Should I treat this deck before winter?

bazermc

Hi all.

I just bought my house and it came with a deck out the back. The deck looks reasonably new and clean, but I don't know how old or if was treated already.I am thinking should I treat it before winter or is it too late now and I should wait until spring.

I've attached a photo.

Let me know if any has suggestions or tips. I am trying to keep it in good condition.

the_pen_turner

are there gaps between the boards

bazermc

the_pen_turner wrote: »

are there gaps between the boards

No, why?

dok_golf

Forget about treating deck this time of year. Deck timber needs to be completely dry before treatment. That would mean at least 3 consecutive dry days at this time of year followed by 24 hrs dry after each coat. Otherwise the moisture will rise up through the stain and blister the surface.

the_pen_turner

bazermc wrote: »

No, why?

there should be

vicwatson

bazermc wrote: »

No, why?

For expansion

the_pen_turner

vicwatson wrote: »

For expansion

and to stop water being trapped between the boards

bazermc

Thanks all.

I have checked again and there is gaps between the boards. Not necessarily big gaps but at least something

the_pen_turner

The gap should be only around 3 me roughly

If you can get it dry enough then finish it

dodzy

the_pen_turner wrote: »

The gap should be only around 3 me roughly

If you can get it dry enough then finish it

Fully agree. Weather great at the minute. Definitely tackle it if time allows you. Oil, not the dreaded stain! And be prepared to stump up a fair few €. That stuff ain't cheap.

carbonceiling

+1 on doing it now with with a decking oil, it looks like there may a bit of green on some of the boards, i'd treat that first.