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​Tip Store: Gardening: Decks, Verandahs and Pergolas

​Deck Revival

You can definitely do this yourself and save dollars. Get into your hardware/paint store and ask them about products and preparation. You have to do the following; check bearers and joists - BSA licensed tradesman can repair/replace nails or loose/rotten timber. Any areas that are bare of paint or timber stain or oil wash off well, once dry, reapply oil or stain, usually 2 coats. Don't forget - any structural problems must be repaired by a licensed person, this is a safety issue, and people have died after deck collapses so the BSA is pretty hot on this issue. Get quotes for structural work! Make sure they say what kind of timber they will be using and how it has been treated.
​ Contributed by Kaye Silich, 3rd October 2013

​Decking Spruce Up

I always make use of marvelous websites such as these. There is so much info and I do not want to plagiarise. They deserve the credit. The familyhandyman.com on "How to Revive a Deck". Contributed by Jenny Maring, 3rd October 2013

​ Website: www.familyhandyman.com

​Refresh Your Deck

My first piece of advice is DON'T USE LINSEED OIL! The stuff is a nightmare to get out of your deck and doesn't nourish as well as other products on the market. Start by using an oxalic acid based cleaner such as Cabots Deck Clean. Mix up one part cleaner to four parts water and scrub your deck in small sections, hosing off thoroughly as you go. Let your deck dry completely (overnight is best). Then apply two coats of a decking oil such as Cabots Decking Oil. It won't last as long as some products but it will get you through summer with a nice deck to enjoy.
​Contributed by Emily D., 3rd October 2013

​Yola's Timber Decking

Firstly you will need to smooth the surface of the decking. You can either use an industrial sander if the area is really large, or if you have energetic help the other alternative is to do it with hand-held belt sanders. Once this is done, sweep or vacuum all the dust from the surface and apply a couple of coats of a good quality decking oil. We use Cabots Natural Decking Oil on the outdoor furniture that we make, it goes a long way and lasts a lot longer than cheaper brands, better value in the long term. Your major expense item is getting the surface sanded, but if you ask around you may be able to borrow or bata with someone for the use of a sander.
​ Contributed by Jen Brittain, 3rd October 2013

​Dish Drops Clean Pavers

To get rid of your oil stain, try using regular dish washing detergent. Dish washing detergent is designed to break up oil on your cooking utensils and will also break up oil stains in clothing if you apply some undiluted to the stain and rub in before adding to the washing machine for your normal wash. If your pavers can be scrubbed, I would apply the detergent undiluted and scrub into the area with a brush, working the detergent into a lather - then wash lather away with warm water. You may need to repeat the process. I think success will depend on how porous your pavers are and how long the oil has been seeping into them. The run off from the detergent will not harm your plants and will actually work as a soil wetting agent - bonus!
​Contributed by Shezz S., 25th October 2011

​Citrus Clean Gets Those Sticky Spots Off

To clean sticky spots off timber floors and decking, my husband recommends buying a cheap product from Paintspot called Citrus Clean, then leaving it on for approximately 10 minutes. Shade the area if it is in direct sunlight otherwise it will bleach your timber, then scrape it off with a paint scraper. If you don't have a scraper try a kitchen scourer, just not a metal one, and start gently.
​Contributed by Kellie, Frankston South, 13th January 2010