One of the easiest ways of making your garden more accessible – particularly if it has lots of irregular slopes, or maybe you want to create an outdoor seated or eating area – is to lay down some decking.
This flexible outdoor solution does, however, need some ongoing care and maintenance. Here Lumberjacks, who supply composite decking to customers across Suffolk, provide some top tips on looking after it ahead of the warmest months of the year, when you will really want to enjoy your garden.
Buy Composite Decking from Suffolk-based Lumberjacks
At Lumberjacks, we can supply reversable softwood decking, as well as DuraDek or Allur composite decking. The last two products will minimise the amount of maintenance you need to carry out across the year. Our website also has a helpful ‘How To’ guide if you were thinking of opting for Allur decking.
Both composite products are more resistant to damp, rot and insects, and don’t absorb as much moisture as conventional wooden decking. This means not only will they last longer, but they are more slip resistant so there’s less likelihood of falls after a period of heavy rain (or if you have misdirected the garden hose when watering your plants!) It also means you can use it near swimming pools and other garden water features without any problems.
Sweep it Regularly
No matter how clean you try to keep your decking clean, dirt, leaves or animal droppings are an ever-present threat, particularly on wooden decking. This debris should be cleaned off regularly, not just because they are unsightly but because they could, over time, could develop into something worse, such as algae, or a permanent stain.
So once a week you should try to sweep a wooden surface with a brush or broom with reasonably strong bristles. They should be strong enough to remove any debris, but not so stiff that you scratch the surface of the wood.
Give it a Proper Clean
Many manufacturers recommend that you give the decking a proper washdown at the start of the gardening season in spring (so if you haven’t done it already, do it now), and once at the end (the autumn) when most of the plants have finished growing or blooming.
Some warm, soapy water and a sponge should be ideal for the job. Make sure everything is removed from the decking – such as chairs, benches and any other furniture – to give yourself clear access.
Re-Oil it As Well
Every 12-24 months it’s worth re-oiling your deck to make sure it retains a high-quality finish and to avoid problems of discolouration, algae or moss, cracks or general wear and tear. Make sure it’s been cleaned first – preferably with the soapy water – and make sure (particularly if it’s a wooden surface) that it has been left to dry out for at least 24 hours. It may also be worth sanding down any rough patches.
When you apply the oil, try a test patch first; this will ensure you have the right colour for your wood (or for your personal taste). At Lumberjacks, we stock Barrettine All in One Decking Oil, which can be used on balustrades, sheds and summerhouses as well as on the decking boards.
Other Decking Products from Lumberjacks
You can also order a range of decking accessories from our online shop; remember we can deliver to many parts of Suffolk, including Felixstowe, Woodbridge, Hadleigh, Stowmarket and Needham Market if you can’t get to our base in Ipswich.
For more information, or for free advice, call us on 01473 461394. You can also click here and leave us an online message and we will get back to you.
