All hands on deck

Tool belle Rose Hughes shows how to get your prime outdoor area ready for those long, hot days of summer.

Getting your deck ready for summer

Summer is fast approaching and lazy days on the deck are no longer just fantasy. But how is that deck looking after winter? Moss, lichen and mildew are common and can be easily fixed. For today’s project, our neighbours kindly volunteered their deck, which is frequently used throughout the year. This kwila deck is about 20 years old and was badly affected by moss, mildew and lichen. Also, the boards were installed too closely together, which has contributed to the problem.

You will need

Protective gear – overalls, gloves, mask and eyewear
Sharp knife
Pressure sprayer
Moss and mould killer (I used Resene Moss and Mould Killer)
Scrubbing brush
Long-handled stiff-bristled brush
Deck wash (I used Resene Timber and Deck Wash)
Stain (I used Resene Woodsman Decking Stain)
Paintbrush and roller or applicator – I used a lambswool applicator
Paint tray
Paddle for stirring the stain

Take care

Do not allow these products to come into contact with plants, stormwater outlets, streams or animals. They could kill aquatic life if allowed to enter the stormwater system. Divert all runoff to a sewer or alternative catchment system.
If these products come into contact with plants, wash them with lots of fresh water as soon as possible.
Wear adequate protection.
Don’t mix these products with any other product.
Rinse deck wash thoroughly off glass because it could etch the surface – and don’t store this product in a metal or rubber container.

Step-by-step instructions

Step one:

Clear the deck.
Use a sharp knife to remove as much of the moss as possible and to clear the spaces between the boards to encourage better drainage of surface water

Step two:

Put on your protective gear before spraying on a coat of moss and mould killer.
You can buy a 5 litre pressure sprayer for less than $20, and they’re ideal for this job.
Leave the product on for at least 48 hours.
Rinse off with lots of fresh water.
You really need to take care with this product – see the ‘‘Take Care’’ box on this page – and follow the label for instructions and details on dilution.

Step 1
Step one

Step 2
Step two

Step three:

Use a hand brush to scrub the obvious patches of lichen, and then a long-handled stiff-bristled brush to sweep the boards clean.
The mildew isn’t obviously affected by this product – although the spores have been killed. The lichen and moss are easy to remove.

Step four:

When the deck is dry, apply a coat of Resene Timber and Deck Wash or a similar product. This product cleans, but also enhances the stain penetration and assists in the longevity of the top coat.
You need to keep the deck wet for 10-15 minutes, so avoid applying it under direct sun. Protective gear is required, and make sure to follow the label for instructions and details on dilution.
Use a long-handled brush to remove the mildew and, with a bit of scrubbing, even the grease from underneath the barbecue.
Wash the product off with lots of fresh water.

Step 3
Step three

Step 4
Step four

Step five:

Ensure the deck is dry before you apply your stain with a long handle and a wonderful thing called a lambswool applicator – a fluffy cover that comes on a flat head that can screw on to a handle. Use a brush for the areas that are close to the house or difficult to access.
Wait at least 24 hours before applying the recommended second coat.

Step six: