Timber decking that is exposed year round to our great British weather will suffer without regular maintenance. However, if the decking is cleaned and treated regularly, it will look its best and last for 10-15 years.
Assess your decking
Before treating your decking, take the time to examine it closely, checking for signs of warping or cracking of the boards and for any damage caused by rotting. If any boards are damaged, they will need to be replaced before applying a stain.
Clean your decking
The entire decked area should be cleaned thoroughly to give any stain the best surface to adhere to. Moss and mould should be removed as they will both compromise the timber, and make it slippery; a jet washer on a gentle setting will remove any dirt but it isn’t recommended for older decks as the powerful spray may damage the wood grain. A solution of a decking cleaner in hot water applied with a stiff brush and lots of elbow grease will be just as effective and much kinder to the timber, and should be washed off with a garden hose on a low pressure setting.
When to stain decking
Newly installed decking should be left to weather for an initial three month period; this gives the preservatives used in the pressure treatment of decking boards time to settle and will avoid any reaction with the wood stain. For established decks, fresh stain should be applied every two or three years, after existing stain has been removed. There is no right or wrong time of year to stain decking but mild temperatures and dry weather are the best conditions, so spring or autumn are preferable.
Protek Wood Stain and Protector
At Witham Timber, we stock the Protek range of stains and protectors for its weather resistance and durability. Protek decking stain is linseed oil based to nourish and penetrate the timber and offers excellent eco credentials. The composition of the decking stain works to reduce the moisture content of the decking boards, reducing the risks from frost damage. A versatile product, Protek decking stain is available in a selection of natural wood colours.
How to apply decking stain
Once your decking has been cleaned, old stain stripped and any damage identified and repaired, it’s time to apply the stain. Decking stain can be applied manually with either a paint brush or a paint roller, or a paint sprayer can be used. The stain can be stirred but avoid shaking it as this will encourage the formation of bubbles and you should work methodically along the lengths of the decking boards, following the direction of the grain. Two coats of stain should be applied for protection, and each coat allowed to dry thoroughly before applying the next - subsequent coats will deepen the final colour.
How often to stain decking?
It is recommended that decking stain should be reapplied every 2-5 years as necessary.
Decking and decking stain at Witham Timber
As a core part of our landscaping range, our timber decking is manufactured from pressure treated timber sourced from sustainable forests. We stock everything required to install a new decked area without having to find a supplier elsewhere, including decking joists, newel posts, handrails, decking spindles, and all decking fixings. Once your decking is established, care and maintenance can be carried out with our range of wood stains which includes decking stain, wood stain and protector and shed and fence wood treatment.
For any decking enquiries, please contact us by phone on 01205 359188 or by email at sales@withamtimber.co.uk where our experienced staff will be happy to help.