Decking restoration

[Emma B]

Hi,
I 've just moved into my new house which has a nice garden with some decking. The decking is in generally good condition but has gone a very silvery grey colour, I guess with age. Is there any way I can get it back to looking the way it was when new?

Thanks.

[DIYer]

Hi Emma,

That silvery grey colour is the the natural weathered look all wood eventually gets to. Some people like that.

If you want to restore the origonal colour there are various products on the market which will do that. You could try Cuprinol decking reatorer. You simply paint this on, wait then scrub off. Idealy, then use a preassure washer to finish off.

This will reveal something of the origonal colour. To maintain that colour you might then apply a decking oil, which will colour and protect the newly exposed timber.

http://www.cuprinol.co.uk/products/deck ... rview.html

[Swingset]

Ipe Sealers: Exterior Deck Application
Ipe sealers are not necessary! Ipe deck treatment is only needed if you desire to keep the rich brown colours that exist in a new installation. Ipe lumber will age to a natural silver gray patina, and outlast most woods with no chemical coating.

[wnbuk]

Hi, I would start by giving the wood a once over cleaning and then consider your options. Here's a handy guide to cleaning hardwood decking which might help. http://www.woodandbeyond.com/pages/How-To-Clean-Your-Garden-Decking.html