GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

By following these recommendations, you can enjoy your tropical wood decking for many years:

  • Moisturizing: It's essential to moisten wood regularly, especially during periods of extreme heat. This prevents dehydration and cracking.
  • Treatment : If desired, a wood treatment (Sikkens Cetol WF 771 Saturator or similar) can be applied once a year, preferably in spring or when weather conditions require it. This protects the wood from the elements and prolongs its lifespan.
  • Retighten: Retighten the decking one year after installation and replace damaged boards. Repeat this process every three years at most.

MAINTENANCE PROTOCOL

MAINTENANCE OF THE TOP LAYER

Decking maintenance focuses on weather conditions and humidity variations. 

  • Humidity control: It is essential to regulate the humidity to which the wood is subjected.
  • Sun protection: The surface of the platform must be protected from solar radiation.

Wood, as an organic material, absorbs and releases moisture depending on environmental conditions.

In summer, it tends to shrink due to water scarcity and acquire a greyish tone due to constant exposure to solar radiation.

If you want to preserve the original appearance of the wood over time, it is advisable to carry out basic periodic maintenance to protect the decking.

INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE

The durability and aesthetics of outdoor wood flooring are determined by its initial installation and subsequent adjustments.

At the time of installation:

  • Flexible adhesive : It is suggested to apply flexible dots of adhesive for outdoor installations (SikaBond-52 or similar) between the batten and the decking, in order to help the staple hold the flooring, while allowing for the natural movement of the wood.
  • Rigid adhesive : Join the ends by applying lines of rigid adhesive (Würth Multikraft or similar) to the base of the female piece.

Twelve months after installation:

  • It is recommended to retighten the structure (screws, fixings, lag bolts, etc.) and replace any parts that are irreparably damaged, such as cracks and chips.
  • Repeat this process every three years at most.

BASIC PERIODIC MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS TOP LAYER

If you want to preserve the original appearance of the wood over time, it is advisable to carry out basic periodic maintenance to protect the decking, which consists of:

  • Apply at least one coat of SIKKENS Cetol WF 771 saturating treatment both before and after summer. This will ensure year-round wood protection.
    • This saturating treatment is water-based , which means it offers odorless, non-flammable, and non-slip protection.
    • It acts against photodegradation caused by solar radiation, excluding any other type of damage.
  • During the warmer , drier months of the year, it is suggested to spray water on the decking to maintain it and prevent deterioration.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Clean the wood surface with water (without applying pressure).
  2. Let it dry completely.
  3. Apply a layer of saturating treatment ( SIKKENS Cetol WF 771 or similar). It is recommended to do this gradually to achieve an even application, avoiding drips and pooling. Remove excess product.
  4. Allow the saturating treatment to dry for 24 hours after application.
  5. If desired, apply a second coat of saturating treatment following the same procedure. This second coat will help form a thin, microporous film.

Before moving any furniture onto the terrace, it is recommended to wait at least a week to ensure it has dried properly.

To ensure proper application of the treatment and obtain the best results, follow these recommendations:

  • Temperature : Apply the product when the surface and air temperature is between 15°C and 35°C. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight.
  • Saturation: Make sure to properly saturate the wood so that it absorbs the product deeply.
  • Drying: Allow each coat to dry for 24 hours before applying the next.
  • Grain direction: Apply the product in the direction of the wood grain to facilitate penetration.

 

Avoid making these mistakes that can adversely impact treatment outcomes:

  • Direct sunlight: Avoid applying the product in direct sunlight, as the surface will reach excessive temperatures (over 35°C).
  • Weather conditions: Do not apply the product in the presence of dew or frost , or if the weather is humid or the wood moisture content exceeds 18%.

By following these recommendations, you can properly apply the treatment and ensure the durability and aesthetics of your outdoor decking.