Whilst garden decking is great to be enjoyed in the summer months – perfect for enjoying company or lounging outside with a glass of wine to enjoy the evening sun. When the weather changes, however, and starts to become colder and wetter, then you likely won’t be using your deck so much.

With that said, it doesn’t mean that your decking should be completely ignored over the winter months. Instead, there are some maintenance steps that you should take to prepare it for the change in season. Follow our top tips below.

Clear the Decks

The first thing you should do to prepare your decking for the winter season is to clear the decks – quite literally! Remove any outdoor furniture, such as seating and tables and consider moving them elsewhere in your garden or putting them into storage. Similarly, move any planters you keep on your decking.

Should you leave these on your decking, they can in turn leave damp spots underneath where they are placed on your decking. This issue with this? Moisture can build up in these areas and lead to rot.

Regular Cleaning

It’s important to carry out regular cleaning on your decking to avoid the buildup of debris, dirt and grime. You should sweep your deck often with a broom to clear it of fallen leaves, moss and any other debris.

At the start of the season, we also recommend giving it a thorough clean using a decking cleaner. This will help to remove moss, mould and algae, and ensure your deck is revived for the season ahead.

The best way to apply a decking cleaner is to scrub it into your decking using a brush, being sure to focus on any cracks and crevices, then rinsing thoroughly afterwards.

Seal with Decking Oil

One of the best ways to protect your decking from the upcoming winter weather is to seal it with a decking oil. This helps prevent moisture absorption caused by rain, snow and ice, which could otherwise lead to warping, cracking and rot.

We recommend using an anti-slip decking oil, as this also has the added benefit of making your decking safer to walk on during wet and icy weather.

Care for Your Decking with the Help of Hales Sawmills

Here at Hales Sawmills, we have the supplies you need to care for your decking. From decking materials to decking supplies, shop our online store today to browse our range of decking products.

Alternatively, get in touch with us with any queries and we’ll be happy to support you.