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Eight Ways to Protect a Wooden Deck
M. John
June 28, 2021-
Timber Decking
Wooden decking has been used by consumers for decades and its commonly know that any outdoor timber product needs to be protected, this is due to wood is less resistant to mother natures elements.
Since we tend to expose outdoor decking to mother natures elements, it needs a protective coating to last longer. The main reason most wooden decks experience structural failure is due to rotting and decay, this is caused by water and moisture damage, unlike composite decking, most timber isn’t resistant to moisture and this is one reason why many customers opt for composite wood over traditional wooden solutions.
There are solutions to help and protect wood being used outdoors. You can protect your wooden deck from moisture damage by staining, sealing or painting it, this will in turn increase your deck life span. If you install timber decking in your home, this article will teach you how to protect it. Here are eight ways on how to protect your wooden deck.
How to Prevent Wood Deck Damage
1 Sweep Away Dirt
When there is dust and dirt on your wooden decking, it can reduce its aesthetic appearance. To maintain your decking’s appearance, you need to clean dirt and debris from your wooden deck. Remove all the furniture from the deck, and use a broom to sweep the surface thoroughly. You can also rinse your decking with a garden hose, using luke warm soapy water to remove all traces of dirt.
2 Apply Decking Sealers
Deck sealers are transparent coatings you can use to protect your wooden decking. It helps to prevent water absorption. Sealers create a protective layer on the decking surface, preventing water from getting to the wood. Apart from that, sealers also help in minimising fungal growth on your wood decking. It also reduces the chance of wood rot. If you apply sealers on your wooden decking, the deck is less likely to absorb water and will reduce its chances of rotting.
3 Remove Fallen Leaves
Sweep your wooden deck frequently to remove fallen leaves away from the decking. It would help if you did not allow leaves to accumulate on your deck, especially wet leaves. Leaves on the decking can prevent air from moving freely on the surface, thereby letting moisture accumulate. And when this happens, mould and algae will start growing on your decking. To protect your wooden decking, ensure you sweep away the leaves on the decking.
4 Apply Decking Stain
Wood decking can fade over time due to sun exposure. The ultraviolet rays from the sun will fade the colour of the decking. To protect the appearance of your wooden decking, apply stains on it. The stains contain UV protection that can block rays and offer added protection to your deck. Deck stains are available in different colours; there are pigmented ones as well as semi-transparent stains.
5 Remove Mould and Algae
Wood decking is susceptible to mould and algae. It can ruin your decking if you don’t remove the mould. To protect your wooden decking, remove the mould and algae. Use a mould remover to get rid of mould on your decking. You can also prepare a homemade mould and algae remover by yourself. Get vinegar and baking soda, then pour onto the area where the mould and algae are located on your wood decking and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes. You can now use a soft bristle brush to scrub the mould away and rinse with warm water fully.
6 Paint the Decking
Another way to protect your wooden decking is by painting it. Painting your decking will prevent the wood from absorbing water when it rains. Apart from that, it will also enhance you decks appearance, especially if your wooden decking is looking a little tired from the years of use. Apply the paint to the decking with a roller or brush.
7 Remove Ice
During winter, ice tends to pile up on decking. To protect your decking, clear away all the ice from its surface. You can do that by using an ice melt to dissolve the ice. Apply the ice melt before it starts to snow; it will prevent ice from forming. You can also apply the ice melt directly on the ice.
Additionally, when using ice melt on your decking, use a not too harsh type. Do not use rock salt ice melt on your wood decking as it can damage it. Calcium chloride is not advisable for wooden decking, but magnesium chloride are good for melting ice on wooden decks. Ensure you apply the ice melt moderately.
8 Clean Stains
To protect your wooden decking, ensure you clean the stains immediately. Food stains, grease stains and bird poop can distort the appearance of your decking. It would be best if you cleaned the stains immediately when you notice them. If you want to get rid of stains on your wood decking, use a mild cleaner. Avoid using chlorine bleach to remove stains from your decking. Chlorine can remove stains quickly but can damage your decking. Using a home made mix of vinegar and baking soda, we find provides the best result.
Conclusion
There are different ways to protect wooden decking. Remove stains, dirt and fallen leaves from the decking. Additionally, you can apply paint, sealers or stains to protect your wooden decking from moisture damage.
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