How to Prepare and Protect Your Decking for Winter

How to Prepare and Protect Your Decking for Winter

You can smell it in the air when you go outside to sit on your deck and soak in those last moments of and autumn sunset. Winter is on its way, and with the trees changing, and the cold on its way, it’s time to ask yourself, “Is my deck ready for winter?”

Smart homeowners know that harsh winters can wreak havoc if you haven’t properly maintained, cleaned, and readied your deck for winter. Luckily, winterising your deck is easy, and we’ve laid out a few of the best tips to do so.

With this guide, you’ll learn quick and easy ways to manage your deck and get a better understanding of what kind of activities you’ll need to perform to make sure your deck is safe and well protected this winter.

Step 1: Clean

Most people overlook this simple task, but it’s incredibly important that you ensure your deck is cleaned before your winter preparations. Consider all the use and fun your deck has seen in the past seasons — the barbecues that left stains in the grain, the beautiful autumn leaves, the pungent spring flowers that have made their home on your deck.

If all those things are left to sit on your deck as winter approaches, they’re going to rot, and as they do, they’ll grow mould, mildew, moss, and algae. Not only that, sun exposure on these elements can cause your deck to change colour, stain your deck permanently, and weather your deck’s timber or composite significantly.

Step 2: Repair

Repairs are also essential before winter approaches. If left alone before the  rain comes, the wood is liable to break, bend, and weaken even further. Any cracks or damages left in the wood throughout the winter will probably spread to other areas of your deck in the winter months.

Step 3: Waterproof and Seal

Now that you’ve cleaned off the deck, removed the dead leaves, and repaired what you can, the next step for getting your deck ready for the winter-elements is to seal and protect it! Consider using a protective finish to keep your deck from moisture damage that winter weather causes. A clear repellent (or a coloured stain protectant, if you wish) can help protect your deck from splitting, cracking, and warping.

On a similar note, you may want to consider using specific timber coatings when building your deck or making repairs. These can offer additional protection against the elements.

Consider Spotted Gum Timber Decking

You love your deck and want the best for it – so, it makes sense that you want to keep it safe throughout the winter. You’ve done your part – cleared the leaves, cleaned the deck, and maybe you’ve even made repairs and ensured it was sealed. But have you considered replacing your deck wood with timber that can stand up to the elements?

Enter spotted gum decking. Spotted Gum decking hails from Australia and is most notable for its resistance to termites, weather, and water.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to keeping your beloved deck safe during the winter months, all it takes is a little effort, a bit of planning, and perhaps a carefully considered, timber. Always ensure that your deck is clean, the remnants of the prior seasons have been cleared off, and repairs are underway before the cold comes.

Consider a different type of wood for your deck, but also ensure that you’re properly sealing and protecting your deck wood before winter!

 

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Austim are a great partner and timber supplier. Our business is based on the East Coast of Australia and we partner with Austim for WA projects. We have had a long lasting and great working relationship with Austim for many years. Highly recommend them.
daniel wright
daniel wright
06:31 18 Jun 19
Austim is always the first place I try when I need timber and it’s rare that I can’t get what I need there. Stuart is a rare gem of a gent to deal with – quick to respond to any queries, full of good advice and goes out of his way to help get whatever project I’m working on happening to my schedule, even when all I need is a few sticks and a handful of fixings. Highly recommend Austim, the team and young Stuart.
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Anni Lilford
00:51 16 Nov 18
Stuart went out of his way to make sure we got the product we wanted. He made suggestions on possible constructions and timbers suitable. Very knowledgeable friendly staff all around. Excellent experience, highly recommended.
Holger Butenschon
Holger Butenschon
05:14 22 May 18
Hi Ben,Just wanted to thankyou for your help and advice in our selection of the Millboard Vintage Oak decking also in you recommending Grant from Premier Hardwood Decking. Grant has just completed our decking and we couldn't have asked for a more professional, reliable and competent tradesman. The decking has been installed to a very high standard and the decking itself is stunning. Ian and Sue
susan smith
susan smith
06:27 08 Oct 18
I've used Austim on a few occasions for home projects like decking and pergola, etc and each time the response to my requests for price and delivery have been excellent, the deliveries took place as negotiated, the timber quality was great and value for money. The team at Austim do a great job and make dealing with Austim a breeze.
Michael Robinson
Michael Robinson
09:06 25 Oct 18
I have worked with Austim for around 8 years now and they are one of the best suppliers in perth to deal with. I would highly recommend to use them for any timber needs!!!
Art of Timber
Art of Timber
07:55 05 Mar 20
I had been looking for some cedar for my kayak project and had rung a couple of other places with no luck. When I contacted Austim they were very helpful, had the timber in stock and I was on my was in 20 minutes. The wood was very good quality and has really finished up beautifully. Thanks to Austim.
mark alderson
mark alderson
02:03 08 Apr 17
I"d like to thank Austim for there help in supplying me with material that firstly I thought I'd have trouble sourcing as it was marring up with originally 30 year old existing timber.My project was not a massive project but still needed the attention of an new build.The timber supplied by Austim was machined to size with absolute perfection, where I had to remove old pieces and replace with the new pieces they fitted perfectly.once the floors are re-sanded and varnished they will be back to there former glory. Thanks again to the staff at Austim.Regards Bob Heppenstall.I've just added a finished photo after the Floor Sanding was completed.Original timber was Tassie Oak, and the new is Vic Ash, as you can see there is only a slight variation in the final product.I hope this gives anyone thinking doing the same the confidence to proceed. Regards Bob Heppenstall.
Robert Heppenstall
Robert Heppenstall
10:05 12 Oct 18
Great service over phone and by email. Product supplied is high quality - no issues. Staff accommodating and friendly.
M F
M F
00:18 07 May 20
Good service with fair prices.
Colin Della Bosca
Colin Della Bosca
08:14 04 Jun 20
Great service and product.I struggled to find a bench top in the size and material I wanted, so was really happy when I found one with Austim.It came fully protected with wrap and was undamaged when I got it home.Thanks
Matt Harrison
Matt Harrison
06:29 08 May 23
Good selection, friendly staff, competitive pricing. Preferred over the 'hardware store'.You can hand pick if you need superior quality, Ben Price helped me with sorting through
Dirk Wachter
Dirk Wachter
03:59 12 May 23
Quick responses, timber prepared to request including cutting to Size. Easy pick up. Highly recommend.
Martyn Lethbridge
Martyn Lethbridge
06:42 05 May 23
We wanted Marri boards to make a bed - Austim provided beautiful planed and sized boards - at a good price - delivered on time......excellent service!
Mark Warren
Mark Warren
06:53 20 Aug 21
Ordered some merbau timber through austim to replace some rotten pine stair treads. The guy on the phone was very helpful .the timber was straight and had no faults or damage. Sent a message with a picture to say the timber had been delivered. Would definitely order timber from them again
Galaxie Galaxie
Galaxie Galaxie
05:25 29 Nov 23
Ron has help me out tremendously with designing and supplying two decks. Everything required to build them including screws Concreate, stirrups and timber. Service is excellent and at competitive prices.
Craig Bussanich
Craig Bussanich
01:25 06 Oct 23
Excellent service! The gentlemen that served us was so helpful and sorted out our kitchen bench top in 15 minutes! Great product!
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sophie sherlock
07:24 06 Oct 23

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