
Treated pine decking is a natural timber material that needs to be maintained over its life. Otherwise, it will not look its best and will develop complications that will damage the wood and negatively affect its functionality. Treated pine decking is easy to maintain with annual oiling and staining. Although treated pine is treated with preservatives before the sale, this does not make the timber impervious to harmful environmental conditions over time. Oiling the timber will help to protect it from atmospheric and environmental exposures that can damage the wood. Now is a great time to install treated pine decking and have it oiled in time for the summer months.
Treated pine decking in Melbourne is a great way to add a vibrant outdoor space to your residential or commercial property. Embrace the outdoors with either an open or closed outdoor space that is functional and offers an area for work, play or socialising. Treated pine decking is easy to install with the correct tools, parts and knowledge. Once installed, make it an annual requirement for the deck to be oiled. You can either engage a professional or complete the activity on your own with materials from your local hardware store. If maintained correctly, your decking should last at least 30 years given that treated pine is a durable timber that can withstand Melbourne’s tough and variable environmental conditions.
To help you maintain treated pine correctly, here are a few tips you should follow. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. If you require any further guidance on maintaining treated pine, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.
Tips to Maintain Treated Pine Decking
Clean before recoating
Like any timber protection exercise involving oiling, sealing, painting or staining, you must prepare the wood and clean it thoroughly. Any oil, soil, dirt or other substance deposited on the deck can limit the effectiveness of the recoat. These particles will act as a barrier and will stop the recoat from penetrating and adhering to the timber. Make sure you apply a quality wood cleaner that will remove foreign substances from the wood and help the recoat to completely absorb and cure correctly.
Repair damage
Do not overlook the harm a damaged piece of timber can cause to the deck. If you start noticing that your timber decking slats are splitting, cracking, bending or otherwise deforming, make sure you attend to this immediately. Use a reliable wood filler to seal splits and cracks, especially around nail or screw holes, knots in the woods and other inherent deformities. For timber that is starting to bend or generally loose shape, consider replacing the damaged section and installing a fresh piece to avoid further complications to the decking and to remove any tripping hazards.
Apply recoat correctly
Use an applicator, brush or other tools to apply the recoat of the oil or stain correctly. The treatment manufacturer will specify the best applicator, and you will need to ensure that the tool is clean and not old with deposits from previous jobs. It is advisable to always apply the recoat in the direction of the wood grain so that the treatment adheres evenly and penetrates throughout. Multiple recoats should be applied at regular intervals depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
Clean regularly
Given a treated pine decking is located outside, it will be subject to harsh weather, debris, leaves and other contaminants that can harm the wood if not cleaned regularly. Ensure these deposits are removed in a timely manner, especially bird droppings, sap from trees and other solids or liquids that contain harmful chemicals. Prolonged exposure to these deposits can damage the wood and cause it to rot. Also, avoid leaving items on the deck that contribute to moisture build-up, as this can provide a healthy environment for mould and mildew development.
Recoat at the right time
It is not advisable to recoat a treated pine decking in extremely cold, wet or hot conditions. The oil manufacturer will recommend the ideal application temperature and humidity levels. Make sure you consult a reliable weather forecast service so that your efforts are not wasted during and after the recoat. Generally, oiling a treated pine deck requires multiple coats so check the instructions in relation to waiting times between recoats.
At Australian Treated Pine, we sell quality timbers for decking applications in Melbourne. We are a decking supplier in Melbourne that sell decking products including sustainable decking timber. You can buy treated pine decking from us all year round. Buy decking online today, call us on (03) 9305 2000 or visit us in-store.
Treated Pine Decking Maintenance FAQs
Question: How do you protect pine decking?
Answer: Treated pine is dipped in preservatives prior to sale when applied to outdoor applications. However, this process will not stop the timber from requiring maintenance. You should seal and oil the deck annually with appropriate preparation.
Question: How often should decking be oiled?
Answer: The decking should be oiled on an annual basis. Make sure you select the right type of decking oil that offers a premium finish. Prior to oiling, you will need to clean and prepare the deck so that the oiling process is effective.
Question: How often should you seal a deck?
Answer: You should thoroughly wash, prepare and seal your deck with a premium decking oil once a year. Decking wood are natural timbers that will deform, slit, blotch or bend over time if it is not sealed correctly and regularly.
Question: How do you waterproof under a deck?
Answer: There are many options available to waterproof under a deck. If the deck is raised and you want to create a useable space underneath, consider a synthetic polymer membrane that will form a barrier together with adequate drainage. Ensure the water collected underneath the decking does not damage the integrity of the timbers.
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