Entertaining outdoors is part of Australian culture. We're all about large, relaxed gatherings that suit our weather conditions. A timber deck adds warmth to any home, and at Metricon, we see it as the perfect practical solution for extra living space in the warmer months.
A wood deck can often be one of the most highly trafficked areas of a home, and exposure to the elements all year round, like sun, rain and mildew can leave it looking a little worse for wear. It's essential to regularly maintain a deck to keep it looking great, ensure safety, and prevent any major repairs.
This simple deck maintenance schedule will help keep your deck looking brand new so that you can enjoy it all year long.
Before the entertaining season: wash the deck
- Regularly remove debris from between the decking boards.
- Use a bristle brush to scrub off any obvious debris and dirt on the boards such as bird droppings.
- Thoroughly sweep the entire deck.
- Choose a deck cleaner appropriate to your surface. Many homemade cleaning solutions include bleach, but be aware there are plenty more effective and less damaging solutions out there.
- Choose a cool and cloudy day to clean your deck, so the cleanser doesn't dry too quickly and stain the surface.
- Let the deck dry thoroughly before using a sealant.
For a fast solution, you may use a pressure washer on your deck, but this is not recommended on an ongoing basis as it can damage the timber.
At the first signs of warm weather: seal the deck
- Choose a deck finish to suit your style. Clear sealer enhances the wood's natural colour and grain, while solid stain seals weathering damage and completely covers the grain. Semi-transparent stain changes the appearance of the wood and allows some grain to show. At Metricon, we seal our decks with Sikkens products. They are environmentally friendly, fast drying, UV and weather-resistant, and produce a durable but beautiful finish that accentuates the deck's natural grain.
- Choose a two-day period with moderate temperatures and no rain.
- Start by lightly sanding the deck boards to remove any splinters.
- Replace missing nails from loose boards and hammer down any that have popped up.
- Apply the sealer or stain with a large roller so you can cover 3 or 4 boards at once. Try not to let the finish puddle or pool and don't apply it too thickly – two thin coats are better than one thick one.
To keep your deck looking as good as possible and prevent any long-term weather damage, we recommend you follow our deck maintenance tips and reseal your deck twice a year. It is also advisable to clean the deck regularly, with a broom and garden hose as needed, and taking extra care with a cleanser before resealing.
Your outdoor deck is a fantastic asset to your home. Whether it's open to the weather or has the protection of a pergola, it provides space for family and friends to enjoy each other's company in the fresh air. A little bit of effort to maintain your deck will go a long way to protecting your asset and ensuring many years of enjoyment.
Although we do not supply decks as standard with our home contracts, at Metricon, we work with several decking suppliers who can assist with a range of decking requirements. Just ask one of our friendly Studio M consultants about how we can help with your decking needs. For decking inspiration, view our outdoor rooms gallery.
