Deck clean and re-oil. Use an oil with a stain in it as this apparently lasts longer. Merbau decking oil such as 'Cabots' is popular due to the fabulous colour. It'll come up a treat! Once its painted it then needs regular re-painting. But Re-oiling can be done whenever you feel like it.

What timber is it?

Do not 'paint' the deck using paint. Use an oil like the ones suggested above. Head down to the local hardware joint and have a look. There are lots of options. Probably worth buying some cleaner as well and do the job properly.

Once done properly it will look terrific.

Good Luck

Where do you get organoil from TB? I have large amount of spotted gum deck to do, and was disappointed to find out all the oils at bunnings have a tint in them. Do you have a pic of your spotted gum?

It'll come back after a good deck clean and oil. There is a product called 'Deck Clean' but a scrub with water and a stiff brush works quite well. Let it dry then oil. A lot of decks look like this before maintenance. You'll be blown away!

I've used a pressure washer on my deck a couple of times a year for the past 8 years. Astonishing how much gunk comes off. Then leave to dry out well before applying decking oil. Ok to add a tint especially if the timber's not in good nick but once you've painted it you are stuck with that - and it looks really noticeable & really crummy once the paint starts wearing off with use,

Being a rental, the only person who will be looking after the deck will be you. Suggest that you consider replacing the timber with a good quality composite deck, no coating required, minimum maintenance (hose/sweep/mop) choice of timber-look colours or grey is also popular. If you do decide to keep the timber, factor in the cost/time for maintenance and repairs, good luck

We have a new decking and we were advised to let it sit for a while before staining it.

@mareeb - you seem to have it down to a fine art. Thank you for your instructions - I am copying and saving for future reference.

We use Cutek CD50 on our spotted gum decking. We oil the whole deck at least once a year (we are in SE Qld and the deck faces west so, even though its under a verandah, it gets a fair bit of sun). The outside parts of the deck that are exposed more to the elements and also get a bit of rain, we oil as more often (visually, you can tell when it needs a drink). We used a tint called Sela Brown, which I found to be too dark for my liking (some of the colours that make spotted gum so beautiful got lost). Next time we will try it without a tint or maybe try New Bronzetone, which is also a tint they recommend for spotted gum. I always thought the tint was added to provide the timber with extra UV protection, but when I spoke to the Cutek rep, he said it was purely cosmetic and untinted oil provided just as much protection.

Yes do not paint as the oil product will hold up the deck over years, while paint does not.

Ken