How to look after your decking in summer

Summer is the time when your decking really gets used. Whether it’s where you enjoy your morning coffee, host BBQs with friends or relax after a long day, keeping it clean and well maintained will help you make the most of your outdoor space.

After months of changing weather, your decking can collect dirt, debris, algae and other marks that can affect how it looks. Giving it a little attention during the warmer months is a great way to keep it looking its best and spot any small issues before they become bigger problems.

The care your decking needs will depend on whether you have timber or composite boards. Timber decking benefits from regular cleaning and protection to help maintain its appearance, while composite garden decking is easier to look after but still needs occasional maintenance to keep it looking fresh.

Whether your garden features traditional timber decking or modern composite decking, here are some simple ways to care for it throughout summer.

Looking after timber decking in summer

Timber decking brings natural warmth and character to your garden, with each board adding its own unique grain and appearance to your outdoor space. With a little regular care, your decking can continue looking its best and provide a comfortable place to enjoy your garden throughout the summer and well beyond.

The best way to keep timber decking in great condition is to give it regular attention. Timber doesn't need constant upkeep, but keeping on top of the little jobs as and when they arise will definitely help you avoid bigger jobs later.

Keep your timber decking clean

After a couple of months of enjoying your garden through the warmer weather, your decking may have seen plenty of use, from family BBQs to everyday foot traffic. With the recent heatwaves, you may even notice more dust, pollen and general garden debris sitting on the surface.

Start by giving your decking a good sweep to remove any loose dirt, leaves and debris. For a deeper clean, warm water and a suitable decking cleaner can help lift marks and bring the surface back to life. A soft bristle brush is ideal for removing dirt while still being gentle on the timber.

If you’re considering using a pressure washer, take a moment to check the condition of your decking first. Make sure the protective treatment or surface coating is still doing its job, and check for any chips, scuffs or damaged areas where water could get into the timber. Applying high pressure to these areas could force water into the boards and cause issues further down the line.

If your decking has seen better days or you’re unsure whether pressure washing is the right option, cleaning by hand is definitely the safer route to take, and it’ll still freshen up the boards just as well.

Give your decking a summer check

Before you spend the rest of the summer making the most of your decking, it’s also worth taking a few minutes to give the boards and fixings a quick check. A little bit of maintenance now can help keep your decking looking its best and make sure it’s ready for autumn too.

Take a walk around your decking and look out for any areas that may need a little attention, including:

Loose screws or fixings - If you notice any screws or fixings that have worked loose, tighten them carefully to help keep the boards secure and prevent movement.
Boards that look different from the surrounding timber - If a board has started to look worn, faded or damaged compared to the rest of your decking, take a closer look to see whether it simply needs cleaning or whether it may need further attention.
Small cracks, splits or areas where the surface needs some care - Keep an eye on any areas where the timber has started to show signs of wear.

It’s also a good opportunity to check that your decking is still feeling secure and comfortable underfoot, especially in areas that get used the most, like the seating areas or garden entrances.

Keeping on top of these small checks throughout the year makes it much easier to deal with any maintenance as it comes up. A few minutes spent looking after your decking now can help keep your outdoor space looking great and ready to enjoy throughout the rest of the year.

Refresh your timber decking

Now we’re heading into late summer, it’s a good time to look at whether your timber decking could do with a fresh coat of protection before the wetter months return. After being exposed to plenty of sunshine, temperature changes and regular use throughout summer, the finish on your decking can naturally start to wear over time.

A decking oil, stain or treatment can help restore the appearance of your boards, enhance the natural grain of the timber and add a protective layer to help your decking handle the changing weather ahead.

If you’re unsure whether it’s time to reapply your finish, there are a few signs that your decking may be ready for some attention:

The colour looks noticeably lighter or more weathered than before
The previous finish has started to fade in areas with more foot traffic
Water is soaking into the timber rather than sitting on the surface
The boards no longer have the finish or appearance you originally wanted

The right product will depend on the look you want to achieve. A clear decking oil can help bring out the natural character of the timber, while a coloured oil or stain can refresh the tone of your boards and create a slightly different finish.

When applying any new treatment, the conditions in which you apply it will make a big difference to the final result. Aim to treat your deck on a dry day with mild temperatures between 10°C and 32°C, and avoid applying products when the decking is very hot or in direct sunlight, as this can affect how evenly the finish absorbs. You’ll also want to allow enough drying time afterwards so everything can cure properly, so it’s always best to keep an eye on the forecast for upcoming rain.

Caring for composite decking in summer

August is also the perfect time to give your composite decking a quick refresh. Like timber, after weeks of sunny weather, garden gatherings and plenty of use, it's only natural for dust, pollen and everyday garden debris to build up on the surface. The good news is that composite decking is designed to be quick and easy to maintain, so a little care goes a long way.

Keep your composite decking clean

Just like any outdoor surface, composite decking benefits from an occasional clean. A quick sweep will remove loose leaves, dust and debris, helping to keep the boards looking smart and preventing dirt from collecting between them.

If your decking is looking a little tired after a busy summer, warm soapy water and a soft brush are usually all that's needed to freshen it up. Work along the direction of the boards, paying a little extra attention to textured finishes where dirt can naturally settle.

If you have gaps between your boards, it's also worth clearing out any leaves or debris that have collected to help rainwater drain away as intended and leave your decking looking clean and well cared for.

Deal with spills sooner rather than later

Whether you've been firing up the barbecue, enjoying drinks in the sunshine or making the most of family meals outdoors, spills are all part of summer. Composite decking is designed for everyday outdoor living, so most food, drink and grease marks are quick and easy to clean away.

A little warm water and a mild cleaner are usually all you need to freshen up the boards. For the best results, it's worth cleaning up any spills while they're still fresh rather than leaving them to dry on the surface. It only takes a few minutes and helps keep your decking looking its best all summer long.

Give your decking a quick once over

Composite decking is designed to be a low-maintenance addition to your garden, but taking a few minutes to give it a quick check during the summer can help keep it looking its best.

After plenty of time spent outside, you may find that dirt, leaves or garden debris have collected in certain areas, particularly around furniture, planters or between the boards. Giving these areas a quick clear-out will help keep your decking looking neat and make sure water can continue to drain away properly.

Summer is also a time when garden furniture tends to get moved around more often, whether you’re creating space for guests or changing the layout of your outdoor area. If you have heavier items sitting on your decking, adding protective pads underneath can help prevent any unwanted marks or scratches if they are moved.

It’s a small addition, but it can make a big difference in helping your composite decking stay looking its best while you enjoy making the most of your garden.

Enjoy your decking throughout the rest of summer

Your decking is the centre of your garden, giving you a space to relax, entertain and enjoy the warmer weather. Whether you have the natural character of timber decking or the modern finish of composite boards, a little regular care will help keep it looking great throughout the seasons.

If you have any questions about caring for your decking, choosing the right treatment or planning your next outdoor project, our team is always happy to help. With years of experience supplying timber and garden products, we’re always on hand to offer advice and point you in the right direction. You can visit us at our Bradford depot, arrange delivery, or give us a call on 01274 487882. You can also email [email protected] – we’re always happy to assist!