If youre fortunate enough to have a timber deck, you probably already know that its a good idea to maintain and treat it periodically, whether youre using it or not. The good news is that there are a variety of products on the market today to help make this task an easy one. Here are a few basics to help you get started.

• Weather is key, so wait until a period of three or four days of good weather is forecast before beginning the project because it’s going to take several days. If you wait until the weather is dry and clear, then your deck will dry sufficiently and you wont have to redo the job.
• If the timber is bare and smooth, you can skip sanding it, but it will still need a good clean. Choose a commercial deck cleaner that removes both dirt and oil residues. These cleaners contain powerful chemicals, so make sure you wear gloves and goggles and dont let kids or animals get near the area. After application, rinse away all traces of the deck cleaner with a high-pressure hose, which you can rent from a hardware store.
• For re-treating a deck, its necessary to sand it down until its bare, then apply two different grades of sandpaper. After sanding, clean the deck with a chemical deck cleaner.
• After the sanding and cleaning are completed, youll need to apply either an oil-based or a water-based sealer. The array of choices on the market is almost overwhelming, so its a good idea to get advice from different home building experts at your local building supply store. There are also sealants that contain stain as well as a sealing solution, so consider using these if you also want to colour the timber. The type of timber you have will determine how many coats youll need; for example, a treated pine deck will need more coats of sealer than a hardwood one.
• While sealing or staining your deck, always work in one direction, and never work on more than a few boards at once. Finish an entire length of wood before stopping; otherwise, lines of demarcation will appear that are difficult to obliterate. Using a pad applicator or roller will help immensely, but use a brush for areas that are difficult to get into. Typically, youll need to apply at least two or three coats, but you may need more for porous woods. Dont apply more than one coat each day, as it wont dry in time.

For help in cleaning, sealing and staining your deck, talk to a professional at your local home building supply store.