Deck Care And Maintenance
Hardwoods are beautiful and enduring. They are ideal for decking because of their natural grains, their longevity and the variation of colours they provide. Softwoods, such as treated pine, provide great value and allow for alternative finishes, such as white-washing and staining.
Follow our deck care and maintenance plan to ensure your deck’s appearance and structural integrity is preserved. Below are the Made By Mobbs Landscape team’s recommended steps for maintaining your hardwood deck.
Initial Sealing
If you use a professional landscaper or landscaping company, such as Made By Mobbs, they will apply the first two coats of oil or stain to your new deck.
For the oil, we use and recommend a 50:50 blend of raw linseed oil and mineral turpentine. This mix helps bring out the natural colour and grain of hardwood timbers. Many of the commercially available, so-called ‘natural’ oils are tainted with a pigment.
In our opinion, hardwood should be shown-off and any pigment that changes the colour of the hardwood you selected reduces its natural beauty.
Regular Cleaning
Frequency
A critical requirement of a good deck care and maintenance program should include properly cleaning your deck every 3 months. Cleaning it should remove dirt, debris, and mould build-up, which can contribute to surface wear and discolouration.
Method
- Sweep the deck to remove loose debris.
- Hose the deck down with water to dampen the surface.
- Apply a mild timber cleaning solution or a mix of warm water and a small amount of dishwashing liquid.
- Scrub the deck with a soft-bristle brush following the grain of the wood.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry completely.
Avoid
If you have been following a deck care and maintenance program you should be able to avoid using high-pressure washer.
A high pressure washer can damage the wood surface and strip the natural oils from the timber. We would strongly recommend avoiding harsh chemicals. Instead, we suggest warm soapy water which is quickly washed off so the detergent doesn’t strip the natural oils from the timbers.
Re-Oiling
Frequency
Reapply oil to the deck every 6 to 12 months, depending on the level of exposure to sun and rain. If the deck starts to look dull or dry, it’s a good indication it needs re-oiling.
Again, we use and recommend an oil blend of 50:50 raw linseed oil and mineral turpentine.
Preparation
- Clean the deck thoroughly as described in the cleaning process.
- Lightly sand the surface to remove any stubborn stains, old sealer, or uneven wear.
Application
Never forget, two or three lighter coats are far better than one really heavy coat. If you apply one heavy coat or over-apply the oil you’ll find the oil will turn sticky or tacky. The only way to fix ‘over-oiling’ is to sand the oil off and reapply a very light coat.
Lightly apply a coat of decking oil with a brush or sheepskin applicator. Work the oil into the timber and wipe off any excess oil with a dry, lint-free cloth. Allow the oil to penetrate into the timber before applying a second coat. Depending on the timber, the temperature and the humidity, the second coat can be applied in as little as several hours but is best applied after 10-12 hours
Inspections
Wood Rot or Splitting
Conduct a visual inspection of your deck twice a year. Look for signs of wood rot, cracking, or splitting, especially in areas exposed to excessive moisture. Immediately address any signs of damage to prevent further deterioration.
Loose Boards, Screws or Nails
Check for loose boards. Tighten screws as necessary or replace damaged boards.
If your deck uses nails to hold down the decking boards, it is likely to be at least 10 years old. Where and when possible, we would recommend replacing old nails with new screws.
Mould and Mildew Treatment
Signs of Mould
In shaded or damp areas, mould and mildew may develop, which can make the deck slippery and unsightly.
Treatment
Use a specialised mould remover or a solution of white vinegar and water to scrub affected areas. Ensure thorough rinsing afterwards.
Prevention
Good airflow and exposure to sunlight help prevent mould growth. Consider trimming nearby vegetation to allow more light onto the deck surface.
Avoid Furniture Scratches
Protective Pads
Place felt pads under furniture legs to avoid scratches on the deck surface.
Moving Furniture
Lift furniture when moving it rather than dragging it across the deck to prevent gouging or marking.
Protection from Water
Gutters and Downpipes
Ensure gutters and downpipes are working correctly to prevent water pooling near the deck, which can contribute to water damage.
Drainage
Make sure there is proper drainage around your deck to prevent water build-up, which can lead to swelling and warping of the timber.
Sun Protection
UV Exposure
The Australian sun is harsh and can cause timber to fade over time. A UV-protective sealer will help minimise this effect, but additional shading (e.g., umbrellas, pergolas, or shade sails) can further protect your deck.
The best way to protect your deck is to regularly oil it – every 6 to 12 months.
Long-Term Considerations
Natural Colour Change
Over time, all timber will naturally weather. For example, Spotted Gum will fade to a soft grey tone and Merbau will lose some of its redness.
Regular oiling will maintain the rich, warm colours of the timber you have selected and show-off the lovely natural grain.
Professional Maintenance
Consider having your deck professionally cleaned and oiled every 6 to 12 months. This quick and cost-effective solution will keep your deck looking fantastic.
Alternatively, you can have your deck sanded every few years to restore its original beauty and smoothness.
By following our deck care and maintenance instructions, you can ensure your deck remains a stunning feature of your outdoor space for many years to come.
Regular attention will not only preserve its natural beauty but also extend the life of the timber, providing a functional and aesthetic outdoor living area for years to come.
Services We Provide
- Deck Construction
- Paving
- Stone Cladding
- Outdoor Lighting
- Water Tanks
- Outdoor Painting
- Irrigation
- Outdoor Kitchens
- Block Laying
- Rendering
- Irrigation
- Burnished Concrete
- Pressure Washing
- Concreting
- Deck Maintenance
- Pergola Construction
- Turfing
- Lawn Maintenance
- Privacy Screens
- Core Drilling
- Driveways
- Retaining Walls
- Landscape Design
- Brick Laying
- Garden Design
- Water Features
- Permaculture
- Excavation
Contact Us
We strive for great communication with our customers from our first contact until we’ve finished the job and beyond. If you have questions or a special request, please send an email.
For a quote, please call so we can arrange a time to meet.
We look forward to working with you.
MADE BY MOBBS
(03) 9018 9771
HOURS
Monday – Friday: 6:30am – 7:30pm
Saturday: 6:30am to 2:30pm
Sunday: By appointment