You will need to regularly maintain the surface of your wooden deck to keep it looking in good condition. Remove any fungal growths with a stiff broom and then scrub the area with a mild solution of bleach.

Once a year, check that the surface has not split or cracked and that any metal fixings such as bolts, screws, brackets or nails have not rusted. Replace anything that is damaged.

The decking wood stain will eventually wear thin, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic. When re-applying stain, make sure that the surface is dry and free from dirt. A micro-porous stain will allow the moisture in the wood to escape, otherwise it may cause the surface colour to lift. Using a good quality paint brush, apply the stain in the direction of the grain, taking care not to overload the brush. Too much stain will lead to patchy coverage, so it is better to apply several thin layers of stain, working it well into the grain of the wood, than one thick uneven one. Make sure you wait until each coat is completely dry before applying the next.