Professional Decking Cleaning
Timber & Composite Restored
London & Surrey
We remove algae, mould, grey weathering and ground-in dirt from timber and composite decking — then oil and treat to protect against future damage. Your deck will look and feel like new timber again.
★ 5-Star Rated · Timber & Composite · Oiling & Treatment Included
What Is Professional Decking Cleaning?
Professional decking cleaning is the controlled removal of algae, mould, grey weathering, food stains, tannin bleeding and embedded dirt from timber or composite decking surfaces. We use a combination of low-pressure washing, specialist wood cleaning solutions and mechanical scrubbing to restore the original colour and texture without damaging the wood fibres or composite surface.
Timber decking — whether softwood (pine, spruce) or hardwood (oak, iroko, ipe) — degrades rapidly in the UK climate without regular maintenance. The combination of rain, UV exposure and organic growth turns warm, golden timber into grey, slimy, dangerous surfaces within 2–3 years of installation.
Composite decking (made from wood fibre and plastic polymer) is marketed as low-maintenance but is not maintenance-free. Algae and mould still colonise composite surfaces, creating slip hazards and discolouration that requires professional cleaning to resolve.
After cleaning, we apply appropriate treatment: decking oil for timber (penetrating into the grain to nourish, protect and restore colour) or specialist composite cleaner-sealant for composite boards. This protective treatment is essential — cleaning without treating leaves timber vulnerable to immediate re-weathering.
Why Neglected Decking Becomes Dangerous and Expensive
The single biggest risk of neglected decking is slip injuries. Algae and mould create a biofilm on the surface that becomes extremely slippery when wet. Decking-related falls are one of the most common garden injuries in the UK, and the risk is highest on untreated timber that has been installed for more than 12 months.
Grey weathering is not just cosmetic — it is the visible breakdown of lignin, the natural binder in wood. As UV light and moisture destroy lignin, the surface fibres loosen, creating a rough, splintering texture that catches bare feet and becomes increasingly difficult to restore the longer it is left.
Mould growth penetrates into the grain of timber decking, causing wood rot from the surface inward. Left untreated, this compromises the structural integrity of the boards and, eventually, the joists beneath them. Replacing rotted deck boards is far more expensive than annual cleaning and oiling.
Composite decking suffers from a different problem — mould growth within the textured surface grooves becomes permanently embedded if not cleaned within 2–3 years. Beyond this point, the discolouration becomes permanent and the boards may need replacing.
The cost to replace a standard residential deck in London ranges from £2,000 to £5,000. Annual cleaning and treatment costs a fraction of this and keeps your deck safe, attractive and structurally sound for 15–20 years.
Our Proven System
How We Deliver Results
Condition Assessment
We inspect your decking to identify the timber type, current condition, type of contamination and any structural concerns. This determines the correct cleaning approach and treatment products.
Furniture & Area Preparation
Garden furniture, pots and accessories are moved clear. Surrounding plants and surfaces are protected. We prepare the full deck area for cleaning.
Low-Pressure Cleaning
Using controlled low-pressure washing with a fan nozzle, we clean every board surface and the gaps between boards. We work with the grain direction to avoid raising wood fibres or damaging the surface.
Brightening Treatment
After cleaning, we apply a wood brightener that neutralises cleaning chemicals, restores the wood's natural pH and brings back the original warm colour of the timber.
Oiling & Protection
Once the deck is fully dry, we apply two coats of high-quality decking oil (for timber) or specialist protector (for composite). This penetrates the grain, repels water, blocks UV damage and restores the natural colour.
Why It Matters
What You Get
Eliminates Slip Hazards
All algae and biofilm removed, making your deck safe to walk on barefoot in any weather. The treated surface resists future algae growth.
Restores Original Colour
Grey weathered timber transformed back to its original warm tones. The colour difference is dramatic and immediate.
Prevents Wood Rot
Cleaning removes mould that causes surface rot, and oil treatment seals the grain against moisture penetration that leads to structural decay.
Extends Deck Lifespan
Annual cleaning and oiling extends timber deck lifespan from 10 years (untreated) to 20+ years — saving thousands in premature replacement.
Protects Against UV Damage
Decking oil contains UV inhibitors that slow the breakdown of lignin, preventing the grey weathering that degrades untreated timber.
Splinter-Free Surface
Cleaning and oiling smooths the surface fibres, eliminating the rough, splintering texture that develops on neglected timber.
Decking Types, Treatment Options & Maintenance
Softwood decking (typically pressure-treated pine or spruce) is the most common type in UK gardens. It is affordable, easy to work with and accepts stain and oil treatments well. However, softwood is more susceptible to algae, mould and weathering than hardwood, and requires annual cleaning and treatment to maintain its condition and safety.
Hardwood decking (oak, iroko, ipe, balau) is naturally more resistant to rot and insect attack, but still requires maintenance. Hardwoods weather to a silver-grey colour within 12–18 months if left untreated. While some homeowners prefer the grey patina, the surface still develops algae and requires cleaning for safety. If you prefer the natural colour, annual oiling is essential.
Composite decking (Trex, Millboard, TimberTech and similar brands) combines wood fibre with plastic polymer to create boards that do not rot, splinter or require oiling. However, the textured surface traps algae and mould, and composite cannot be sanded or refinished if damaged. Professional cleaning with composite-specific solutions is the only effective maintenance option.
For timber decking, we use water-based decking oils that penetrate the grain rather than sitting on the surface as a film. Film-forming products (varnishes, paints) peel and flake within 1–2 years in UK conditions, creating ongoing maintenance problems. Penetrating oils absorb fully, nourish the timber and wear gradually without peeling.
We offer a choice of oil finishes: clear (maintains the natural wood colour with added protection), tinted (available in cedar, oak, walnut and dark tones to match your preference) and anti-slip (incorporating fine aggregate for maximum grip in wet conditions). Anti-slip oil is recommended for decks around swimming pools, hot tubs and areas with heavy foot traffic.
Deck maintenance schedules depend on exposure. South-facing decks in full sun need oiling every 12 months as UV exposure breaks down the oil faster. North-facing or shaded decks retain oil longer but develop algae faster, requiring cleaning every 12 months with oiling every 18–24 months.
Structural inspection is included in our service. We check for soft or bouncy boards, corroded screws and fixings, joist rot (particularly at ground contact points) and any safety concerns. If we identify structural issues, we advise on the appropriate repair before it becomes a larger problem.
Common Questions