Look after your deck this winter
How to Care for Your Decking: Keep It Looking Great Year After Year
A well-built timber deck adds warmth, character, and a real sense of outdoor living to your garden. But like any natural material, timber decking needs a little care and attention to keep it looking its best. With the right maintenance, your deck can last for decades — weathering beautifully and staying strong through every Yorkshire season.
Here’s our expert guide from Atkinsons Fencing on how to care for your decking all year round.
1. Regular Cleaning Is Key
Your decking faces everything from muddy boots to falling leaves, so a simple clean makes all the difference.
Sweep regularly to remove dirt, leaves, and debris that can trap moisture.
Wash down your deck once or twice a year with a specialist decking cleaner or mild soapy water.
For stubborn marks or algae, use a soft-bristle brush or pressure washer on a low setting to avoid damaging the surface.
A clean deck not only looks great — it also helps prevent the build-up of moss and mildew, which can make timber slippery.
2. Treat and Protect the Timber
Atkinsons’ pressure-treated decking boards are built to last, but it’s still worth giving them extra protection.
Once the timber is completely dry, apply a decking oil, stain, or protector to seal the surface and enhance its colour.
This helps to repel water, resist UV damage, and slow down natural fading.
We recommend reapplying treatment every 12–18 months, depending on exposure and use.
Choose a decking oil if you love the natural look of timber, or a stain if you want a richer tone to complement your fencing or garden furniture.
3. Keep It Well Ventilated
Good airflow beneath your deck is essential. If you’re installing a new deck, make sure to leave enough space under the boards for air to circulate.
For existing decks, check that weeds, soil, or debris aren’t blocking ventilation gaps — this helps the timber dry out faster after rain and reduces the risk of rot.
4. Check and Tighten Fixings
Over time, screws and fittings can loosen slightly due to natural timber movement.
Inspect your deck once or twice a year and tighten any loose screws or fixings.
Replace any damaged boards or railings as soon as possible to prevent further wear.
Atkinsons stocks a full range of decking fixings, joist hangers, and replacement boards if you need a quick refresh.
5. Seasonal Decking Care Tips
Spring: Give your deck a deep clean and apply a fresh coat of oil or stain before summer.
Summer: Sweep regularly and rinse off spills (especially from barbecues).
Autumn: Keep on top of fallen leaves and moss build-up.
Winter: Avoid using rock salt — instead, use sand for grip if the decking gets icy
Invest in Quality, Maintain with Care
Atkinsons decking is made from high-quality, pressure-treated timber, designed for long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance. By following these simple care steps, you’ll keep your deck strong, safe, and looking beautiful year after year.
