After care

Wood needs TLC. Ideally, a timber deck needs annual maintenance to ensure it doesn’t become tired-looking or slippery. Regularly clearing away any rotting leaves will help keep the workload down, but, after a long, wet winter, a bit more attention might be necessary… ■ Using a sharp screwdriver, probe the timber to check for any soft, rotting areas, both on the decked surface and framework. Replace rotting timbers immediately, treating newly-cut ends.

■ Troubleshoot to discover the cause of the rot. A nearby dripping gutter, leaky tap or lack of airflow are all common causes.

■ If the original screw holes are ragged and unkempt, try replacing the screws with new, galvanised ones, and tidying up the holes by re-drilling and sanding.

■ For a moss-covered or seriously mouldy deck, use a powerful jet wash to thoroughly clean between the grooves on each plank, waiting first for some sunny weather so that the timbers can dry out fully.

■ A tired-looking deck can be transformed with a coat of all-in-one wood stain and preservative. Scrub thoroughly and leave to dry completely before sanding rough areas, then painting them with stain.

Using a specialist decking cleaner will remove mould and algae, leaving the timber ready for a new coat of stain or paint.