Decking - getting ready for summer

[doglover]

Our decking is looking 'tired' and in desperate need of a makeover. I used a water-based stain on it last year but it looks patchy and weathered already.

I was thinking of cleaning it with either a water-jet patio cleaner or a specialist decking cleaner? Any thoughts?

The next step needs to be an oil-based product which will I assume, be more durable.

If you could offer any advice, I'd be very grateful.

TIA.

We made a similar mistake with the stain a few years ago, we tried jet washing but in the end a good scrubbing brush did the best job. Then once dried we used decking oil, it looked beautiful all the rich colour of the woods came back through and the stand bits didn't matter.

Thanks, SP. I think you're probably right - am not convinced that a just a jet wash will remove remnants of stain.

I'm so looking forward to seeing the decking restored to its former glory!

We've just power washed ours today. DH usually does this then puts a sealant on it. I'm thinking using an oil might be quite nice to bring back some colour.