There is nothing quite like a freshly laid deck in the summer. But fast forward to a damp Bristol February, and that beautiful feature can turn into a green, slippery ice rink if you aren't careful.
Maintenance isn't just about making it look good; it's about safety and longevity. Rot and algae are the enemies of timber. Here is how to fight them off without spending every weekend scrubbing.
1. The "Spring Clean" (Crucial for Safety)
Over winter, algae and moss form a slime layer on your boards. This is what sends you flying when you step out in your slippers.
- The Wash: You can use a pressure washer, but be careful. If you use a high-powered jet nozzle too close to softwood boards, you will strip the wood fibres and make it "furry." Use a wide fan setting.
- The Gentle Way: For a safer clean, use a stiff deck brush and a dedicated decking cleaner (or hot soapy water). It takes a bit of elbow grease, but it lifts the grime without damaging the timber.
2. Timber Decks: The Annual Feed
Once your timber deck is clean and (crucially) bone dry—usually around May or June—it needs protection.
- Oil vs. Stain: We almost always recommend Decking Oil over paint or stain.
- Oil soaks into the wood, replacing the natural oils lost to the sun. It prevents cracking and warping.
- Paint/Stain sits on top. Eventually, it will flake and peel, leaving you with a nightmare job of sanding it all back.
- How to Apply: Use a specialized pad or a wide brush. Apply thin coats. If you slap it on too thick, it forms a sticky skin that peels off.
3. Composite Decks: The "Low Main" Routine
If you have composite, you can skip the oiling. But "Low Maintenance" doesn't mean "No Maintenance."
- The Soap Wash: Pollen, dust, and bird mess will still make composite look dull. A bucket of hot soapy water and a soft broom once or twice a year keeps it looking brand new.
- Grease Stains: Dropped a burger from the BBQ? Clean it up immediately with a degreaser. Composite is stain-resistant, but hot grease can leave a mark if left to soak in.
4. The Silent Killers: Plant Pots and Leaves
This is the most common cause of rot we see in Bristol gardens.
- Move the Pots: If you have heavy flower pots sitting directly on the deck, moisture gets trapped underneath. The wood never dries out, and eventually, you put your foot through a rotten circle. Put pots on "feet" or move them around regularly.
- Clear the Gaps: Use a butter knife or a specialized tool to clear the gaps between the boards. If these fill with mud and leaves, airflow stops, and the joists underneath start to rot.
When is it Too Late?
If you step on a board and it feels "spongy," maintenance won't fix it. That means the internal structure has rotted. Do not walk on it. It needs a professional inspection to see if the frame can be saved or if it needs replacing.
Deck looking a bit tired? We offer repair services and can advise on whether a professional clean or a replacement is your best option.
Featured Image Image [A person using a stiff broom to scrub a wet timber deck, revealing clean wood underneath the algae.] Image Alt Text [Cleaning and maintaining a garden deck to prevent slipping] Tags Select Tags Decking Care Wood Oil Garden Safety Pressure Washing Home Maintenance SEO Settings Meta Title How to Maintain Your Deck in Bristol: A Simple Guide Meta Description Slippery deck? Learn how to clean, oil, and maintain your timber or composite decking to prevent rot and accidents in Bristol's wet weather.