At this time of year, you’re probably still able to enjoy your deck for socialising and relaxing, but now is the time to start thinking about what you need to do to prepare it for the autumn and the cold winter months ahead. Planning ahead is a great way to stay on top of your garden chores and your deck is no different. Making sure you prepare it for autumn and winter means it will be in great shape for you when you want to call on its services again next year.
One of the first things you’ll need to decide is:
1. Whether you want to leave your deck completely clear over the autumn and winter months;
2. Or if you plan to leave some of your furnishings out in the hope that you can use it on sunny days;
3. Or if your only option is, through lack of storage space, you need to leave your furnishings on your deck and decide how you’re going to protect them.
To help make your planning easier, we’ve grouped our hints to cover each of these three options so you can quickly find what you’re looking for.
I want to completely clear my deck and put my deck furnishings into storage for the autumn and winter months.
If you’re going this route, your job in some ways will be much easier. What you need to do is clear your deck of your furnishings, making sure you lift heavy items rather than drag them, because dragging can cause real havoc with the surface of your deck. TOP TIP: At this point, it’s a good idea to take the opportunity to clean and treat your furniture before you put it away into storage, that way you’ll get a nice surprise when you uncover it next year!
Once your deck is clear of all furnishing, you need to brush away and clear all the dust and leaves that have gathered over the summer months. Thereafter, a good hose down will give you a clear view of what you’re dealing with. One of the most likely challenges you’re going to face is mold or green algae that has built up in corners or around plant pots. Fortunately it’s not too difficult to remove.
The best way to remove mold, algae and dirt from your deck is to buy a ready mixed product that you apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This decking cleaner for example is extremely easy to use and the end result will have your deck looking like new in no time.
When your deck is clean and clear, it’s almost time to re oil it or reseal it with your preferred finish, but before doing so, you need to make sure you repair any boards that need screwing down or filling. It may be that you need to replace a board or two, but now is a great time to do it when furnishing doesn’t encumber you. This decking oil is a great way to treat your wood and protect it in one go.
I want to use my deck during the autumn.
If you plan to use your deck in the autumn, it’s still a good idea to do all the things we’ve suggested above, so your deck is in the best possible shape to face up to the cold months ahead. Using your deck during the autumn and even the winter months is a great idea and really only requires a bit of planning and forward thinking.
The likelihood is that you’ll want to protect your deck from the elements and install some form of heating if you’re planning to use it year round. Looking at the street cafes in most UK cities will give you tons of inspiration and will reinforce how enjoyable your deck can be, even with a cosy jumper or a warm coat!
Patio heaters no longer cost an arm and a leg and you can make sure you protect yourself from the rain with either a heavy-duty parasol or a canopy that you can roll out when you want it and store away when it’s not needed. Add to this some clever trelliswork, with some material to block the wind and your deck becomes a real haven of calm, even on the coolest days.
I don’t have any storage so need to leave my furniture on the deck.
If you’re in a situation whereby you don’t plan to use your deck during the autumn and winter but your decking furniture needs to stay in situ, it’s still a good idea to remove all your furnishings and carry out all the steps at 1. above. Thereafter you need to plan how you can stack your furniture without causing damage and making sure you cover it to protect it from the elements.