Category: Decking Advice

How to revive your decking in four easy steps

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It’s incredibly important to keep on top of your decking maintenance. You’ve spent a good deal of time and money on your deck, but it’s starting to show its age, or maybe you’ve fallen behind with maintenance. Whatever your reason for wanting to revive your decking, there are plenty of ways you can do it yourself without having to pay for expensive contractors (or even hiring one at all!). Here are four easy steps that will help restore the smoothness of your once-perfect decking:

What you’ll need:

1. Clear the decking

To begin, you need a completely clear decking space so you can thoroughly clean it, remove any furniture blocking access to the wood. Grab your tough brush and give the decking a good sweep to dislodge any dirt. Don’t worry if the brush doesn’t clear any tough dirt, the cleaner will loosen those up!

Your decking should be completely clear and all loose debris swept away.

2. Clean the area

Before you power ahead, read the instructions on the back of the packet of your chosen cleaner. Some cleaners don’t need water and can be poured directly onto your decking.

Pour your decking cleaner over the decking and immediately scrub it into the surface then leave it for 15 minutes to soak in. We used Ronseal Decking Cleaner as it removes dirt, grease, fungus, stains, algae, and mildew and saves you the hassle of heavy scrubbing.

Ensure the decking cleaner is thoroughly scrubbed in.

Once 15 minutes have passed, grab your pressure washer or hose and thoroughly wash your decking. Enjoy watching all the dirt buildup wash away and seeing your decking slowly revive!

Use your hose or power washer to wash away the dirt!

3. Stain your decking

Whilst this step is optional, we do recommend staining or treating your decking with an oil. We used a Cuprinol Anti-slip Deck Stain which colours your deck with a tough, durable water-repellent protective coat that resists cracking and peeling caused by weather. For Cuprinol, apply 2-3 coats evenly along the grain, avoiding overlaps, and allow each coat to dry fully before recoating. The stain should dry within 2-6 hours, depending on the nature of the surface and the weather conditions.

Cuprinol Anti-slip Decking Stain with invisible anti-slip microbeads gives a semi-transparent, matt finish that will revive your decking!

4. Enjoy your perfect decking!

After all that hard work, enjoy how perfect your clean decking looks! It’s now ready for warmer weather, BBQs, and plenty of footfall.

Recreate this beautiful softwood decking using our individual boards and rope handrails!

Looking for the best deals on decking?

Check out our amazing deals here on the eDecks website!

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most projects – and any products we sell online. Contact eDecks here for personalised advice for your project today.

At eDecks you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

48 hour delivery on many products

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge, unfortunately – please check the eDecks website for more details.

Non-slip decking: What is the best wood to use?

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Non-slip decking is a great way to make use of your garden all year round. Not only can it be customised and personalised, but it also allows you to create alluring and safe outdoor spaces. Many people choose garden decking to create functional areas for families whilst some just prefer it to a traditional garden.
Softwood and hardwood have their own individual qualities so it’s important to consider what the space will be used for when it comes to choosing the best timber for decking. We’ve compiled a comprehensive analysis of the two, to help guide your decision.

Softwood and hardwood


Hardwood timber comes from trees that are slower to mature. Oak and Beech are just two examples of hardwood trees you might find in the UK. They’re made up of a more complex structure and will lose their leaves in autumn and regrow them in the warmer months. They’re more often found in temperate countries where they will only shed occasionally.

Softwood trees are much faster growing and in great supply. They’re coniferous and retain their needles all year round. Some examples are Pine, Redwood, and Cedar.

Shop softwood decking

Price difference


Price will most likely be one of the biggest deciding factors when it comes to choosing the timber for your non-slip decking. Due to its fast-growing nature, softwood is widely available meaning it has a lower price than hardwood. Hardwood’s complex structure makes it more difficult to process. When combined with how long it can take a hardwood tree to grow, you can justify the higher price.


Other pricing factors may also influence your decision. For example, softwood decking will need treating or staining. It will also depend on where you are building your garden decking and on what type of surface. Will you need to prepare your ground? There are extra costs to consider but, ultimately, adding non-slip decking to your home can add value to a property.

Shop hardwood decking

Durability and ease of maintenance


In terms of their durability, softwoods are generally less dense which makes them more susceptible to moisture and rot. However, if the wood is treated and sealed before the decking installation, you can improve its resistance to bad weather. Bear in mind that softwood decking will need annual maintenance to ensure it keeps its look and durability. Most softwood timber decking boards will have a 15-to-20-year lifespan.

