The Seasonal Guide to Caring for your Decking

A timber deck is more than just a feature in your garden—it's a year-round investment that needs attention through all four seasons. Whether you're dealing with harsh winter frosts or summer sunshine, knowing how to care for your decking properly can significantly extend its lifespan, maintain its appearance, and protect it from costly damage.

This seasonal guide will walk you through decking care tasks for spring, summer, autumn, and winter, along with recommended products to keep your timber in top condition.

Why Seasonal Decking Maintenance Matters

Wood is a natural material that reacts to moisture, temperature, and UV exposure. Left untreated or uncared for, decking can:

Warp or crack
Grow algae or moss, becoming dangerously slippery
Suffer from rot or insect infestations
Lose its colour and become weather-beaten

Seasonal maintenance keeps your decking looking fresh, structurally sound, and safe to walk on. Even better, if you stay on top of care, you’ll spend less time and money on big repairs down the line.

Spring: Clean, Inspect, and Refresh

Spring is the time to bring your deck back to life after a long, wet winter. This is your moment to clean, inspect, and prep your decking for increased summer use.

Key Tasks:

Sweep Away Debris
Remove any leaves, twigs, or dirt that have built up over the colder months.
Wash the Decking
Use a decking cleaner to remove grime, mould, and algae. A pressure washer on a low setting can help but avoid damaging softwood decks.
✅ Recommended Product: Biokil Crown Decking Cleaner & Reviver
Inspect for Damage
Check for loose fixings, popped nails, or splintered boards. Look out for signs of rot or insect attack, especially if your decking isn’t treated.
Sand Down Rough Patches
If any areas have lifted or become rough, a light sanding will help restore a smooth surface.
Apply a Preservative or Oil
Spring is the ideal time to reapply a timber preservative or decking oil. Look for products that offer UV protection and water repellency.
🛠 DIY Tip: Use a pad applicator or stiff brush for best results. Avoid applying in direct sunlight or just before rain.

Summer: Protect and Enjoy

Your deck is now a stage for summer barbecues, garden parties, and evening drinks. While summer might seem like a time to relax, the sun and dry weather can take a toll on exposed timber.

Key Tasks:

Re-Oil if Needed
If your deck starts to look dry, faded, or patchy, a mid-summer top-up of decking oil might be required.
💡 Top Pick: DIY Refurb Decking Oil
Sweep Regularly
Prevent grit or sand from wearing down your finish by sweeping regularly.
Spot-Treat Algae or Stains
Shaded or covered areas may still develop mildew or algae. Spot-clean as necessary with a dedicated cleaner.
Protect Against Furniture Damage
Use rubber feet or mats under heavy furniture to prevent gouges or marks.
Mind the Watering
Be careful with potted plants. Trapped moisture under pots can cause stains or even rot. Use plant stands to elevate them.

Autumn: Prep for Wet and Cold

Autumn is the time to protect and preserve. As temperatures begin to drop, your decking faces increased exposure to rain, falling leaves, and eventually frost.

Key Tasks:

Deep Clean Again
Sweep and wash your decking to remove organic matter that could cause slippery surfaces.
Clear Gaps Between Boards
Use a scraper or decking brush to remove debris between boards. This allows water to drain properly.
Inspect Fixings
Screws may loosen as wood expands and contracts.
🧰 Product Suggestion: Decking Fixings & Screws from DIY Refurb
Apply Water Repellent or Sealant
Autumn is the best time to apply a sealant to help shed water and prevent frost damage.
🌧 Try: Biokil Crown Clear Water Repellent for Timber
Store or Cover Furniture
Remove or cover garden furniture to reduce weight and wear on the decking surface.

Winter: Monitor and Protect

Winter brings cold, wet, and icy conditions. While not much maintenance is required, you should keep an eye on your deck and act preventatively.

Key Tasks:

Avoid Using Rock Salt
Salt can damage timber and corrode metal fixings. Choose a deck-safe de-icer if needed.
Clear Snow Carefully
Use a plastic shovel and sweep with the grain of the wood.
Watch for Standing Water
Make sure your decking drains well. Blocked gaps or gutters can lead to water damage.
Keep it Clean
Don’t let wet leaves or snow sit—this can cause rot and slippery conditions.
Check for Early Signs of Damage
Use dry spells to inspect for swelling boards, soft spots, or finish breakdown.

Timber Types and How They Affect Maintenance

Softwood Decking (e.g. pine, spruce):

Requires more frequent treatment
Absorbs oil and preservatives well
Prone to rot if untreated

Hardwood Decking (e.g. oak, ipe, teak):

More durable and naturally resistant
Needs specialised oil
Less frequent, but still needs UV protection

Composite Decking:

Lower maintenance
Still needs cleaning and minor care
Use composite-specific cleaners, not wood oils

Common Decking Problems (and How to Prevent Them)

Problem	Cause	Prevention/Treatment
Slippery surface	Algae, mildew, moisture	Clean regularly, apply anti-slip oil or cleaner
Rot	Trapped moisture, poor ventilation	Use preservatives, seal ends, ensure airflow
Cracks & Splinters	Drying out, UV exposure	Regular oiling, light sanding
Insect damage	Woodworm, ants, termites	Apply woodworm treatment, use treated timber
Loose boards	Wood movement, old screws	Replace or tighten fixings, use decking screws