How To Clean And Seal Your Deck2007214152749187

HOW TO

HOW TO GROUND

GROUND

Mark the bottom sleeper position on the site. Ensure the ground soil is exposed. If not, remove any concrete, paving and grass. Using a space and grubber, shape the sides level and flat. Lay a strip of sand 25-50mm deep around the perimeter to the width of the sleeper and screed into a flat bed. Establish a level foundation. Use the level on the screed to check. Cut the sleepers to the preferred length with a circular saw. Coat the undersides of the sleeper and any cut ends with the wood preserver. Follow the safety user instructions on the product label. Lay the first sleepers in position as in fig 1. One pair will require trimming to fit in between the adjoining pair as illustrated. Commence to stack the remaining sleepers.

Fig. 1

The soil in this enclosure is raised so the garden bed will receive no run-off water. Therefore consider your plants carefully and plant shrubs, trees and plants that are resilient in drier conditions or install a watering system. Also consider the amount of sunlight the site will receive and wind protection. If you need expert advise on plant varieties consult the Team Members at your local Bunnings Warehouse.

HOW TO

2. HOW TO BEGIN

CLEAN AND SEAL YOUR DECK

HOW TO

LOWEST PRICES ARE JUST THE BEGINNING...

If it’s advice you’re after, come in and discuss the project with one of our experts. Drop the kids into our playground or head to the Hardware Cafe for a cuppa where you can organise Same Day Delivery, Tool Hire, Installation or even enrol in one of our D.I.Y. classes.

1. BEFORE YOU START Select a site that you wish to transform into a garden bed. Lay a garden hose around the shape of the proposed area to help visualise the setting. Experiment with several shapes or angles before making the final decision.

PLAN YOUR NEXT D.I.Y. PROJECT

HOW TO

Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information and advice in this guide is authoritative no legal liability is accepted for such information and advice.

HOW TO

USE GARDEN SLEEPERS

Updating your garden can turn a boring backyard into a pleasant relaxation area. Bunnings Garden Centres have qualified horticulturists on hand to give you fresh ideas for plants, pots and sleepers. Sleepers are ideal for low retaining walls as well as providing seating and breaking the monotony of a paved area.

KIDS PLAY

7

BUNN740

LOWEST PRICES ARE JUST THE BEGINNING...

If it’s advice you’re after, come in and discuss the project with one of our experts. Drop the kids into our playground or head to the Hardware Cafe for a cuppa where you can organise Same Day Delivery, Tool Hire, Installation or even enrol in one of our D.I.Y. classes.

Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information and advice in this guide is authoritative no legal liability is accepted for such information and advice.

USE GARDEN SLEEPERS

WORKSHOPS

The Bunnings ‘How to’ guides are designed to help you every step of the way through your DIY home projects. They’ll give you the right advice on what materials you’ll need, how to get the job done and tips and ideas for achieving the best result.

¢

9 8 7 6

7

BUNN317

HOW TO

PLAN YOUR NEXT D.I.Y. PROJECT

HOW TO

KIDS PLAY

9 8 7 6

The Bunnings ‘How to’ guides are designed to help you every step of the way through your DIY home projects. They’ll give you the right advice on what materials you’ll need, how to get the job done and tips and ideas for achieving the best result.

¢

36810 40094 BUNN317 BUNN740.indd1 1

WORKSHOPS

CLEAN AND SEAL YOUR DECK

Timber decking is a great way to enhance the aesthetic attraction of any home, garden and building. However if your deck has been exposed to harsh weather conditions and is looking faded, splintered and warped, then it is time to restore its appearance by cleaning and sealing. Fig 1. Deckings are a great outdoor entertaining area, but they do need periodic maintenence.

TYPES OF TIMBER

The majority of decking is made with treated pine because good quality treated pine will last thirty years or so before there is any substantial decay. However, as with all timber, discoloration and splintering can begin after only a few months in harsh weather conditions. For this reason, most people take on a regular cycle of maintenance. Failure to do so won't cause your deck to rot, but your deck will most certainly become discolored and the surface will become rough and prone to splinters. WATERPROOF TEST

Over time, rain reduces your deck’s protective seal turning the timber a dark colour due to water absorption. An easy way to tell if you need to reseal your deck is to pour water on it and if the water beads up, the deck is waterproof, if not it's time to reseal (Fig 2). CLEANING YOUR DECK

Start by clearing the deck of all furniture, plants etc. Using a broom to sweep the deck keeping an eye out for damaged or loose boards and nails. Make any repairs if needed. SANDING

On previously stained decks, you will need to completely remove the old stain by sanding back the surface using a drum sander (Fig 3). Remember to always sand in the direction of the grain. Start with medium to coarse sandpaper (50-80 grit) and finishing with a fine grade (150 grit). CHOOSING A SEALER

Now that your deck is clean, it is time to choose a sealer. There are many sealers available to achieve a natural transparent finish, a semitransparent or opaque finish with stains or paint. It is important to work out how much product you need and also take into account weather conditions and timing. The type of timber and its absorbency will vary the amount of product required so be sure to ask Bunnings. APPLYING THE FINISH

TOOLS •Spade and grubber •Circular saw •Tape measure and level •Piece of timber to use as a levelling screed

MATERIALS

Skew nail each one to the proceeding ones using 100mmx4.5mm galvanised nails at each end. See fig.2

Applying the finish can be done with a paint brush or a pad applicator or roller. Here are some tips, but make sure to follow instructions on the finish container. 1. Make sure you stir thoroughly before application 2. Do a section at a time - brush between boards and along the edges - coat evenly along the grain of 2 -3 boards at a time 3. Keep a wet edge to avoid lap marks and double build 4. Work towards natural breaks such as joins 5. Don't stop midway along a board

•Sleepers •Bedding sand •Wood preservative •Nails: 100mmx4.5mm galvanised

SAFETY • Always keep tools and materials away from children. • Read the instructions before beginning your project. • Wear an approved dust mask when cutting, planing or sanding plasterboard AS/N251716.

TOOLS Fill with garden soil up to the underside of the top sleeper. Plant your selection of trees, shrubs, and flowers. See fig.3

Fig. 2

• Broom • Drum sander • Sanding block • Paint brushes, 50mm brush for corners & trims and a 75mm brush for larger areas • Paint tray for product application • Container to wash brushes

• Stirrer, flat 25mm wide to mix the stain • Drop sheet • Gloves and safety glasses • Nail punch to knock in raised nail heads • Angle grinder with masonry drill blade (optional)

MATERIALS • Deck Cleaner (5-10 square metres per litre) • Natural Decking oil, decking stain or Timbercolour • Sandpaper (course - fine grade) • Mineral turpentine for easy clean up • Clean rages WOOD TYPES AND CLEANING REQUIREMENTS Although the majority of decking is made from Treated Pine, Cypress Pine, Merbau and Jarrah are also used. Make sure you consider your decking material when cleaning and sealing your deck as the products used may differ. SAFETY •Wear rubber gloves, close-toed shoes, a long-sleeved shirt and pants when applying finish or cleaner to minimize the chance of skin irritation. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from back spray. Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information and advice given in this guide is authoritative no legal liability is accepted for such information and advice.

Fig 2. To tell if you need to reseal your deck is to pour water on it and if the water beads up, the deck is waterproof, if not it's time to reseal.

Fig 3. Remove the old stain by sanding back the surface

Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information and advice given in this guide is authoritative no legal liability is accepted for such information and advice.

15/9/05 8:37:52 AM

For further expert advice consult the qualified Team Members at your local Bunnings Warehouse.

For further expert advice consult the qualified Team Members at your local Bunnings Warehouse.