Date: [12/ 08/2025] Category: Hardwood Deck Restoration.
Has your expensive hardwood deck lost its colour? Does it look grey, lifeless, or feel slippery when it rains?
Living in Greater Manchester, we know the weather can be tough on timber. We recently visited a property in Ancoats, Manchester, where the hardwood deck and fencing had turned completely grey due to exposure to the elements.
It wasn’t just about how it looked—the build-up of dirt and lichen had made the surface dangerous and slippery.
The Common Mistake Most Cleaners Make
Many homeowners (and even some cleaning companies) think the solution is to just blast the wood with a high-pressure washer.
This is a mistake. High pressure can damage the wood fibres, and it rarely gets the deep-down result you want.
At Deckcleen, we do things differently. Here is exactly how we restored this Ancoats garden to better-than-new condition.
The deck and fence before we started—grey, weathered, and hiding its natural grain.
Our 4-Step Restoration Process
1. The Low-Pressure Wash & Chemical Clean We started by washing the deck using low pressure combined with professional cleaning agents from WoodcareUK. We use these specific products because they gently lift dirt without destroying the wood.
2. The Biocide Treatment You can’t just wash away lichen; you have to kill the spores. We applied an HSE-compliant biocide. This kills off the deep-rooted lichen and helps prevent it from growing back green and slippery next winter.
3. The Vital Step: Sanding. This is where Deckcleen stands out. Most companies miss this step completely. Once the wood was clean and dry, we fully sanded the deck and the fencing. Sanding removes the dead surface fibres and reveals the fresh, natural timber underneath. It is the only way to get that smooth, “furniture-quality” finish.
4. The Protection. Finally, we applied one coat of WoodcareUK Expert Range Penetrating Oil. Unlike cheap DIY oils that sit on the surface and peel off, this professional-grade oil penetrates deep into the timber to nourish it from the inside out.
The final result—the natural grain is back, and the wood is fully protected.)
The Result
As you can see from the photos, the transformation is incredible. The grey, lifeless wood is gone, replaced by rich, warm tones that highlight the natural grain of the hardwood.
My #1 Tip for Hardwood Deck Owners
Hardwood is beautiful, but it needs care. The best tip I can give you is regular servicing. Don’t wait until the wood is rotting or dangerous. Regular cleaning and oiling will keep your garden looking fabulous for years to come.
Does your deck look like the “Before” pictures? Don’t replace it—restore it. 📞 Contact Deckcleen today for a free quote: 07949 111 970 🌐 Visit: Deckcleen.co.uk
