Deck maintenance step by step
Deck maintenance step by step
The way you maintain your deck also affects your choice of screws. If you plan to clean the deck with chemical cleaning products, lye or strong soap, the decking screws must be made of stainless steel.
Before you lay the decking boards
One of the most important factors affecting the service life of a deck is how it is cleaned and maintained. Follow the recommendations of the wood supplier. If you plan to use chemical products to maintain the deck, or de-icing salt in winter, stainless steel screws are the only right choice for fixing the decking boards.
Wash the deck
Cleaning is the first step before maintaining the deck. Choose a method:
- washing with soapy water,
- washing with water and lye,
- washing with special cleaning products – read the instructions before use.
With a pressure washer, take care that the wood does not crack or become rough. Use low pressure and a rotary brush.
Sanding the deck
A heavily worn and dirty deck can be sanded. Remove all the dust thoroughly before oiling. Tighten any protruding screws before sanding.
Caution!
Wear a protective respirator when sanding – dust from pressure-treated timber must not be inhaled.
Oiling the deck
Wait until the water has completely evaporated from the wood before oiling. According to Svenskt Trä, the moisture content of the wood must not exceed 16 % when oiling. You can measure the moisture content with a moisture meter, which you can buy from builders' merchants.
How often an oiled deck needs treating depends on several factors: how worn the deck is, the weather, where you live and the look you want the wood to have.
When oiling your deck, keep this in mind:
- Use penetrating oils for maintenance.
- Do not interrupt the oiling, otherwise patches will form.
- Do not oil during the pollen season – pollen combined with oil can discolour the wood.
Weather
- Do not oil in strong sun – the oil dries before it penetrates the wood.
- Do not oil in the evening or early morning. Dew settling on the boards can impair the protective effect of the oil.
Some types of wood should not be oiled – ask your supplier how to wash and maintain the decking boards.
Recommended articles
Why stainless steel screws?
When should you choose screws made of stainless steel A2, and when acid-proof stainless steel A4?
Worn decking boards?
If the decking boards are damaged or the wood has even started to rot, you can easily renew the deck by replacing only the boards and keeping the substructure.
Everything for your deck at Zrubko.sk
Here you will find everything you need to build a deck – screws, hardware and wood.
The information in this guide is for guidance only. Follow the manufacturer's technical data sheet and the applicable standards; if in doubt, contact us.