Decking - how to treat/maintain

[berg]

Eh up chaps, got my first bit of decking in the garden. couple of questions -

1.) what is best stain to treat it with?

2.) to clean is karcher dirt blaster a bad idea because you can blast out a lot of the nutrients/stain ie will it harm it more over time and is it better to just scrub with a stiff brush?

3.) an APC any good to clean or need a specialist solution?

cheers

[4ndy]

I don't have a clue but my old man says clean with warm water and  bristle brush. Swarfega decking cleaner with the brush and hose down before it dries   He did add if you have mould or similar it might be a good idea to clean twice a year
 He added that he uses the Swarfega because its less than a tenner

[Newbieintown]

I just use Wickes clear deck oil once a year works a treat.

[Lewo]

Liberon decking oil is good.
Got mine off Ebay and a mate collected it for me so was a very good price. 

[Eccie]

You'll need some German engineering take a look at http://osmouk.com top notch products, I've used the products on my decking, oak tables & iroko kitchen work tops - you get what you pay for

[lukemk5gti]

Disclaimer - Google the appropriate safeguards before you use chlorine.

If you can get your hands on a weak chlorine solution it would be much easier. Around 1% is enough (bleach is 5.25%) without killing yourself with fumes, pour it all over the deck and leave it to sit for an hour. That will eat into the top layer of crud built up.

Use the same power washer you would on your car to remove the old stain/treatment. It's incredibly messy and the entire surrounding area will be covered in grit so keep that in mind.

That chlorine will get everywhere and kill all form of plant life so unless you can segregate the deck from your lawn then I wouldn't bother!

Apply a wood rot prevention treatment (green-e) I think is one and I personally prefer to paint it to suit the shed or pillars (brown) because the oil makes the dog hairs and crap stick to it more!

[berg]

cheers chaps, as always a wealth of knowledge on here 

[xjay1337]

[Berry]

+1 for Osmo products. Nice to apply and finish is always top.
I'm a joiner/carpenter and we use it for all our exterior joinery items.

[SRC]

PML!