Paint any sawn ends with a suitable wood preservative.

Covering exposed screw heads with wood filler prolongs the life of the screw and covers any unsightly holes.

Sand any sawn edges or rough areas.

The majority of decking boards have been pressure treated with preservative.

However an application of a suitable wood stain or preservative can enhance the appearance of the deck while at the same time improving the timbers ability to repel moisture.

This process should be carried out annually to prolong the life of your deck.

Companies such as Cuprinol now offer a huge range of shades and colours, allowing you to integrate the colour of your decking with your garden's planting scheme, or even the colour of your house.

Finally, place a deckchair next to a low table, pour yourself a gin and tonic and enjoy...