Covered decking in preserver and a hardener (8)

I believe the answer is:

verandah

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'covered decking' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'in preserver and a hardener' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'VERANDAH' can be found hidden inside 'preserver and a hardener'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for verandah that I've seen before include "gallery" , "16 21 [INDIAN IMPORT]" , "Roofed platform adjoining a house" , "Portico" , "Porch" .)

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