Outdoor areas surfaced with DECKO Tiles with appropriate care should provide you with many years of low or no maintenance opportunity.
Although DECKO products require minimal upkeep, there are some basic tips to keep them looking great for many years to come. Regular sweeping and hosing are all that is generally required for basic maintenance of your deck.
After install if they get light rain or moisture they can show signs of staining. No problem. This is temporarily caused by the technological dust still on the surface of the tiles, which starts to float once they get the light rain and dry off. An abundant rain will wash out and no more issues. If you experience that and especially on covered areas, hose it and mop it after - recommended two different occasions for the best outcome.
We also recommend the following further measures to maintain and prevent damage to your DECKO deck.
- If affected by BBQ grease or other staining liquids is best to simply pour hot water from a kettle and soap onto the affected and using a sponge, mop or stiff brush, brush along the grains of the surface of the decking board. Avoid using any heavy commercial cleaning solutions. DO not use bleach as it will affect the colour of your boards significantly.
- It’s important to regularly clean the deck of debris, dust and mud where possible before it builds up in the gaps and cracks. A blower, vacuum, broom, brush and/or mop will do the job.
- We recommend a maintenance clean using a high-pressure water washer with a maximum power output of 2500psi and a 25 degree spray tip at a 35 degree angle every 6-12 months. try to spray along the grains of your deck along the length of the boards as spraying across the surface can cause damage. Try to ensure that each plank is sprayed with 100% coverage per pass.
- Do not allow metal items prone to rust to sit on your deck for extended periods of time, as this may rust stain the deck.
- If there is a particularly stubborn stain on the deck that cannot washed out, using 40 grade sand paper you can sand the top layer of the deck parallel with the direction of the grains on the surface of the board until stain disappears. WARNING: This method does decrease the decking material's size as this is an abrasive procedure, If done repeatedly or incorrectly can result in the product being ruined. Decko is not liable to replace products if it was ruined by the sanding method, as this should be a last case scenario option only.
- Place an outdoor mat or protector around BBQs to avoid fat and grease stains. Such stains can also be removed if necessary with the assistance of sandpaper after thorough washing with hot soapy water.
Painting, Sealing and Staining
We strongly recommend against applying a 3rd party coating to DECKO products. However, if you do decide for some reason to apply an external coating it should be done when the deck is fully cleaned and dried. Be aware that if you do apply an external coating, your warranty will be voided.
Scratches and Scuffs
Be aware that any sharp or hard objects such as furniture legs or rocks can scratch your deck, so make sure you protect the surface as much as possible. It’s typical that exposure to the sun will naturally cause small scratches to fade away within few weeks. DECKO boards also have the advantage of being made using an extrusion process which means the material is the same all through the board compared to other composites which have foils or coatings on the top layer. You can use 40 grade sandpaper to remove any accidental scratch or stubborn stains without damaging most DECKO boards. Just gently brush the area and apply a wet cloth afterwards.
Water Stains
You might notice some water stains on the surface of the boards after rainwater has evaporated. Water staining is relatively common, especially in the first months after the installation, as the wood component in composites releases tannin which mixes with the industrial dust that remains on the surface. It should disappear after heavy rain or by hosing and moping.
Staining is normally more prominent in lighter colours and will vary depending on environmental conditions such as local flora and fauna around the deck which might exacerbate staining. Avoid dripping and pooling of water on the deck where possible to avoid excessive water stains. These can generally be cleaned with water and a mop.
Please feel free to get in touch with the Decko team if you’re unsure about any maintenance issues. We’re more than happy to assist in keeping your deck or other Decko product in tip top condition!