Can you repair Iroko wood decking?

Iroko timber is one of the most durable timber species on the market, but that does not mean it is immune to damage. If your decking is looking worse for wear, the good news is that you can fix it. From scratches to loose boards, find out in this guide everything you need to know to keep your Iroko looking its best.

Scratches and Scuffs

It is not uncommon for Iroko timber decking to get a little scratched or scuffed, especially if you use it frequently. This is a pretty easy fix, making it one of the best ways in which you can refresh older decking boards. Simply sand the surface lightly, using a medium grit sandpaper (80-120). Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid creating cross-marks. For light surface scuffs, a quick once-over is often all it takes. For deeper scratches, you may need to sand a little more firmly until the mark blends in smoothly with the surrounding surface – an electric sander may help here.

If your Iroko is stained or oiled, you will need to reapply the same coating to ensure the sanded area matches the rest of your timber decking boards.

Loose Iroko Decking Boards

If the fixings of your Iroko decking have come loose, you can usually resecure it. Simply remove the original screw or nail, and use a galvanised or stainless steel replacement to fix the board in place.

If the board is warped or has worked free altogether, you may need to replace it. Fortunately, Iroko’s inherent durability means this does not happen often. If it does, individual boards can be lifted and swapped without disturbing the rest of the deck. Just make sure to measure and cut the replacement board carefully so that it sits flush, and secure it with stainless steel fixings for a long-lasting repair.

Afterwards, oil or stain the new or re-fixed board to match the surrounding decking.

Dealing With Rotten Boards

With a durability class 1, Iroko is super resistant to rot. But, though unlikely, it can happen. If you notice signs of rot in your Iroko decking boards, remove the affected ones and replace them with fresh Iroko. This is much less hassle than replacing your entire decked area, and if you are unsure how to do it yourself, you can call in a professional for a simple, quick fix.

It is really important to check why your Iroko boards have become rotten. As this is not normal, there is usually a pretty clear cause, such as water pooling beneath or above the decking.

Weathered Iroko Decking Board

Iroko naturally weathers under UV rays, fading to a beautiful, rustic grey. This does not mean your timber decking is damaged, but some people do not love the natural look of aged Iroko. In this case, we recommend applying a UV-resistant coating after installation to prevent your boards from fading. For faded decking boards, simply stain or oil the timber in a colour of your choice for a quick, easy refresh.

Ask for Professional Advice

If we have not covered your problem, no need to worry! We will be happy to help further. Reach out to our team with your Iroko decking issue, and we will help you fix your problem, or order you some new Iroko boards for a timber decking upgrade.