Deck Maintenance

Your deck is a place for family and friends to gather and enjoy our great Queensland weekends and evenings together.  All decks require regular maintenance to maintain their appeal and integrity.  It is recommended that you carry this out every six months, for decks exposed to the elements, and every twelve months for more covered decks.

Many people don't realise that not only will the sun and rain make your deck deteriorate, but overhanging foliage dropping flowers and leaves, can cause mould and rot where this foliage traps moisture on the timber, decreasing the life of your deck. Regularly trim foliage back to minimise this and regularly use a blower or sweep off any debris, that can also gather between decking boards and on top of joists.

At six and twelve month intervals, invest in a high quality decking oil (the higher the oil content the better).  There is a variety available in clear and stain finishes to suit your deck, depending on the timber it’s constructed with.  You must start with a good sweep down to remove any dust and if necessary purchase and use a deck cleaning preparation prior to oiling.  For easy application use a woolen mitt over a timber broom, dipped into a roller tray (all available from your local hardware store) this soaks and holds the oil and glides on easily to make light work of applying it, allowing most decks to be completed in half an hour.

These few small tasks can help keep your deck looking inviting for many years, without needing major repairs.

During your maintenance, if you find some decking boards to be replaced or are concerned about the structural integrity of your deck, Carpentry Worx would be happy to assist you.

By Helen Marolt