Protecting & Sealing Timber Decking Across Adelaide.
Timber Decks Adelaide South Australian residents have custom made by licensed deck builders from Hand Made Gardens are built using natural hardwood.
DIY enthusiasts often think a coat of varnish or painting the deck will protect it from the Sun and rain. This is however a ‘rookie mistake’. Natural hardwood timbers need to breathe, so the ‘film forming sealer’ approach will lead to cracking and peeling as the wood swells and contracts.
The best way to protect and go about sealing timber decking across Adelaide suburbs of SA is to use a penetrating oil based sealer that protects the wood from within.
If you’re happy with the colour of your choice of hardwood timber and just want to keep it from turning grey and looking weathered, a decking oil will protect your deck from the Sun’s harsh UV rays and rain, as well as resisting damage from foot-traffic, leaves and dirt and being translucent won’t change the appearance of the wood, other than giving it a wet look which will enhance the woods grain.
Depending on your garden’s theme and colour scheme, you may like the grain of a particular timber but would like it warmer. Adding a tint or stain to the oil will do that for you.
The high concentration of oil makes the hardwood decking boards highly resistant to water and dirt whilst providing a highly durable but easy to maintain finish.
Although not the sealers primary purpose, most decking stains provide decent protection from mould and algae too so there’s many benefits for properly sealing timber decking.
Applying Sealer To Timber Decks
Before & After Sealing Timber Deck
Sealing timber decks by staining sounds easy, especially after reading the side of a tin found in hardware shops, however like everything, there are advantages to using professionals who have done it hundreds of times before and know exactly how to apply the stain evenly so you don’t end up with streaks. Often too, especially with re-sealing, cleaning the boards with an appropriate cleanser will be required and some repair work may need to be carried out if any of the slats have been damaged.
To know when your timber deck needs to be re-sealed, you’ll notice water no longer beads and will soak into the wood. Master Landscaper Martyn Hand (MLSA) from Hand Made Gardens will be able to give you an idea of the life-span based on the wood you’ve chosen, your Adelaide metropolitan suburb and how exposed to the elements your decking is.
Note: All timber decks Adelaide home owners have quoted on by Hand Made Gardens will include sealing timber decking within the price to enhance and protect your investment.
