20 Jun Extending the Lifespan of Your Garapa Decking
Installing decking using Garapa hardwood is a long-term investment you make, as this timber is popular for its longevity and strength. However, the important thing to note is that even though this hardwood is renowned for its durability, deck maintenance is still a necessity.
Don’t be alarmed, we are not here to tell you that you will now need to spend a fortune to keep your deck in shape.
Here are a few easy tips to extend the lifespan of your Garapa decking:
Seal with decking oil early and regularly
Decking oil acts as a protective barrier, shielding the wood from moisture, UV rays, and other environmental stressors. This helps prevent issues like rot, mould, and fading, ensuring your deck stays in tip-top shape for years to come. Garapa decking naturally has a golden, brown hue, which can be enhanced when you use decking oil, bringing out the wood’s inherent beauty with a stunning finish.
Additionally, when oiling your deck regularly, you will also extend the lifespan of the deck by nourishing the wood and preventing any premature deterioration. With the proper maintenance, your deck will withstand rigorous exposure to the elements and maintain its structural integrity. Shop our range of deck oils, varnish, and cleaners.
A pro-tip is to avoid using varnish on Garapa, as, unlike oil, varnish forms a hard, impermeable layer over the wood surface that can trap moisture and lead to other issues like peeling and cracking, all of which can mar the aesthetic of your deck. Varnish also tends to create a glossy, plastic-like finish that can detract from the natural beauty of the wood. Products like varnish requires stripping and sanding for reapplication, whereas decking oil can easily be reapplied.
Keep your deck clean
Keeping your deck clean can’t be stressed enough. A routine clean is all that is needed to sweep off leaves and dirt to prevent mould, mildew, and staining. Avoid harsh power washing; rather, use a gentle deck cleaner or degrayer to clean your deck. Soap and water do the trick! Do remember to avoid standing water at all times. Make sure your deck has proper drainage to remove puddles quickly, especially if you live in a very rainy district. Keep your deck looking stunning – here’s how to prevent splintering in your wooden deck.
Ventilate Your Deck
Make sure you have good ventilation to ensure adequate airflow underneath your deck. When installing, be sure to leave at least 30 centimetres of space between the bottom of the deck or the underside of the joists and the ground. It’s also helpful to avoid using mats or rugs on your deck that can trap moisture. Garapa needs to breathe to stay dry and avoid warping.
Inspect and Repair Where Necessary
A part of maintaining your deck is checking for loose boards, popped screws or any planks that might be cracked or broken. Replace or fix these problems early to prevent larger damage to your deck over time. Change your approach to deck care with the seasons. Our guide to winter vs. summer care for your deck offers some useful tips.
Embrace the Grey
If you prefer a low-maintenance deck, you can skip the sealing and just clean your deck regularly by leaving it to silver naturally, but you will ultimately sacrifice the rich golden tone.
Overall, extending the lifespan of your Garapa deck is quite easy when you remember to oil it early and regularly, keep your deck clean and ventilated, and repair any loose boards or cracked planks, or simply embrace the grey.
For more information on how you can preserve your deck or to purchase decking materials or oils, CONTACT US or order online!