Decking Care: The Complete Guide

Timber decking care

Timber decking needs regular cleaning to remove algae and moss, which is what makes it slippery and dangerous underfoot if left untreated, followed by periodic re-staining or oiling to protect the wood and maintain its colour. Without this protective treatment, timber greys and weathers, and can become genuinely soft and prone to rot in persistently damp, shaded areas.

Pressure washing timber decking needs a gentle touch, since excessive pressure can gouge the wood grain and shorten the deck's lifespan, particularly on softer timbers. A specific decking cleaning product applied first, left to dwell, then rinsed at moderate pressure generally gives a better and safer result than pressure alone.

Composite decking care

Composite decking is more resistant to rot and doesn't need staining or oiling, but it does still develop algae and grime on the surface, particularly in shaded or consistently damp spots, and can become slippery in the same way timber does if left untreated. Cleaning composite decking is generally more straightforward, tolerating pressure washing reasonably well provided the pressure isn't excessive, since some composite finishes can be scratched or marked by very close, high-pressure contact.

Composite decking's main advantage is that it doesn't need the periodic re-staining timber requires, making the ongoing maintenance burden noticeably lower, though regular cleaning is still needed to keep it looking its best and safe underfoot.

A seasonal decking maintenance schedule

Spring is a sensible time for a proper clean, removing winter grime, moss and algae build-up before the deck sees heavy summer use, and for timber decking, this is also a good moment to check whether re-staining or oiling is due. Through summer, regular sweeping and occasional rinsing keeps debris from building up, particularly under garden furniture that traps moisture and shades the surface underneath.

Autumn brings falling leaves, which should be cleared regularly rather than left to sit and trap moisture against the deck surface over winter. A check before winter for any loose boards, protruding fixings, or early signs of rot, particularly on timber decking, catches small problems before the coldest, wettest months make them worse.

What decking care typically costs

Decking cleaning is typically priced per square metre, often in a similar range to patio cleaning at around £4 to £8 given the more careful, lower-pressure approach required, with a standard domestic deck often running from roughly £60 to £180 depending on size and condition. Re-staining or oiling timber decking is usually priced separately and adds to the cost, but extends the deck's lifespan and appearance considerably compared with leaving it untreated.