How to avoid a slippery deck this spring

Garden Decking Maintenance

Now that the days are getting longer and the weather is getting slightly warmer, it’s time to start thinking about the garden again. After a long, wet and windy winter, it’s only natural that your garden and timber decking will have taken a bit of a beating, but it’s nothing that a couple hours of spring cleaning can’t sort out!

One important thing to be aware of when it comes to your decking in spring is that it might be slippery from the months of wet weather. Remember, wood is porous, and despite your best efforts, some maintenance will be necessary to get it back into top-notch condition after months of being pelted by the elements.

Winter conditions can cause water, debris, and mould to build up in the crevices of your decking boards, which can be easily cleaned but can also be a significant slipping hazard. So, to help you restore your timber decking to its former glory so you can get back to spending time in the garden, we’ve got a few tips to help you avoid a slippery deck this spring!

Give your deck a good scrub

Now that the brunt of winter has passed and the weather is milder, it’s easier to find time to get out in the garden. When it comes to getting your deck spring-ready, the first thing you want to do is clean off any dirt, debris, moss or algae that’s formed over the last few months. Providing you’re sealing your timber decking as and when you need to, this shouldn’t be a problem that a bit of cleaning can’t solve. If any water or even moisture collects on your deck, it’s going to create the ideal environment for the growth of slippery moss and algae. Couple that with dirt, debris and leaves – it’s a recipe for a slip!

To rectify this problem, use a soft, bristled sweeping brush to sweep any larger chunks of dirt and debris into a pile and then throw them on the compost; this could be sticks, twigs, leaves or any plant matter. Then it’s time to wash your deck down; some warm water, mild soap and soft-bristled brush will make quick work of any mould or dirt. Take your time and don’t scrub too hard, and then rinse the residue away to reveal your sparkling decking.

Keep your decking sealed

Now that your decking is sparkly and clean, it’s time to take some preventive measures. Now, this can require some planning in advance, but it’s worth thinking about. It’s always best practice to seal your decking if you still need to or if you haven’t for a while. And now that spring is here, we’re sure to get a few mild and sunny days in the near future, which will be the perfect opportunity.

Wood sealers are a great way to protect wooden surfaces from water and moisture damage. They create a barrier on the surface of the wood that repels water, preventing it from penetrating and causing damage. While sealing your decking can undoubtedly help prolong its lifespan and shield it from water damage, it’s equally important to maintain the sealant regularly and ensure proper drainage to prevent any potential issues. Taking these precautions will lessen the likelihood of your decking getting too slippery with mould in the future.

Keep on top of cleaning

Maintaining a slip-free decking is easy when you keep it clean and well-looked-after. After cleaning and sealing your decking, it’s important to sweep and remove any debris that piles up regularly. With just a quick tidy-up once a week, you can keep your decking looking its best, even during harsh weather conditions. Following these simple steps means you can ensure your decking remains safe and stunning for years to come.

These are just a few tips from our experts on how to keep your timber decking safe and slip-free. If you would like to have a more in-depth conversation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at 0345 0268 799. We’re always happy to help, whether you’re looking for new decking or just need some DIY advice!