Does decking need treating?

If you want to increase the life of your decking area, it will need some help from you as well. Yes, decking needs treating. Treating your decking can be a difficult task. However, here are some tips to maximize the lifespan of your decking area.

Softwood decking and decking oil

Softwood decking has a lifespan of 15 to 30 years if properly cared for and treated the right way. All softwood decking boards generally come fully pressure treated. Once the laying of the new decking is complete, you can allow it to naturally weather for a period of six months. After six months, you should stain or oil it. This helps the new treatment soak into the deck.

Before applying any decking treatment, make sure that the decking is clean. Remove any furniture and use a pressure washer to remove all the mould, dirt and oil. Allow the decking to completely dry before you start applying treatment.

The decking oil must be applied in the right condition when the weather forecast is completely clear of any frost or rain, and the temperature is above 10°C.

How to stain old decking?

To treat your old existing decking, remove all the previous finishes like varnish and paint. Strip the deck pair to its bare wood before you start oiling. You can use the pressure washer to remove any peeling or flaking coatings. This process will allow you to have better coverage. Treat the end of the timber with the end grain preserver. This will make sure that water does not seep through the timber. Water is detrimental to timber.

Caring for composite decking

Composite decking generally has a lifespan of around 30 years. Composite boards are generally maintenance-free. However, some care is needed. You should keep the decking region as clean as possible. Prevent any buildup of dirt or bacteria since these can be detrimental to your board’s lifespan. Once the decking is completely dry and clean, you can start applying products for treatment.

Remember to never use the products in direct sunlight or when the surface is hot. Do not treat your decking if the weather conditions are predicted to be cold or wet within the next 24 hours. Always treat when the temperature is between 10° to 30°C. To ensure colour uniformity, mix the products that are to be applied to one area or section. Remember to work through the entire length of the dead board. If you are using vertical cladding, work it from the top to the bottom. Never stop the application process in the middle of the board. Treatment of the decking once a year is enough.

Hardwood decking

Once hardwood decking is laid, it should be treated on the cut ends to seal the surface. This will keep the board completely protected. You can apply a generous amount of oil on the deck using a roller or brush. Once the coat is dry, apply a second coat. That’s it. You are all done. For more information on this topic, click here https://litcore.ie/.