Maintaining outdoor timber in Australia

How to clean a wooden deck?

To clean your outdoor timber deck, we recommend soaking the decking with a hose, then applying WOCA Exterior Wood Cleaner (diluted as per packet instructions) with a pump garden sprayer. 

We recommend the pump sprayer as it distributes the cleaning solution evenly to reduce waste and achieve consistent results.

If you do not have a sprayer, you can use buckets and a cotton mop, but you should never apply the cleaning solution to a dry surface. Instead, soak the deck with water from the hose, mix the WOCA Exterior Wood Cleaner with water in a bucket, apply with the mop, and then scrub the dirt off the deck with a stiff-bristle broom.

Whichever method you use, it is essential to immediately rinse the cleaner and dirt off the timber with clean water and leave it to dry for 24 hours before treatment with WOCA Exterior Wood Oil.

Can I pressure wash my timber deck?

We do not recommend using pressure washers on oiled timber decking as they can damage the timber and remove the protective oil surface.

The high pressure causes microscopic pore damage to the timber, which may not be visible to the naked eye, but injures the timber's surface, leaving it vulnerable to uneven wear. 

Pressure washers are too powerful to apply cleaning solutions as they spray the cleaner off before it has a chance to work.

And while it is essential to rinse dirt and leftover cleaner off the timber, it's best to do this with a hose, as high-pressure blasts of water can damage the wood. 

How to stop my wooden deck fading?

If you've selected premium timber like Jarrah, Merbau, Spotted Gum or Blackbutt for your decking, the natural inclination is to opt for a clear coating to highlight the timber's natural beauty. 

However, this often results in premature fading or oxidation of the timber, as natural coatings do not contain pigments.

The extreme UV conditions in Australia accelerate colour fade, so we recommend choosing a pigmented version of WOCA Exterior Wood Oil to properly protect your decking.

When your goal is to highlight the timber's natural beauty, adding coloured oil to your deck may sound odd. However, selecting the correct colour to match the timber species will produce the same look as a clear coating but with extra protection – like sunscreen for your deck.

The table below shows the best WOCA Exterior Wood Oil colour options for your type of timber:

Should I clean my new timber deck before applying oil?

While you do not have to clean your new timber deck before oiling it, we highly recommend it!

WOCA Exterior Wood Cleaner prepares your deck for coating with WOCA Exterior Wood Oil.  It opens the timber's pore structure allowing the oil to penetrate deeper and more evenly.

The cleaner also leaves behind an anti-resettlement agent, which prevents mould spores from feeding on the timber and rotting it from the inside out.

The cleaner also removes dirt and grease that may be present, even when the decking is newly laid.

Are WOCA outdoor cleaning products safe to use near plants?

Yes, WOCA cleaning products will gently yet effectively clean timber without damaging plants.

Many outdoor cleaning and surface preparation products, such as tannin stripers, contain oxalic acid. While these products are highly effective, it's important to note that they will kill grass, shrubs, flowers, etc.

WOCA products are a gentler alternative to oxalic-acid-based products.

How to apply decking oil evenly

The WOCA Exterior Oil Applicator was specially created to make applying WOCA Exterior Wood Oil quick and easy.

When oiling a deck, the goal is to cover the surface in a thin layer of oil so it can soak into the timber and dry without leaving a puddle.

Made from a clever combination of sponge and long-haired fibre, the WOCA Exterior Oil Applicator enables you to efficiently brush the oil on and remove any excess oil by pulling the applicator backwards.

The applicator also allows you to work quickly. Its nine-inch width typically covers two board widths, helping you apply a thin, smooth, consistent oil coating.  

The applicator has a short handle and easily attaches to paint roller handles or broomsticks. If the sponge pad has only been used with WOCA Exterior Wood Oil, it can be washed and reused. WOCA Replacement Sponge Pads are also available.

Recommended products for Accoya timber

Accoya is low-maintenance, sustainable timber that can withstand the harshest of external environments.

WOCA Exterior Wood Oil is the only product Accoya's manufacturers approve and recommend to be used on Accoya timber.

Like Accoya, WOCA systems were created with a strong focus on sustainability. WOCA products are based on environmentally friendly formulas using natural raw materials, like renewable vegetable oils, rather than chemicals.

Accoya's dimensional stability, coupled with WOCA's superior performance, is ideal for low-maintenance, long-life timber decking and cladding.

When needed, outdoor Accoya timber surfaces can also be cleaned with WOCA Exterior Wood Cleaner.

I live by the beach. How can I prevent my outdoor timber surfaces from corroding?  

We recommend using a garden hose and plain water to rinse your timber decking, cladding, doors, windows and furniture as part of your outdoor cleaning regimen.

This should be done every six months at a minimum, as salt deposits from the ocean are highly corrosive, meaning they will fade and damage your timber.  

While rainwater will remove some saline deposits, hosing your outdoor timber surfaces with plain water means you can ensure no areas are missed.

Taking steps to prevent damage and corrosion before it occurs will extend the life of your outdoor timber and protect against colour fade.

How to protect untreated outdoor timber while maintaining its 'aged' look?

Over time, wooden garden furniture, decking and fencing made from untreated timber will take on a beautiful silver patina, creating an aesthetically pleasing "aged" appearance.

The timber's character-filled look is a result of exposure to the elements. Sun, wind and rain gradually erode the wood, creating the patina which ages the timber giving your garden furniture a sense of history.

While gentle erosion creates character, untreated timber will not last long in the harsh Australian climate without protection. Sun, wind and rain will eventually cause the wood to crack, leaving it vulnerable to dirt and mould spores that feed on the timber, rotting it from the inside out.

Once your untreated timber has the 'aged' look you wish to achieve, you can protect it while maintaining its patina with WOCA Exterior Wood Shield.

This long-lasting, water-based solution leaves a thin, water and dirt-resistant surface on the wood, increasing its resistance to wind and weather damage and prolonging the timber's lifespan.    

For best results, apply WOCA Exterior Wood Shield once a year with a WOCA Exterior Oil Applicator or brush. You can also dip smaller pieces of wood in the solution.

It's important to note that WOCA Exterior Wood Shield takes time to soak into the wood and activate. Your timber is not fully protected until three-days post application, so you may wish to keep your wood in a clean, dry area while the product activates.

Likewise, WOCA Exterior Wood Shield is not compatible with treated timber surfaces. Paint and oil must be removed entirely by sanding down the timber, then thoroughly cleaning with WOCA Exterior Wood Cleaner before applying WOCA Exterior Wood Shield.

Conclusion

In summary, protecting your outdoor timber is essential for maintaining its beauty and longevity. By following the right care and maintenance practices, you can safeguard your decking, fencing, furniture, and cladding from the harsh elements.

Regular cleaning and applying quality WOCA wood oil will keep your timber looking its best for years to come. For the best results, choose products that are suitable for Australian conditions, and don't hesitate to consult with experts to ensure you're using the right solutions for your specific timber needs.