How to maintain deck?

mmyagkiy

Hi all, 

Finally joined the community here as a long-time lurker, I will have many more questions to come for other topics as I am a complete beginner in DIY stuff.

It's been more than six months since we moved into this house, and I heard somewhere that the deck needs to be maintained every six months. So, my questions are what sort of materials would be the best for it, and can I do painting and oiling in any sort of weather, regardless of the deck being wet or dry. 

The deck all around looks good with no rough surfaces or splinters, but the paint is definitely coming out in some places. Maybe bird droppings are a major contributor, but I'm not sure about that.

Thanks!

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @mmyagkiy. It's fabulous to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about restoring a deck.

As the deck is saturated in the photos, it’s a bit tricky to judge exactly how deteriorated the coating is. From what I can see, it might be on the cusp of requiring a sand back, but before going down that route, I’d suggest giving it a thorough clean with a quality deck cleaner. Sometimes a good scrub will lift dirt, mildew, and bird droppings, and refresh the surface enough to recoat without sanding.

If, after cleaning, the surface still looks patchy or the coating is flaking badly, sanding will give you the best base for a new finish. 

When it comes to products, you’ll generally be choosing an oil. Oils penetrate and nourish the timber, rejuvenating the colour.

It’s important to apply any coating in dry weather and to a completely dry deck — moisture trapped in the timber can prevent the product from soaking in or bonding properly, and that can cause premature peeling or mould growth. Most manufacturers recommend at least 24–48 hours of dry weather before and after application.

Regular cleaning (every few months) and recoating when you notice fading or water no longer beading on the surface will keep your deck looking great and protected for years to come.

Here's a helpful guide: How to oil your deck.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell