One of the best ways to revamp your outdoors, add usable space to your garden, and even improve the value of your home is with a good deck. It can be great for lounging, entertaining, or dining outside, but it’s only natural that it’s going to suffer some wear and tear. Whether from use or constant exposure to the weather, it can begin to lose its charm. However, there’s a lot that you can do to win it back. Let’s look at a few tips on how to do just that.
Clean It Regularly
One of the big problems of being outdoors is that dirt, mould, and mildew can easily eat away at wood furniture that isn’t taken care of. A routine cleaning is vital, whether it’s sweeping it weekly to remove leaves and debris that can trap moisture, washing the surface with a gentle deck cleaner every few months, or scrubbing away the grime that builds up between the boards. If your decking hasn’t been cleaned for a while, a pressure washer may be what it needs, but avoid high-pressure settings as they can damage the wood.
Reseal And Stain To Keep It Protected
Your decking may have wood sealant that prevents it from being easily affected by dirt and the weather. However, this can fade over time. When it does, changes in rain, sun, and even temperature can greatly damage the wood. Every one to two years, clean and sand the surface before applying a quality sealant or stain. Choose a UV-resistant, water-repellent product that enhances the wood’s natural colour while shielding it from cracking or fading.
Inspect These Fasteners And Screws
From the floor boards to any railings that you have, these can start to come loose over time as the fasteners loosen or corrode from use. Check all of the screws, nails, and brackets annually. You may get away with refastening most of them, but any that have rusted or been damaged should be replaced with new ones from stores like Efixing. Stainless steel or coated screws are ideal since they resist corrosion and prevent staining around joints. The more secure your hardware is, the less likely it is to lift and warp.
Ensure The Area Is Well Drained
Water is one of the biggest enemies of your decking, and standing water can be particularly troublesome. The boards should have even spaces to allow rain to drain through instead of pooling. Additionally, the deck should slope slightly away from the house overall to prevent water from gathering near the walls and foundations. You might want to add gutter extensions or gravel beds around the edge to make sure that water can run off away from the decking, as well. Preventing moisture buildup is key to avoiding rot, mould, and warping.
Keeping your decking in good condition makes it much inviting, meaning you’re more likely to keep using it. Much better than the alternative of watching it deteriorate over the years until you don’t want to use it at all.
Featured image is by Point 3D Commercial Imaging Ltd from unsplash.com.
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