DIY: now is the time to clean and refresh the deck in readiness for time spent outdoors in spring and summer. Photo: File.
If you love sitting outside enjoying your back yard in warmer weather, then now is the time to spruce up the deck in preparation for summer gatherings. Bunnings national paint buyer Mick Heanue says regular maintenance will keep your deck in tip-top shape throughout the year. Spring is a good time, he says, to give it a clean and re-stain to keep it looking good as new. Follow these easy tips to spruce up your deck.
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- Regularly check decking wood for damage and signs of stress or rotting. A handy tip is to push a screwdriver into the wood and if it goes over half a centimetre through the wood, it may be rotting.
- Clean the deck regularly with a deck cleaner to remove dirt, mould and moss. This will improve the overall look of the wood and prevent further damage that can be caused by mould and mildew.
- Keep safety a priority and prevent accidents by replacing damaged boards and securing loose panels. Check handrails for splintering and sand back if needed, as well as paying attention to nails that are sticking out or screws that have come loose. Use a screwdriver to drive nails and screws back in so they are level with the wood.
- Protect the timber by using a good quality deck stain. Begin by sanding the deck to remove current stains and then apply two to three coats of deck stain or clear sealant to guard the wood from the elements and improve the overall look of the deck. To achieve the best results use a garden sprayer to apply the deck stain to larger areas and use a paintbrush to work the sealant into the smaller areas.
- Maintain deck colour by choosing a sealant that contains UV sunlight protector, as direct sunlight can alter the natural colour of the wood. Rearranging furniture regularly will also help to maintain colour as furniture left in one spot for an extended period can cause discolouration.
- Plants are a great option to brighten the alfresco area; however trees and shrubs can also increase the growth of mould and mildew. Check the decking wood regularly and remove any fungus by using hot soapy water and a scrub brush.
marina.williams@fairfaxmedia.com.au
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