Decking maintenance

[Antimus]

Moved into the new place over a year ago, and the decking was a bit grey and old, now, well it's worse. When it's wet you cant walk on it without sliding around, and it just looks crap.
Any ideas how to get it back looking as good as new? I know I need to clean it, restore it and probably reseal it, but do I need specific tools/brushes/sprays, how much is it, etc..

Thanks!

[option click]

I'd say sweep all the crud off with a stiff broom/brush, give it a good wash then treat with decking oil.

Loads of decking-related info here:
http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=4

[was8v]

power washer - don't go mad and keep an eye on it for damaging it.

Sand it down and then decking oil or something.

[10JH]

Get a pressure washer with a patio cleaner attachment. They're great for cleaning decking, doesn't take much time at all and isn't as damaging as direct pressure washing.

e.g. - http://www.karcher.co.uk/product.php?pr=91

[10JH]

Paddy_N_Murphy said:

10JH said:

Get a pressure washer with a patio cleaner attachment. They're great for cleaning decking, doesn't take much time at all and isn't as damaging as direct pressure washing.

e.g. - http://www.karcher.co.uk/product.php?pr=91

Really? you think so?
I bought one of those thingies, and thought it achieved less and almost mad the same mess when I used it for my block driveway.

Worked for me! I've used it on block paving, decking and even on a white wall. I reckon it made less mess too as less water was used.

[Antimus]

I've been told by a few people that jet washing the decking is a bad idea, because it damages the wood, forces water into the wood which softens it and makes it rot easier.
Caustic soda makes sense, been looking for Oxygen bleach, but can't find anywhere it's for sale.
Assuming I can do the cleaning part, can anyone recommend a specific decking treatment/sealer/stain?

Thanks for the help so far

[edc]

I used a wire brush and diluted bleach ... worked great

[was8v]

10JH said:

Paddy_N_Murphy said:

10JH said:

Get a pressure washer with a patio cleaner attachment. They're great for cleaning decking, doesn't take much time at all and isn't as damaging as direct pressure washing.

e.g. - http://www.karcher.co.uk/product.php?pr=91

Really? you think so?
I bought one of those thingies, and thought it achieved less and almost mad the same mess when I used it for my block driveway.

Worked for me! I've used it on block paving, decking and even on a white wall. I reckon it made less mess too as less water was used.

You need a decent high powered pressure washer to use a patio cleaner. The toy power washers sold by DIY stores don't cut it with them. They make the job of cleaning a patio miles quicker!

Yes be careful with the power washer on wood, don't go mad (too close) or you will damage the wood.



Depending on the complexity of the decking, might be quicker to dismantle and lay new planks!!

Edited by was8v on Tuesday 20th April 09:29

[susanq]

10JH said:

Paddy_N_Murphy said:

10JH said:

Get a pressure washer with a patio cleaner attachment. They're great for cleaning decking, doesn't take much time at all and isn't as damaging as direct pressure washing.

e.g. - http://www.karcher.co.uk/product.php?pr=91

Really? you think so?
I bought one of those thingies, and thought it achieved less and almost mad the same mess when I used it for my block driveway.

Worked for me! I've used it on block paving, decking and even on a white wall. I reckon it made less mess too as less water was used.

I've used this method for the last 5 years. Deck comes up looking as good as new and the water doesn't go everywhere either.

[kingofherts]

https://hertspressurewashing.co.uk

My company

Edited by AlexHerts on Wednesday 18th February 17:17