Australians have always loved getting outside on the deck for dinner, parties, or a morning coffee; but now, more than ever, we are utilising our backyards with our families as we isolate at home. While we are aware that decks need protecting from the harsh summer sun, you should also be giving your deck some TLC before winter rolls around to ensure it’s protected from the cooler weather. So whether your outdoor area deals with pets, BBQ’s, exercise, direct sun or more; here’s four steps for keeping your deck looking as fresh as possible!
Clear your deck area prior to cleaning
To properly clean the deck, make sure you remove everything before you start. This includes BBQ’s, kids play equipment, any tables or seating, etc. It may seem like a lot of effort, but if you do this a few times a year (think seasonally) your deck will thank you for it. Once your deck is clear, inspect it for loose boards, exposed nails or any damage. If there’s any rough areas, you can give them a light sanding, as raised fibres can shorten the life of the coating.
Give your deck a sweep and scrub
Before you start scrubbing your deck, give it a good sweep. Make sure you get all leaves, debris, and dirt from the surface area, as this will improve the deck’s absorption of the protective oils we apply in step 3. Once the area is clear and swept, we can start the deep clean. Use an approved deck detergent, and brush the area with the liquid and your broom – the bristles will effectively clean between the deck boards. If you have a pressure cleaner, make sure you test a small patch of your deck first, as too much pressure can damage the wood of your deck. Scrub your deck, leave it for 15 minutes, rinse it off with the hose, and wait for it to dry completely before moving onto the next step!
Apply a protective coating
Now that your deck is clean and fresh, you should apply an oil, stain, or coating to keep it protected from the weather and any damage or warping. This coating will also help to protect your deck from moisture, which can cause rot, mould, and moss – none of which we want in our backyard! Your choice of coating is dependent on the look you want; oil, such as our favourite Kwila Oil, enhances the timbers natural colour, whereas a stain changes the colour, and potentially the style, of your deck. Make sure you do two coats (letting them dry in between) and leave to dry for 2 days before replacing your furniture.
Keep it clean!
Lastly, but certainly not least, is to make sure you keep your deck clean. A regular sweep with a soft broom will keep dust, leaves, and debris from building up and creating bigger problems down the track. Need help keeping your outdoor furniture clean, too? Check out our guide on how to clean and care for your patio cushions.
While furnishing your deck isn’t a cleaning requirement, keeping your deck stylish, inviting and functional makes cleaning (and entertaining) a lot more fun! At Daydream Leisure Furniture, we stock an enormous range of timber, aluminium, and resin outdoor furniture settings and accessories that will transform your outdoor area into an entertainers delight. We have two showrooms in Warana and Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, and offer online shopping and one-on-one video consultations – making it easier than ever to improve your space!
Contact our team today on (07) 5493 4277 or enquire online and let us help you create your dream space today.