Yes, our country is semi-arid and hot as anything, but DIY enthusiasts who treat their wood well, can have stunning decks and outside wooden furniture. As always in life, the foundational work must be solid. Proper methods can safeguard your wooden items against warping, cracking or termites. And with regular care, all will be well. Hopefully your wooden deck was built using a strong, long-lasting wood, and protected against termites, sun and rain from the start. If not, you could have insect damage, warped planks or nails that have pulled out and caused splintering of the wood. You could also have a problem on your hands if the waterproofing of the deck boards on the joists was not done one hundred percent. Each plank should also have been sealed on all sides and the sub-structure given special protection.

Ventilation is super important, so hopefully at least a 5mm gap was left between deck boards. In Namibia, this isn’t just for water drainage; it’s for airflow to keep the wood from “cooking” from the bottom up.

Well-sealed and finished boards would have been treated with a specialized end-grain sealer like Timberlife End-Seal.

Fastening mechanisms are also crucial in a deck and need to be long-lasting. Stainless steel fasteners (Grade 304 or 316 and no “gold” or galvanized screws) are the ideal. The movement of the wood in the heat can snap cheap screws and the Namibian coastal fog is an enemy of galvanized metal. Our dry air makes wood brittle, so a good craftsman would have pre-drilled every hole because a screw without a pilot hole will eventually cause a split that the sun will later widen.

Homeowners need to take a good, hard look at their decks and determine whether regular maintenance will do the trick or whether a whole new deck needs to be constructed.

Caring for an existing deck

In Namibia’s heat, avoid film-forming varnishes or thick lacquers. The sun will eventually crack the film, and once water or heat gets in, it will peel. Rather use high-quality penetrating oil such as Timberlife UltraDeck, Loba, or Rubio Monocoat that soak into the grain. These keep the wood nourished and flexible so it doesn't become brittle. Local experts recommend Woodoc Deck Waterborne. For UV protection, opt for a tinted oil (like Teak, Mahogany, or Oak). The sun and foot traffic harm the deck in the long run. Re-oil regularly. Once water drops no longer bead together but start soaking into the wood, it is already too late.

Cleaning the deck needs special care too. Clean with a specialized deck wash like Timberlife DeckWash rather than a high-pressure washer. High pressure can tear the wood fibres, making the surface "hairy" and more prone to sun damage. If the deck is already grey or silvery, sand lightly to reach fresh wood before re-oiling.

Decks and deck furniture should preferably be shaded by awnings or umbrellas to optimise the coolness that pure wood provides and to guard against sun discoloration.