Outdoor decks are susceptible to damage since they are exposed to open air and to different weather. But with proper maintenance, your deck will last long and serve its purpose effectively. Here are some ways to maintain your wooden decking and have the best out it.
Understand Your Timber
Knowing more about your material will guide you in achieving a long-lasting result. Below are some of the things that you need to know and remember about timber.
• Compared to softwood, hardwood doesn’t absorb much oil which leads to a lesser intense finish.
• Sanding will make timber more absorbent and will also improve its color depth.
• Before applying protective oil to the timber be sure that it is dry and is sand planned for better oil penetration.
Prepare Your Timber
There are different kinds of timber and each has its own unique quality that needs specific process of maintenance.
Pressure-impregnated Pine. When delivered, wood pine contains high moisture and they need to be left dried for 204 months prior to oiling.
Larch. Weather the timber for two weeks and sand prior to coating.
Tropical Hardwood. Let the timber lose color through weathering and then start oiling.
Apply The Oil
Clean timber and let it dry. Here’s a step-by-step direction in applying oil.
1. Stir the oil properly and with a roller or sponge spread the oil.
2. Use a lint-free cloth to remove excess oil.
3. Continue applying oil until done.
4. Let it dry for a day without load.
When the deck got wet with water within the day after oiling, another oil coating is ideal. Also if you observed light spots on the deck after it has dried, second coating is also needed to saturate it thoroughly.
Periodic Maintenance
Suitable interval of maintenance can be once a year. Decking should be checked for decayed wood, dry spots, and oil maintenance.
1. Decking should be cleaned properly with alkaline cleaner. Let it dry.
2. Use a short-haired roller or other applicator to apply oil. Make it a thin coating.
2. Use a lint-free cloth to remove excess oil.
3. Let it dry for a day without load.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance requires sweeping of the deck, removal of thickened dirt through scrubbing with cleaner which is slightly alkaline and then washing away sobs with garden hose. With a special cleaner, furniture can also be renewed to its former beauty. Just spray the cleaner and then wipe.