sure-fire sign of wood rot is crumbling and rotting wood. Wood rot typically occurs around corners, railings and the stairs of your decking.
If you spot any of these problems, all is not lost! With regular maintenance and by repairing any issues as soon as you notice them, you can keep your timber decking looking as good as new, 100% safe and fully functional. But how do you maintain timber decking? Read on to find out…
Our Guide to Timber Decking Maintenance
Your decking will look its best when well-maintained and there are several jobs that you can undertake throughout the year to keep your decking looking as good as new. Here’s what the experts at Timber Pro recommend you do in Our Guide to Timber Decking Maintenance…
Decking Treatment
Ensuring that your decking is treated with an appropriate treatment is key to protecting, preserving, maintaining and restoring your decking’s timber. The type of treatment you use will vary depending on the type and condition of your decking, but there are typically five types of treatment including Decking Cleaners and Restorers, Decking Preservers, Coloured & Clear Decking Oils, Decking Stains and Decking Paints. If you’re not sure which type of decking treatment you need, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Timber Pro today. Before treating decking, always remove all traces of surface dirt, debris, and other contaminates to ensure the best results.
Regular Cleaning
Regularly cleaning your decking is one of the best ways to stop rot, mould and mildew growth, pest infestations and to keep your decking looking in premium condition. Cleaning your decking will remove dirt, leaves, debris and more and we advise sweeping your decking frequently and using a garden hose or pressure washer (on a low setting) to clean the surface. We also recommend using a mild soap or specialised decking cleaner to help remove stubborn stains and grime. Period cleaning ensures that your decking is free from deposits that can be harmful to boards, fixtures, railings and more if left unaddressed.
Inspections for Damage
One of the best ways of maintaining your decking is by regularly inspecting the structure for damage. Giving your decking a once over with a keen eye can help you spot cracks, loose boards, wood rot, pests, knotholes, warped boards, mould, algae and more. We advise paying close attention to areas where your decking is exposed to moisture such as the stairs, corners and railings as these may be more susceptible to rot and decay. Regular inspections mean that you are more likely to spot damage, allowing for prompt repairs and safeguarding your timber decking against further damage and deterioration.
Avoid Standing Water
Your decking needs to have appropriate drainage capabilities to prevent standing water which, if left to fester, can cause wood rot and more severe structural damage. One of the best ways of avoiding standing water is by ensuring that your decking slopes slightly away from your property and that water does not collect in any areas. If you spot water collecting in any areas of your decking, it is highly recommended that you remove it. We also recommend periodic cleaning after heavy rain and advise cleaning your guttering to avoid it from overflowing onto your decking. Keeping your decking moisture-free is one of the best ways of helping it look and perform to the best of its ability.
Control Plant Growth
Excessive plant growth can impact your decking’s condition in more ways than one. Nearby plants, shrubs and trees can drop leaves, branches and more onto your decking which can trap moisture against the wood and lead to wood rot. What’s more, plants, shrubs and more are breeding grounds for insects, rodents and other pests. Pest infestations can be detrimental to the condition of your decking, so by keeping nearby foliage trimmed, you can avoid pests, rot and more from infesting your decking. Additionally, plant growth can stop your decking from receiving adequate airflow that helps to keep it dry.
Protect Against UV Damage
UV rays can impact the look and function of timber decking by causing it to fade and become brittle over time. If you spot your decking becoming brittle or fading, you may want to think about protecting it against UV damage. Applying a UV-protective finish can stop UV damage in its tracks and protect your decking against the sun’s rays. We recommend looking for UV-protection products for timber decking that offer both UV protection and water resistance. We also advise reapplying these finishes as recommended by the manufacturer, typically every couple of years, to keep your deck looking as good as possible for longer.
The Benefits of Decking Maintenance
Regular decking maintenance is key to keeping your decking looking good and functioning to the best of its ability for years to come. Here are some of the many benefits of decking maintenance…
- Highly-Resilient & Durable
Ensuring that your decking is maintained throughout the year is one of the best ways of making sure it remains highly resilient and durable. Regular maintenance makes your decking stronger, more resilient and ideal for frequent use, so you can rest assured that it will last for years to come.
- Structural Stability
Undertaking regular decking maintenance ensures that your investment will be structurally sound. Maintaining your timber decking is a fantastic way of guaranteeing that your decking will remain a solid foundation whether you are entertaining, dining or relaxing throughout the year.
- Increase Property Value
Did you know that well-maintained decking could add up to 10% to the value of your property? As it improves the buyers’ perception of how much living space there is in that property, maintaining your decking is a must. It’s well worth spending time and effort maintaining your decking for future resale value.
- Prolonged Lifespan
Protecting your decking against rot, pests, warping and more is key to prolonging its lifespan. Regular inspections, sealing, maintaining surrounding foliage and more are vital tasks to undertake. Addressing issues as soon as they appear prevents them from developing into major problems that could require costly repairs or even complete replacement.
- Enhanced Aesthetics
Well-maintained decking can enhance the overall appearance of your home or property. Regular cleaning and repairs can keep the timber looking fresh and vibrant while preventing it from becoming faded, dirty and weathered. Boost your decking’s aesthetics with regular maintenance today.
- Elevated Safety
Without regular maintenance and inspections, your decking could pose several safety risks. From loose boards and holes to gaps between decking and unstable posts and railings, decking issues can impact the stability of your decking. Regular maintenance ensures that you can spot and repair any potential hazards quickly and efficiently.
- Cost Savings
If you fail to address decking issues, you may find that you will have to pay for expensive repairs and maybe even a full decking replacement further down the line. Identifying and repairing decking problems reduces the likelihood of significant major damage further down the line.
- Prevention of Pest Infestations
Regularly cleaning and sealing your decking, pruning shrubs and trees, inspecting the surrounding areas and protecting your decking against moisture ingress can stop pests from making your decking their home. Addressing cracks and gaps where pests can hide or nest protects your deck and home from infestations.
Regularly maintaining your timber decking provides a range of benefits, from prolonging its lifespan and elevating its appearance to improving safety and increasing property value. By investing time and effort into proper care, you ensure that your deck remains a valuable and enjoyable part of your home for years to come.
Why choose Timber Pro?
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Years of Experience We have years of experience working with high-quality timber solutions, including decking timber. Your project is in safe hands with our experts.
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Sustainable Solutions
We take our environmental responsibilities seriously and are proud to work alongside certified suppliers who provide sustainably sourced timber. |
Quality Workmanship
Our team takes pride in attention to detail and delivering excellent results. We are known for our quality workmanship on every project we undertake. |
