A beautiful deck is the centrepiece of a summer garden. But here in Bristol, the damp climate can be brutal on timber. If left unchecked, that stunning golden wood can quickly turn into a grey, slippery hazard.
At Joe's Fencing & Landscaping, we believe that little and often is the key to longevity. You don't need to spend days scrubbing; just follow this simple seasonal rhythm to keep your deck safe and looking brand new.
Spring: The Deep Clean (March – May)
After a wet winter, your deck is likely covered in grime, moss, and early signs of algae. Now is the time to reset.
- The Wash Down: Use a stiff broom and a dedicated deck cleaner to scrub away the winter dirt. Warning: Be very careful with pressure washers. If you use a high-powered jet too close to the wood, you can "fur up" the fibres, ruining the smooth finish and actually making it rot faster. Use a wide fan setting and keep your distance.
- Tighten Up: Wood expands and contracts. Check for any loose boards or popped screws that might have worked their way up during the freeze-thaw cycles. Countersink them back down to save your bare feet in summer.
Summer: Protection & Inspection (June – August)
While you are enjoying the BBQ season, the sun is your deck's biggest enemy. UV rays break down the lignin in the wood, causing it to grey and crack.
- The Splash Test: Pour a cup of water on the boards. If it beads up, your protection is fine. If it soaks in immediately, the wood is thirsty.
- Oil It: Apply a high-quality UV decking oil. Unlike paint (which sits on top and flakes), oil soaks in and nourishes the timber, preventing it from drying out and splitting in the heat.
Autumn: The Anti-Slip Offensive (September – November)
This is the most critical time for safety. Wet leaves combined with morning dew create a slime layer that is as slippery as ice.
- Leaf Clearance: Don't let leaves sit in the corners or between the gaps. Wet leaves trap moisture against the wood, accelerating rot. Sweep them off regularly.
- Pot Watch: If you have heavy plant pots on the deck, lift them up on "pot feet." If they sit directly on the wood all winter, you will find a perfect black ring of rot underneath them come spring.
Winter: Damage Limitation (December – February)
When the frost hits, the goal is simply to avoid causing damage.
- No Rock Salt: Never use grit or rock salt on a timber deck. It dries out the natural moisture in the wood and can corrode the metal fixings/screws.
- Plastic Shovels Only: If we get snow, clear it with a plastic shovel or a broom. A metal shovel will gouge the surface, destroying the seal you applied in summer.
Composite Decks Need Love Too
If you have a composite deck, you get off lightly, but you aren't completely off the hook. You still need to sweep away leaves to prevent mould growth in the shade, and give it a wash with soapy water to keep the colour vibrant.
Featured Image Image * [Four-panel collage. Top Left: Pressure washing a deck. Top Right: Applying clear oil with a brush. Bottom Left: Sweeping autumn leaves. Bottom Right: A pristine deck in the snow.] Image Alt Text * Seasonal deck maintenance guide showing cleaning, oiling, and leaf clearing Tags Select Tags * Deck Maintenance, Garden Safety, Decking Oil, Cleaning Tips, Bristol SEO Settings Meta Title * Seasonal Deck Maintenance Tips: A Year-Round Guide | Joe's Meta Description * Keep your deck safe and stunning all year. We share expert tips for cleaning, oiling, and protecting your timber or composite deck through every season.