Do I need to protect my 5 year old decking?
Question:I have decking on my roof terrace in London, which must have been put in about 5 years ago. It is a natural grey timber colour, a couple of inches thick, grooves on the top and looks to be in great condition. There does not seem to be any stain/varnish/etc on it. Can I just leave it, or do I need to do anything to maximize its lifetime?
Answers:
Applying a wood sealant will extend the life of the decking. Every year is recommended, plus you can get it with a stain to return the wood to a pretty color.
You need to treat it like a boat and do yearly maintenance. Pressure wash and use a clear sealer spring and fall if you like the natural look. Use a semi-transparent stain if you like some color.
I would recommend a product but I'm in the US. If there is a British version of consumerreports.com check what is recommended. Sometimes the lower priced stuff is actually better than the very high end.
I'm not sure that grey would be it's natural colour. That is the colour that some decking goes when it is left untreated. The best thing you can do for your deck is to oil it regularly. This keeps the water from penetrating and stops the timber from rotting or twisting. You will probably need to clean your deck down first (there are deck cleaning products available) and then if you are happy with the colour you can just use a natural oil rather than a stain. All of these things are available from a good paint or hardware store. If you are going to stain it you can get 2 in one produsts with the stain and oil in one. Good luck.
It was probably treated when manufactured with a timber preservative.If as you say its in immaculate condition then you can leave it as it is and keep it clean.It is also ok to top up the timber preservation which you can purchase almost anywhere..
As long as you intend to keep it! Always protect your investments.
Apply a decking oil. Not anything like cupranol, as it will peel and look awful after a couple of years. A decking oil, soaks into the timber, and gives a natural look, and protection from water. Ensure the decking is dry (i.e. has been rain free for a couple of weeks) before applying.
yes you do need to protect it.wood that is put on the outside has to be treated to last longer,if it was treated and is natural it should be a light green colour.go to your local diy store,i think ronseal is the best but there are many that do the same job,for the sake of a couple of quid and an hour or two at least you know that will be it for another five years.
yes most definitely it needs yearly maintenance and there are so many things on the market you can buy but make sure you buy a GOOD one
Two options. Both require sanding first.
The easiest is to apply a high grade water repellant/sealant. In the USA Thompson's considered best.
The best method is difficult and expensive but will last a lifetime and look like a "million bucks'. Go to a marine supply store and ask what's needed and how to do it (primers and varnish for boats).
you need to stain it and water proof it with sealer
A good coating or two of cuprinol wood preserves giving it a classy antique look and doesn!t ruin clothes so worth the wee bit extra dosh.
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