Determining which decking floorings require maintenance and which do not is crucial. How often should decking floorings be treated? What are the suitable protective measures for decking? How should wood be prepared for protection?
Seasonal Treatment
The early days of spring and late autumn are ideal for protecting outdoor wooden surfaces. This time, we’re paying special attention to decking floorings, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. Essentially, there are two types of decking floorings – solid wood and WPC decking.
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Opting for natural wood provides aesthetically pleasing floorings but requires maintenance, unlike WPC decking, which is a mixture of wood and plastic.
Frequency of Treatment
Depending on the type of wood and its exposure to atmospheric elements, wood treatment is required once or twice a year. Decking exposed to outdoor environments, such as around pools constantly exposed to sunlight and water, needs treatment twice a year.
On the other hand, decking on a covered terrace protected from atmospheric elements and sunlight may only require treatment once a year or even less frequently. You can assess the condition of wooden floorings visually; faded color, tiny cracks, and loss of freshness indicate the need for impregnation. Treating wood with suitable oils not only enhances its appearance but also protects it from the sun and water, prolonging its lifespan.
Preparation for Protection
Before applying the protection, thorough cleaning of the wood is necessary. This can be done in several ways. The most efficient method is pressure washing. However, if you don’t have such equipment, using a hose and a plastic brush will suffice. Ideally, use a brush that attaches to a water hose. Brush along the decking boards to effectively remove dirt from the wood’s textured surface.
Many paint stores offer cleaning agents for removing gray spots from wood, but they can be quite expensive, so use them only if regular washing and cleaning don’t help.
Application of Protection
After cleaning, allow the wood to dry thoroughly before applying the protection. Decking is best treated with oils specifically designed for this purpose, available at any paint store. There are many products available, but experienced professionals recommend choosing a product of moderate quality with UV protection.
Read the instructions before applying the oil, as each manufacturer has specific recommendations to follow. The oil is best applied with a brush. Check for areas where the wood hasn’t absorbed the oil after about twenty minutes, and if necessary, wipe those spots with a cloth to prevent staining.
Frequency of Application
Just as there’s no universal rule for how often to treat wood, as it depends on many factors, there’s no universal rule for whether oil should be applied once or twice in one treatment. If the wood has absorbed the oil quickly, it may need another coat, which should be applied 24 hours after the first.
After completing the application, wait a few days for the wood to dry thoroughly, avoiding intensive use or exposure to heavy loads during this period.
Benefits of Oil Protection
Oil is an ideal protection for wooden surfaces because it doesn’t leave a layer on the wood’s surface like varnishes do, preventing peeling or bubbling due to moisture. Oil penetrates deep into the wood’s structure, impregnating and protecting it.
Additionally, any leftover oil can be used for wooden garden furniture or planters. All exterior wooden surfaces that haven’t been previously treated with varnish or stain will shine after oil application and be better protected against deterioration.
Foto: Freepik