How to Prepare Your Garden Decking for Summer: Cleaning, Treating & Styling Tips

As the warmer weather approaches, there’s no better time to prepare your garden decking for summer. Whether you’re planning BBQS, garden parties, or just quiet evenings in the sun, a clean, well-maintained decking area sets the stage for a season of outdoor living.

At Smithfield Timber, we’ve been supplying high-quality timber products across Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, and the North East for over 25 years.

In this guide, we’ll share our expert tips on how to clean, treat, and style your decking so it’s ready to enjoy all summer long.

Step 1: Give Your Decking a Deep Clean

After months of rain, frost, and fallen leaves, your timber decking likely needs a thorough clean.

What You’ll Need:

• Stiff-bristled brush or broom
• Bucket or garden sprayer
• Mild detergent or a dedicated decking cleaner
• Pressure washer (optional but effective)

How to Do It:

1. Sweep away all debris, leaves, and dirt.
2. Apply your chosen cleaning solution and leave it to soak in.
3. Scrub the surface to remove grime, algae, or moss.
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, or use a pressure washer for a quicker job.
5. Let the deck dry completely before moving on to treatment.

Top Tip: Avoid pressure washing at too high a setting as this can damage softwood timber decking.

Step 2: Treat or Stain Your Timber Decking

To protect your decking from UV rays, moisture, and general wear and tear, applying a quality decking oil, stain, or preservative is essential.

Choosing the Right Finish:

• Decking Oil: Nourishes timber and enhances natural colour.
• Decking Stain: Adds colour while still allowing the wood grain to show through.
• Wood Preservative: Helps prevent rot, mould, and insect damage.

Application Tips:

• Ensure your deck is completely dry before treating.
• Use a brush, roller, or decking pad for even coverage.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s drying times between coats.

Not sure what product is best? Pop into Smithfield Timber – our experienced team will happily guide you to the right choice for your decking type and condition.

Step 3: Style Your Decking for Summer

Now that your timber decking is clean and protected, it’s time to style it up for summer.

Easy Styling Ideas:

• Add Outdoor Furniture: Go for weather-resistant seating, tables, or even a hammock.
• Use Planters: Introduce greenery with raised beds, pots, or hanging baskets.
• Install Lighting: Solar lights, lanterns, or string lights create an inviting evening atmosphere.
• Lay Down an Outdoor Rug: Add comfort and colour with a hardwearing rug designed for outdoors.
• Incorporate Shade: Consider a pergola, parasol, or sail shade to stay cool during hot days.

Your deck doesn’t just need to be functional – it can become the heart of your garden’s design.

Why Smithfield Timber?

Whether you’re refreshing an existing deck or building a brand new one, we’re here to help:

• Over 25 years of timber expertise across Teesside, Middlesbrough, and Stockton-on-Tees
• Wide range of decking boards, joists, treatments, accessories and hardware in stock
• Friendly, knowledgeable staff on hand to provide guidance and inspiration
• We can also provide quotes for joinery work from trusted local tradesmen

Visit Us In-Store or Contact Our Team

Summer’s coming, so make sure your deck is ready to enjoy. 

Visit our Middlesbrough or Stockton-on-Tees branches to pick up everything you need to treat and refresh your garden decking.

Smithfield Timber – Supplying Quality Timber Products Across the North East for Over 25 Years.