Whilst hardwood decking boards require less maintenance than their softwood counterparts, it’s still advisable to do so. Softwood or hardwood decking boards are still timber. This natural material is likely to weather and age naturally, so staining, oiling, and cleaning your deck as needed will help to keep it looking fresh.

Hardwood decking is known for its longevity. Woods like Yellow Balau and Cumaru are renowned for their water resistance and their stability and can last for up to 50 years. For the most part, it can be left alone and will uphold its robustness. The average life span for a piece of hardwood decking is from 30 to 50 years.

Shop softwood decking

Look and feel


Look will no doubt be a priority when choosing the best non-slip decking. A garden is an extension of a person’s home. So, the look and feel of it needs to reflect that. As well as coming in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and heights, the wood you choose will have the most noticeable difference.

Hardwood decking is more comparable to having an indoor floor outside. It’s typically smoother due to its more complex structure. The shades tend to be dark with a much warmer tone. These can be anything from a brown tone to a darker, golden brown. Hardwood decking is also unlikely to need staining unless you’re after a different look for your garden.

Softwoods are typically a much lighter shade of timber decking. When treated it has a pale green tinge to the wood. Just like a tan, after a few weeks outdoors, it will turn more golden. If you choose to use a stain, then you can make the wood much darker, even closer to a hardwood shade. With softwood, you have more options to customise it.

Shop hardwood decking

When you should use each


It’s good to think about what you will be using your garden for when considering the best timber for decking. Will it be exposed to the elements? Will it be a high-traffic area? For example, if you have a swimming pool or a hot tub, hardwood generally has better moisture resistance.


How heavily will your deck be used? For the average household, softwood decking is perfectly suitable and durable for an average amount of use. If your deck will need to withstand heavy foot traffic and will see lots of use, then consider hardwood.

Shop softwood decking

Looking for the best deals on decking?

Check out our amazing deals here on the eDecks website!

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most projects – and any products we sell online. Contact eDecks here for personalised advice for your project today.

At eDecks you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

48 hour delivery on many products

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge, unfortunately – please check the eDecks website for more details.

How to Style Your Softwood Decking

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Softwood decking makes any garden look wonderful. Whether your space is big or small you can style decking to your taste and bring your area together.

Add a pergola

We love pergolas here at eDecks and we think they look even better on softwood decking! Pergolas add an element of privacy in smaller gardens and can be stained the same colour as your decking to match your home perfectly. Pergolas can also have roofing added which gives you the option to use your decking in all weather conditions. You also have the option of hanging lights and planters to give the area a cosier feel.

Credit: @girly.grey.home on Instagram

Add custom planters

No decking goes to waste here at eDecks, we make custom garden planters with both reject decking and high-quality wood. So, whatever your budget we have something to suit you! The planters come unpainted and treat like our decking so they can be stained to match your garden and home. As an added bonus, these planters arrive assembled for your convenience, so they can be used right away.

Credit: @our.chesham.home on Instagram

Add a flower arch

Flower arches are a fantastic addition to any garden but they look especially magical when used as an entrance to softwood decking areas. We have a wide range of arches here at eDecks to suit your budget and are perfect for a wide variety of climbing plants like the most popular, roses. The timber is FSC certified and has been pressure treated so it will last even longer, it also comes ready assembled, all you need to do is fix it down!

Credit: mycottagegarden on Pinterest

Add wood furniture

Much like our unique planters, we stock high-quality benches which are made from extremely durable pressure treated redwood so it is built to last. This wood bench can also be stained much like our planters and softwood decking so your garden can be a perfect matching paradise! Even though this product requires self-assembly, it is very easy to put together thanks to our simple instructions, it makes for an enjoyable DIY and is an easy way to style decking.

Rosedene Garden Bench

Looking for the best deals on decking accessories?

Check out our amazing deals on softwood decking here on the eDecks website!

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most projects – and any products we sell online. Contact eDecks here for personalised advice for your project today.

At eDecks you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

48 hour delivery on many products

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge, unfortunately – please check the eDecks website for more details.

How to Protect Your Decking During Winter

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The winter months can be harsh on all areas of your garden, but decking is often the hardest hit. In this blog, we are going to share tips and tricks for the ultimate maintenance so you can protect your decking and have it ready for summer!

