Softwood decking · Horsforth LS18

Horsforth deck restoration — LS18

Slippery green film, lifted stain and rot risk on softwood boards.

By the time we're called to a Horsforth deck, the grooves are usually holding leaf debris and the whole surface is one slip away from an incident.

We work Horsforth and the surrounding LS18 postcodes every week, so a Softwood decking job here is a scheduled call, not a special trip.

Where it goes wrong

What ruins softwood decking in LS18

What softwood decking actually is

Chemistry

Wood-safe anti-slip biocide plus a compatible penetrating oil — no bleach, no rotary, no cross-grain scrubbing.

Our process

Step 1

sweep grooves and around fixings clear of debris and leaves

Step 2

soft-wash with a wood-safe cleaner and anti-slip biocide

Step 3

hand-brush along the grain, never across it

Step 4

clean-water rinse and dry, followed by optional oil or stain top-coat once the timber is fully dry

Aftercare

Sweep grooves weekly, re-oil every 12–18 months, check fixings each spring for rust or lift.

Timing

May to September — 48 dry hours before any oil or stain top-coat, longer on shaded decks.

Typical use: rear garden decks, raised terraces, hot-tub surrounds, pub beer decks.

Can you clean composite deck too?: Yes — different method entirely, and we'll flag it on the survey before pricing.
Is pressure washing safe on a Horsforth deck?: Only at low pressure with a fan lance — rotary furs the grain. We work with the wood, not against it.
Is the biocide safe around pets?: Yes at working dilution — we ask for pets to stay indoors for an hour after treatment.
How long does the anti-slip treatment last?: 12–18 months on typical shaded Horsforth decks; sunnier decks last longer.
Do you cover the whole of LS18?: Yes — surrounding villages on the same round, most Horsforth customers get a same-week visit.