Five Steps To Prepare Your Deck For Spring
Your deck puts up with a lot, sun damage, muddy feet, pet paws, mould, grime and spills. Not only that but after a long winter of rain, wind, and cold, your deck might be looking a little worse for wear.
Without regular deck maintenance, dirt and grime build up and the timber starts to age faster than it should. So, with warmer weather on the horizon now’s the perfect time to start thinking about getting it ready for spring. Don't worry with a few simple steps and the right products, you can protect your deck, increase its lifespan, and make sure it’s looking its best for the first BBQ of the season.
Let’s dive into the five essential steps to get your deck spring-ready.
Step 1
Clear & Inspect Your Deck
The first step in any deck rejuvenation process is clearing the space.
Remove furniture, pot plants, BBQs and any other outdoor décor out of the way so you can get a clear view of the entire deck surface. Once your deck is cleared give it a good inspection from top to bottom.
Things to look out for are loose nails and screws; warped or split boards and signs of mould or grime build-up. Re-tighten or remove and replace loose screws. Badly warped or split boards will need to be replaced to ensure a smooth, even surface. Timber decks are exposed to constant wear and tear, so spotting issues early is key to preventing costly repairs.
PRO TIP: Use this time as a good reminder to check and clean out gutters not only for fire safety ahead of summer but to maintain good drainage and prevent water damage to your deck.
Step 2
Give It a Deep Clean
Cleaning your deck properly is essential before applying any oil or treatment. Dirt, mould, and old finishes can stop your decking oil from absorbing properly into the timber which defeats the whole purpose. After an initial clean and sweep there are a few schools of though on how to deep clean your deck.
1) Sanding. Sanding removes the barrier so your timber can breathe and absorb the oil properly. If your deck has membrane on it sanding is a great option that you can DIY at home to reset your deck. However this can be very costly and time consuming.
2) High pressure cleaning. For a full reset we recommend pressure washing which can be a quick and cost efficient way to clean large areas. It's a great way to remove stubborn dirt or surface mould but be careful if the pressure is too high or the technique is wrong you can cause damage. Talk to your local hardware store it get in a professional pressure cleaner.
3) Now, here's the great part! If you regularly maintain your deck all you need is a timber cleaner like Deck Doc Superior Timber Cleaner to give your deck that yearly clean. This is the safest and most effective option for most decks. It removes discolourations, stains, grease and dirt, kills mildew and algae and neutralises previous cleaners and waxes preparing the surface for oil applications.
Step 3
Reapply Decking Oil
Once your deck is completely dry (we recommend waiting 24–48 hours after cleaning), it’s time for the most important step: re-oiling. Oiling nourishes and protects your timber, preventing drying, cracking, and UV damage. It also revives the natural timber colour and leaves a beautiful finish.
We recommend Deck Doc Premium Decking Oil a natural oil safe for kids, pets and the garden, designed for Australian weather. It penetrates deep into the timber, offering long-lasting protection against sun, moisture, and foot traffic.
PRO TIP: Water bead test. When it comes to re-oiling sprinkle water on your timber. If the water forms droplets that sit on the surface the oil is still working and your deck is protected. But, if the water is absorbed into the wood it's time to reapply.
Step 4
Refresh Outdoor Furniture
Once your deck is protected why stop there? Your outdoor furniture likely needs a little love too. Timber tables, benches, and chairs can all dry out, crack, or stain just like your deck. They may have also been used as perching spots for little creatures so spring is a great time to give them a clean.
Deck Doc Premium Indoor Outdoor Furniture Oil is perfect for to use for oiling once clean. It’s easy to apply and designed to extend the life of your outdoor setting by feeding the timber, repelling moisture, and enhancing colour.
While you're at it clean or replace cushions and wipe down metal or plastic furniture frames to reset your outdoor space.
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Step 5
Add Finishing Touches
Now the heavy lifting is done, it’s time to style the space and enjoy it. Simple things can make a huge difference in atmosphere and comfort - why not string up some solar or fairy lights? Add some potted plants or herbs to add some greenery? Or check the BBQ and clean the grill for that first spring cook-up. These finishing touches make your deck feel like a true outdoor space you'll want to use every day.
PRO TIP: Make sure to oil your deck a few days before your first spring time event. While timber oils like Deck Doc are designed to dry quickly make sure to give them time to fully absorb so there's no sticky feet, oily cushions or stress.