Credit: Fiberon on Pinterest

Ronseal Decking Oil

This Ronseal oil is one of the most popular deck products for a reason, it’s easy to use and the process is incredibly simple. This particular product is a durable scuff-resistant oil that forms a waterproof barrier to protect against weathering, warping, swelling, drying and splitting, all of which are common issues caused by damp weather and, as a bonus, hardly changes the natural colour of your decking. Not only that, but it resists mould and algae growth and its fade resistant finish protects against UV rays. This oil is great for use on both hardwood and softwood decking.

2.5 litres only £25.49 each. Fully inclusive of VAT!

Credit: Melinda King on Pinterest

Ronseal Ultimate Decking Oil

If you have maintained your deck throughout the year, you may not want to do another full treatment. This ultimate decking protection gives superior nourishment and protection from all the elements with a natural finish similar to the classic Ronseal oil, it’s great if you have previously used this and want to give your decking some extra protection. It’s rainproof in just 90 minutes and resists mould and algae growth and also lasts twice as long as standard decking oils so you don’t need to worry about topping it up when summer comes back around.

5 litres only £35.60 each. Fully inclusive of VAT!

Credit: Mataverde on Pinterest

Joist End Grain Sealer

This product is a clear preserver, so it protects your decking whilst maintaining its colouring. It is formulated to protect against attack by wood-rotting fungi and will protect your deck from testing weather conditions but is only for use as a preservative. We recommend using two coats of this product for it to be more effective.

500 ml only £10.19 each. Fully inclusive of VAT!

Credit: Frederick on Pinterest

Decking Protector Natural

Last but not least on our decking protection list is Ronseal’s natural decking protector. This product is a unique wax enriched formula that creates a superb barrier against water penetration and helps prevent discolouration by protecting the deck against constant wetting, drying, splitting and swelling. It resists greying, surface mould and algae growth and is ideal for spraying so you won’t have to scrub on your hands and knees.

5 litres only £28.55 each. Fully inclusive of VAT!

Credit: Deck Expressions on Pinterest

Looking for the best deals on decking maintenance?

Check out our amazing deals on decking maintenance here on the eDecks website!

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most projects – and any products we sell online. Contact eDecks here for personalised advice for your project today.

At eDecks you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

48 hour delivery on many products

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge, unfortunately – please check the eDecks website for more details.

The Ultimate Guide To Noggins & Decking Joist Supports

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decking supports

A squeaky, bouncy or uneven decking can be very annoying, and irritating, not only that it can actually cause a safety issue.

Don’t be tripped up by an uneven deck – use your noggin and incorporate strengthen timbers when purchasing your decking boards or decking kit, available from £9.99 it’s a relatively small amount to pay and will offer piece of mind that your new decking is the strongest it can possibly be.

Reinforce your decking framework. Ideally at point of installation, although it’s easy enough to upgrade an existing deck.

Installing strengthening timbers will eliminate that annoying squeak and you will be left with a sturdy, level deck that will look great and stand the test of time with no annoying sounds or bouncing.

What are strengthening braces?

Also know as Noggins’, these short pieces of timber sit horizontally in-between the rafters, the amount you will need depends on the size of the decking, for very small decks only a few will be needed, for larger areas space them 400mm apart and offset them slightly so it’s easier to screw them in from the back of the joist.

Offset the noggins so it’s easier to screw them in from the back of the joist.

Here at eDecks we pre-cut our decking joist support braces to fit perfectly between joists at right angles to add extra strength your deck.
We also pressure treat our decking joist supports to supercharge them with protection from the elements.

Thanks to pressure treating your decking support brace is protected from rot, mould and insect damage to give it a longer lifespan compared to standard decking joist supports.
At eDecks we’d rather spend our time in the garden than shopping for the garden. That’s why we’ve included everything you need to construct a sturdy joist strengthening brace in our kits.

Why shop around when we’ll supply you with everything you need to strengthen your deck at eDecks.

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most garden projects – and definitely any products we sell online. Contact eDecks here for personalised advice for your garden makeover project today.

At eDecks you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Super fast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

Incredible prices on composite decking (and frequent big discounts!)

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge, unfortunately – please check the eDecks website for more details.

**Prices all correct at time of writing

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