Maintaining the Lustre of Your Timber Decking

Deck construction is one of the popular construction projects Australians choose as it provides them with the opportunity to make the most of indoor-outdoor living.Timber decking is a favourite option as it blends in with nature and adds a distinct aesthetic to your residence. However, timber is also an expensive investment. Therefore, you should take measures to ensure that the quality of your decking does not become compromised due to neglect and external factors. Below are tips that can come in handy in maintaining the lustre of your timber decking. 

Be patient with the sealing process

Once your timber decking is installed, your contractors will apply a coat of varnish to seal the wood. Some individuals make the mistake of using their deck immediately after installation, as they want to start reaping the benefits of installing this structure. As a result, they end up damaging their timber decking prematurely. After the coat of sealant has been applied, it is crucial to give your wood decking sufficient time to cure. The curing process can take several weeks, so it is important to avoid walking on the deck or placing any furniture on it, or you will end up compromising the surface. 

Be vigilant of scuffs and scratches

Cosmetic damages to your timber decking may not compromise on the functionality of the structure, but they will adversely affect the appearance. An easy solution for this would be ensuring all furniture legs are fitted with padding to avoid accidental scuffing. When moving the furniture pieces, ensure that you lift the pieces individually rather than dragging them across your deck. You could also ensure that your guests do not walk on your deck with shoes on, as heels and caked dirt in the sole of the shoes will scratch the surface. Over time, as scuff marks become apparent, you can re-sand and refinish the decking to make it good as new. 

Be mindful of exposure to moisture

You need to clean your deck, so keeping it completely moisture-free is unrealistic. Nevertheless, this does not mean you cannot limit the amount of water your deck is exposed to. When mopping the deck, ensure this is done with a damp rag rather than pouring water all over it. Secondly, during the wetter seasons, invest in a tarp to cover your deck. The more moisture your deck is exposed to, the higher the chances the timber will succumb to warping or buckling, which will cause permanent damage.

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