How to extend the life of your deck

​A healthy, well-looked after deck is great to look at. But when you begin to neglect your deck in the short-term, its long-term outlook is greatly reduced. For this reason, it’s important that you look after your deck and treat it well.

Prevention is key. Once damage to the structure begins, extensive problems can easily develop. Let’s take a look at a few tips and tricks on how to extend the life of your deck.
 
Carry Out Regular Inspections
 
We recommend that you inspect the overall state of your deck at least twice a year, preferably once in Summer and then again in Winter. What you’re on the lookout for is moisture that has built up on the joints, posts and beams. If water has pooled anywhere, it could compromise the overall structural integrity. You really need to catch moisture as soon as possible so that you can make the necessary adjustments.
 
Keep Your Deck Clean
 
Regular cleaning can preserve the life of your deck to no end. All you need is a garden hose and you’re sorted.
 
Dirt does build up really easy, while other niggling issues include algae and mould. For things such as mould and algae, you will need to scrub with a brush and mild soap. Your brush should not be made up of wire or steel wool though, as these can easily scratch and stain your deck.
 
And once a year we recommend that you clean the whole deck with a power hose and finish off with a polish.
 
Make Sure You Prevent Insect Damage
 
Insects are a real pain, especially for people who have decks in Australia, but there are steps you can take to make sure your deck doesn’t get damaged.
 
Insects see wooden decks as places to build their nests, as well as things to eat! To reduce your risk of seeing your deck eaten away by bugs, you need to keep it sealed and freshly painted. You should also scour the local area for wasps and bees, as well as switch off any night lights that could be attracting insects.
 
You’ll be surprised at how much damage a wasps’ nest can incur on a wooden deck! Old nests need to be removed as soon as possible. They’re easy to sort out too; you just scrape them off.
 
Rake & Sweep
 
It’s very easy to allow debris such as sticks and leaves build up around your deck. Very easy. And while you might simply assume that all they’re doing is creating an eye-sore that you can easily eliminate at any time, what is actually happening is that the debris is rotting and permanently staining your deck.
 
Moreover, leaves are really good at holding moisture next to your wood, which in turn leads to rot. So, when autumn comes around, it’s time to rake and sweep!
 
Paint and Seal
 
You certainly don’t need to apply a fresh coat of paint every year, but once every five years is definitely recommended. This will help to keep insects away and have your deck looking nice and new again.
 
If you’d prefer, you could always use a sealant instead. If so, you need to stain the deck first before applying the sealant. Whatever you choose to do, we recommend that you power wash your deck beforehand.
 
Timber decks are a specialty of In Style Patios and Decks, and a ‘must have’ for any new outdoor extension on the Gold Coast. The QLD climate and home designs mean that a deck is the perfect option, and can also add significant value to your home. So what are you waiting for? Contact our team today on 0436 007 776 and let’s get started!