Timber Decking: Clean it, Stain it, Love it!

Here at Greengates Builders Merchants, one of our most popular product ranges includes everything you need to create gorgeous timber decking structures. From top-quality decking boards to accessories like rails, posts and even the screws that hold it all together, we've got it all.

As we're already well into spring with summer just a few weeks away, these products are in high demand right now.  

While the initial process of building garden decking does take time and effort, once it is in place the maintenance requirements are quite minimal. All that really needs to be done is to keep it nice and clean. While staining is optional, it does make the decking look even more beautiful and will also keep it in tip-top condition for much longer. 

Our decking collection includes two excellent products to facilitate quick, easy and effective cleaning and staining. This edition of our blog introduces the products and shows you how to use them for best results. 

Azpects Patio & Deck Cleaner
Supplied in concentrated form, a single litre of Azpects Patio & Deck Cleaner can be diluted to create enough formula to thoroughly clean well over 100m² of decking surface. It is super-versatile, allowing it to also be used not only on timber but also on concrete, stone and composite materials.

• Start by sweeping the area clear of all dust and loose materials.
• Shake the bottle vigorously before adding 200ml of formula to 5 litres of water in a suitable vessel. If the decking is really dirty, up the dosage to 400ml. 
• Use a watering can, sprayer or brush to apply the solution to the surface, then use a stiff brush to work it in. After 20-30 minutes and before the solution has dried completely, use plenty of clean water to rinse.   

Johnstone's Woodworks Decking Stain
The combined action of UV rays and water can cause damage to timber decking including peeling, cracking, warping and rotting. Johnstone's Woodworks Decking Stain is enriched with the addition of wax, helping the decking to strongly resist such damage and providing at least 3 years of active protection. You can choose from either Chestnut Brown or Natural Oak colour options. Note that this product should not be applied to previously painted or varnished surfaces unless these finishes have been suitably removed.

• Clean the timber decking using Azpects Patio & Deck Cleaner as described above. Allow it to dry completely.
• Open the tin of Johnstone's Woodworks Decking Stain and stir the formula thoroughly.
• With a pad or brush, begin evenly applying the stain, working it into the timber well. Follow the natural grain of the timber.
• After the surface has dried, a process which should take around 4 hours, it's time to apply a second coat by repeating the previous step. Do not walk on the newly-stained decking until this second coat has completely dried.       

Make sure your garden decking looks fantastic in time for summer with these amazing products, which are available to purchase from Greengates at the best price in town!