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Deck Maintenance

Now that summer is over, it is a good time to perform some maintenance on your deck to ensure that it is in good condition and ready to use the next time summer rolls around again.  Deck maintenance is an easy task to undertake and can be done by a professional, or yourself if you are so inclined. 

The deck must be regularly maintained as it may become discoloured or affected by moisture and weather conditions.  The first thing that should be done is to check for loose boards and protruding nails.  Any loose boards should be re-secured or replaced and loose nails hammered back in.

The next thing that needs to be done is to clean the deck.  Sweep off any loose dirt or garden residue and then clean the deck with a specialized deck cleaning product.  This is important to not only remove dirt, but any algae or moss that may be growing on the deck.  After the cleaning has been completed, lightly sand the deck in the direction of the timber.  This will remove any splinters and damage to the timber. 

Once the deck has been cleaned, it is time to reseal it.  This can be done with stain, oil, paint or varnish, depending on how you wish the deck to look.  Remember that hardwoods absorb finishes differently than softwoods do, so the finished result will be dependent on the type of wood that is used.  Stains and oils allow the natural properties of the timber to show through, while varnishes and paints are easier to clean and more resistant to wear.

Before any painting is done, it is important to ensure that you use drop cloths on areas around the deck that you want protected from spills.  This includes plants.  Apply the finishing material with a brush or sponge.  Drying times are dependent on the type of finish that you use so it is important to check the tin to know how long you will have to wait before you can walk on your deck.  You may need to apply more than one coat.

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