TALKING TIMBER
TALKING TIMBER
• H4: Outside, in-ground use
• H5: Outside, in-ground with freshwater contact
• H6: Marine environment
HANDLE WITH CARE
“For the first year, the deck will have to be re-oiled every
three months. If there is excessive rain, then this period may
shorten to bi-monthly, as the oil will wash way quicker,
since initially, the timber will not be saturated enough. The
reason for oiling the deck and not varnishing it, is that
varnish peels in the hot South African climate. This means
that maintenance would become very costly, as the deck
would have to be sanded and sealed on a regular basis,”
advises Vermeulen.
THE BEAUTY ROUTINE
Once it is time to re-oil your deck, Vermeulen advises as follows:
1. Clean the deck (mop or hose down with Timberlife
Deckwash). You may also use liquid turpentine to clean the
deck, but this has to be soaked onto a cloth and wiped over
the deck.
2. Let the deck dry 100%.
3. If there are small scratches or dirt which has adhered to the
oil, take fine sandpaper and lightly sand these areas.
4. Sweep the deck clean of all dust.
5. Apply the oil with a brush, making sure that you do not
overlap, as this will tend to leave marks on the deck.
6. Let it dry for at least 24 hours (best to wait 48 hours) before
walking on it.
7. Use SATINWOODBASE 28, or any other decking oil. Five
litres will be sufficient to cover one coat of 40m². Always use
the same product for coating, as different products will not
mix well.
8. Seal both sides before installation, and then brush another
two coats on top.
9. After the first year, you will need to do this every 6 to 8
months, depending on the wear and tear of your deck.
Falling to do so, will cause your timber to dry out, crack and turn
grey. Some architects and clients request the silver-grey colour,
which can be accomplished with time – but be careful of surface
cracks due to dryness.
THE MODELLING AGENT: IMPORTANT
CONSIDERATIONS WHEN HIRING A
TIMBER DECKING CONTRACTOR
References are very important. Go and have a look at the
contractor’s previous decks, and rather pay more for someone
with more experience, says Vermeulen. Cheaper is not always
better – you need someone who knows what they are doing and
can add value to your property. Unfortunately, there are a lot of
fly-by-night contractors that give the business a bad reputation.
BEAUTY TIPS: ‘DOS AND DON’TS’
• Do keep up with the maintenance. It is easier to treat the
wood on time, than to replace.
• Do not use the non-slip groove to the top – as water lying in
between the grooves reduces the life span of your deck.
• Do make sure your substructure is based between 400mm
– 450mm apart.
• Do make sure the material is treated at the bottom as well
as top.
www.timberiq.co.za
// APRIL / MAY 2020
35
// APRIL / MAY 2020
35