A well-maintained deck is the perfect backdrop to a fun-filled summer, but knowing how to keep it ship-shape isn’t always easy. To help you out, we’ve consulted with industry experts to bring you some simple deck maintenance tips that you can tackle all by yourself.

According to Rod Schiefelbein of Trex Company, there are six main deck dilemmas that homeowners face in Australia. But the good news is that with a little know-how and elbow grease, small problems are easily fixed and decks are quickly restored to their former glory.

So pop on your DIY hat and protective gear, it’s time to spruce up that deck for the entertaining season and beyond!

Loose nails

One of the most common dilemmas faced by deck owners is loose nails. You might be tempted to reach for the phone and call the experts, but first, try these simple tricks:

• Solution: Drag the back of a metal rake across the deck boards to locate any protruding nails. First, try hammering them down. Failing that, try replacing them with screws that are around 1.2 cm longer than the original ones.

Splintered boards

Especially coming out of a season with heavy rain and extreme temperatures, splintering is also common. But unless there is severe damage, sanding makes tidy work of deck splinters.

• Solution: First hammer down any protruding nails so that they don’t tear the sandpaper and then start sanding back rough and splintered areas. Make sure you sand in the same direction as the timber grain to prevent any damage to the boards. Usually after sanding back, the deck is ready for re-staining.

If splintering and warping are constant battles with your timber deck, consider switching to composite boards. The biggest benefit of composite decks over timber is that they stand up to all kinds of weather and don’t warp, crack or rot over time. Products like Trex Transcend can even be installed with hidden fasteners for a 100 per cent smooth surface that’s heaven for bare feet!

Scuffing

Whether it’s caused by your outdoor dining furniture, your winter boots or maybe an over-excited pooch, deck scuffs are to be expected. The way you manage them, though, depends on the type of deck you have.

• Solution: Timber deck scuffs are best tackled through regular washing, staining and sealing of the boards. If hand washing doesn’t lift scuffs, try a high-pressure washer. If you’ve got a low-maintenance composite deck, most scuffs wash off easily with soap and water!

Grease stains

It’s no secret that we Aussies love a BBQ. But grease stains on the deck? Not so much – especially when you have dreamy boards in a light hue.

• Solution: Whatever your deck type, arm yourself with a supermarket degreasing agent and a bucket of warm water. Use a household scrubber to try to dislodge stubborn grease marks; if any are resistant to a good scrub, try a carburettor cleaner or automotive degreaser and then rinse the boards quickly with hot water.

Mould

The best way to deal with deck mould is to PREVENT it! Mould feeds and grows from a combination of water and debris build-up on deck surfaces; frequent sweeping and cleaning are critical to inhibit the growth of fungus.

• Solution: Use a garden hose, some detergent and a soft-bristle brush to remove mould. If you have a composite deck, just be mindful to avoid any acetone or solvents.

Discoloration and fading

After painstakingly choosing the perfect colour for your deck, the last thing you want is fading and discolouration to ruin everything. If you’re lucky enough to have a Trex composite deck, don’t worry about a thing – it comes with a 25-year Fade and Stain Warranty, so colour issues and fading aren’t a concern. Timber, however, is prone to losing its original colour, especially after a long, cold winter.

• Solution: To maintain a fresh and vibrant timber deck, regular sanding and sealing every season is the answer. This helps to fend off the natural deterioration of wood.

Ready to make the switch from a timber deck to a low-maintenance Trex deck? Check out the hottest composite deck colours in Australia right now!