Wooden decking tiles are easy to install and made for long-term convenience. However, if you want to keep your deck looking its best, continue reading this article to know how to properly maintain these tiles. Proper maintenance will ensure that your tiles last and look good.
Wash The Dirt And Debris
As your deck is located outside, it will collect dirt and debris over time. This dirt can easily be brought into your home and this is something that you will want to avoid. To remove this dirt and debris, you will need to wash the wood tiles with a mixture of mild soap and water.
When washing the tiles, you need to use a soft sponge or cloth. Do not use any abrasive items as this will scratch the tiles and cause further damage in the future. If you are concerned about the soap being too harsh, you should test it on a small section of the deck first. If there is no discoloration, the soap is safe to use on the rest of the deck.
Clean Oil And Grease
Spills are going to happen when you entertain or cook on the deck. When grease and oil spill onto your wood tiles, you need to clean this immediately. This will help to prevent any staining and will protect the finish of the tiles.
The first step will be the wipe up the grease or oil using a soft cloth. You should then gently wash the area with soap and water. If the oil does not come off the tiles, you will need to use a stain remover. The stain remover that you choose should be compatible with the wooden tiles that you have. To verify this, you will need to carefully read the label and try it on a small part of the deck first. Check out http://deckingx.co.uk/ website to know more about stain removal techniques on deck.
Know About Tannin Leaching
All wood products are open to tannin leaching and you need to be aware of this. Tannin is a natural preservative that is present in many plants including trees. The problem is that when this substance comes into contact with iron in wet environments, it will cause discoloration. Your wooden tiles will start to look darker than they were, but only in the area where the iron meets the wood.
The best way to avoid this completely is to keep iron furniture off the wooden decking tiles. You should also sweep leaves off the deck as they contain trace amounts of iron which will interact with your wood. If this is not possible, you will have to use a stain remover to rectify the discoloration.
source http://www.christyjewell.com/wooden-decking-options/
