Decking is a fantastic addition to any garden. But the reality is, it does require some TLC.

Over the years, a combination of harsh elements, mischievous pets and young children can all take its toll. And the once bright and healthy-looking wooden planks are likely to have faded – now appearing dull, weathered and in desperate need of a little attention.

But that doesn’t mean they need to be replaced entirely. A few simple improvements are usually all it takes to zhuzh it up.

In fact, one of the easiest ways to breathe fresh life into the old planks is using coloured decking ropes – such as those in our new PolySilk range. So why not take a look? See which colour would match your garden décor, and follow our four easy steps to rejuvenate the deck this summer.

 

4 steps to refresh your garden decking

 

Step 1: Invest in PolySilk decking ropes

Replacing your rope balustrade is one of the most simple yet effective ways to freshen up your decking – especially if you opt for a bright shade from our collection of PolySilk decking ropes.

 

 

These are currently available in seven vibrant colourways – red, purple, white, black, silver grey, navy and pink. Paired with our high-quality brass fittings, they’re a great way to add personality to your outdoor space and can be used to create some really unique decking designs.

Our PolySilk ropes are made from premium multifilament polypropylene fibres. Which means despite their colourful and luxurious appearance they’re capable of withstanding significant wear and tear. Fully weather-resistant and UV-stabilised, they’re an excellent option for prolonged outdoor use.

They’re also very affordable. Here at RopesDirect, we sell ready-to-go lengths of PolySilk – pre-fitted with brass hooks – which start from £33.72 (July 2023). As well as custom lengths of 24mm PolySilk sold at just £6 per metre. Simply pick your favourite from the line-up and brighten up your deck with a splash of colour.

 

Prefer to keep things traditional? If coloured decking rope isn’t for you, but you’d still like to update your rope balustrade, that’s no problem. For a more classic look, we also have manila, jute, and synthetic hemp decking ropes available. These can be supplied in a range of popular sizes, with the same brass fittings as our PolySilk collection. And we have numerous YouTube tutorials to help you replace the rope or create a brand-new rope balustrade – including how to fit our brass hooks and how to drill holes through posts. Check out our full range of decking ropes here.

 

 

Step 2: Make any necessary repairs

Alongside installing your new decking rope, it’s also worth doing a little maintenance.

Take a close look at your full decked area, paying special attention to any parts that directly touch the ground – such as the wooden decking posts, stair stringers or any joists at ground level.

Is there anything obvious that needs repairing?

If you notice any loose screws or bolts, tap these back into place or consider replacing them with new ones. If you notice any rough patches or loose pieces of wood, sand them down to help avoid splinters. And be sure to thoroughly check for any signs of moisture build-up or rot.

 

Step 3: Clean the deck

To keep it looking its best, ideally, decking should be given an annual deep clean.

If you do a quick search online, you’ll find countless guides on ‘how to clean decking’ and general ‘decking maintenance’ – which provide detailed information to help you spruce up the planks.

But to summarise here, essentially, you should:

• clear the area of all furniture, plants etc.
• sweep the decking with a broom to remove any loose debris
• use a pressure washer or garden hose to remove any stubborn dirt
• scrub the planks using a stiff-bristled brush and a gentle cleaning solution
• then, rinse with clean water and leave to dry

 

Step 4: Protect the wood

Finally, after giving your decking a good clean, the last step is to apply a protective finish.

If you’re still happy with the colour and condition of the wood, simply opt for a transparent stain. This will protect it from ongoing wear and tear, whilst still letting its natural look shine through.

If the colour has started to fade due to age and exposure, opt for a semi-transparent stain instead. Or, to really brighten things up, why not give it a completely fresh lick of paint? You could stick to a classic grey or brown. Or perhaps go for a bold shade to match your new PolySilk decking rope.

 

 

Decking rejuvenation, done.

To get started, order some new rope for your decking posts from our online collection. Pick a sunny day. And dedicate a little time to give your outdoor space the TLC and attention it desperately needs.

More information on all of the decking ropes – including the PolySilk range – can be found on our website. So if you’re unsure which is the right option for you, be sure to take a look. It may also be worth reading our recent blog ‘PolySilk barrier ropes – the latest addition to our line-up’.

If there’s a question we haven’t answered, you’re also welcome to get in touch.

We’re always happy to help and we love to see our ropes in action. So if you do attempt to brighten up your deck this summer, be sure to show us the results. Tag your photos on social media using @RopesDirect. Or for a chance to feature in our blog, send them over to info@ropesdirect.co.uk.