The floor of a timber deck is subjected to a lot of wear and tear. Without adequate maintenance, the constant exposure to foot traffic and the elements can leave it looking shabby and neglected. Here are two ways to keep your timber deck's floor in excellent condition.

Continue to sweep the deck during the autumn and winter seasons

Most people sweep their decks regularly during the warmer seasons when they are regularly using this area of their homes. However, it's quite common for homeowners to neglect this part of their properties during the colder seasons, largely because they have no desire to spend time outdoors during the chillier, wetter weather.

However, if you want to keep your deck in good condition, you should continue to sweep it all year around.

Sweeping the floor of your deck on a regular basis throughout the autumn and winter months will ensure that damp fallen leaves do not stay on its surface for very long. This is important for two reasons.

Firstly, the dead leaves that fall onto your deck will eventually decompose, and when they do, their acidity levels will rise. This acidity can eat away at the timber decking and thus damage the floor of your deck.

Secondly, if the leaves that fall onto your deck are very damp and you allow them to linger on the floor for too long, there is a chance that the floor will develop a fungus known as wet rot, which will erode the wood.

Re-varnish it regularly

Varnishing the floor of your deck on a regular basis is important, not only because it can keep the floor looking great but also because it can help to prevent it from deteriorating.

Varnish essentially acts as a physical barrier, which protects the timber underneath it. It can help to prevent the floor from developing scratches and stains as a result of foot traffic and food spillages (if you dine out on your deck) and can reduce the speed with which the timber floor's natural colouring begins to fade as a result of exposure to rain and sunlight.

It can also help to prevent algae and the above-mentioned wet rot from penetrating the timber and damaging it.

Varnish needs to be reapplied regularly (that is, about once or twice a year), as it will degrade over time; when this happens, it will no longer provide the same level of protection.

For more information on timber decking, contact a local professional.