How To Prepare Decking For Winter

A legacy of lockdown seems to be that we’re making far more use of outdoor space – whatever the weather.

Our relationship with the outdoors has changed. So much so, that even as temperatures dip, many of us still want to be able to step outside and enjoy the garden. 

So this year, it’s not just hats and gloves you’ll need at the ready, it’s your decking too.

Here we take a look at how to prepare your garden for the winter ahead, to ensure it’s safe and enjoyable to use.

What needs doing

To be able to enjoy your outdoor space properly it needs to be clean, tidy and safe. No one wants to risk hurting themselves, falling over on a wet, slippery surface and ending up covered in dirt.

Winter preparations should include:

·         Clear leaves

Autumn is synonymous with falling leaves. Pretty, yes – but also a real pain.

If left unattended they can cause dangerously slippery surfaces. And if you have wooden decking, they’re liable to encourage rot and damage too. 

The best solution here is to try and stay on top of them. Clear leaves away before they have chance to decompose. Not only does this make them easier to remove, but it also prevents staining and reduces the risk of any damage to surfaces.

·         Prune

Before the cold weather really kicks-in, take a look around your garden. It’s likely that everything has grown considerably over the summer months and now is the ideal time to cut back plants and regain order.

Pay particular attention to any trees and bushes near your decking area, as overhanging foliage will drop leaves, block daylight and encourage damp.

Don’t forget to give your grass one last cut too. It barely grows during the winter months, so be sure to trim it now so it’s kept at a short, tidy and manageable length for the winter.

·         Inspect

Take time to carry out a detailed inspection of your outdoor area. Check for signs of damage or wear and tear, and deal with any potential problems before they become a bigger issue. Matters will only get worse if left untreated and exposed to winter elements.

·         Prepare surfaces

It’s not just fallen leaves that can cause problems. The damp environment of autumn and winter also mean that it’s easy to get caught out by wet surfaces.

Traditional wooden decking is notoriously slick underfoot in damp conditions. To counter this, you really need to fit a preventative measure – such as rubber matting or chicken wire to increase grip underfoot over the main walkways.

·         Paint

After the heat of summer, wooden decking will usually benefit from a little TLC to survive the winter unscathed. A gentle sand to avoid splinters and a recoat of paint is ideal to protect and seal the surface ready for the harsh season ahead, and to keep your decking looking its best.

Sound a bit like hard work?

Keen for a garden that goes from summer to winter, and back again seamlessly, without all this hard work and looking after? Then it’s time you upgraded to composite decking.

Switching a traditional wooden deck for composite decking is a sure-fire way to reduce the time and effort needed to keep it in shape. Leaving you to enjoy your decking at a moment’s notice – whatever time of year it is!

Benefits of composite decking include:

• Built-in anti-slip surface
• Resistant to rot, mould, and mildew
• Doesn’t hold the damp
• No need to paint
• No splintering

Think you’ve missed the boat for this year? Think again!

Check out our blog on ‘Why autumn is a great time to lay composite decking’, to discover why now is a great time to make the switch.

Order composite decking today

Want to take the strain out of the changing seasons with composite decking?

At Modern Garden, we specialise in composite decking. With a great collection of colours – attractive natural browns, stylish greys and contemporary blacks – there’s something for every garden.

View the range we have available and order yours today. Alternatively, to find out more and about what we do and have your composite questions answered, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team.