How Do I... Revive My Timber Deck?
An expert reveals how to breathe new life into a tired timber deck
Spring is officially here, which for many of us means opening up our homes and spending more time outdoors. If your timber deck is looking a little worse for wear after months of neglect over winter, fear not. We’ve asked decking expert Brian Hamilton, managing director at Sikkens, how to whip it back into shape with minimal time and fuss.
Prep the area
Before you treat your deck, clear the area of furniture and accessories. Give it a thorough clean and remove dust, cobwebs and bird droppings. A pressure washer (for hardwoods) or a good-quality hard-bristle brush (for softwoods) are the best tools for the job.
Wash the timber surface with a mild detergent solution. To remove stubborn dirt and grease, you can apply an oxalic acid-based cleaner. Make sure the timber is thoroughly dry before coating.
5 Hardwoods Suited to the Australian Climate
Image: Sikkens
Before you treat your deck, clear the area of furniture and accessories. Give it a thorough clean and remove dust, cobwebs and bird droppings. A pressure washer (for hardwoods) or a good-quality hard-bristle brush (for softwoods) are the best tools for the job.
Wash the timber surface with a mild detergent solution. To remove stubborn dirt and grease, you can apply an oxalic acid-based cleaner. Make sure the timber is thoroughly dry before coating.
5 Hardwoods Suited to the Australian Climate
Image: Sikkens
How to treat a deck in bad condition
If your deck is in very poor shape, you may need to sand the surface before re-coating.
After you’ve sanded it down, clean it with a quality timber deck-cleaning solution; leave for 15 minutes before rinsing off. Let the deck dry thoroughly, brush off any dust, and apply the new coating.
If your deck is in very poor shape, you may need to sand the surface before re-coating.
After you’ve sanded it down, clean it with a quality timber deck-cleaning solution; leave for 15 minutes before rinsing off. Let the deck dry thoroughly, brush off any dust, and apply the new coating.
And how to treat one that’s in decent shape
A deck that is in good condition will need very little work. Give it a light sand, clean with a bristle brush and soapy water. Allow it to dry thoroughly, brush off any dust and apply two coats of the same coating you used on the deck previously.
Browse more beautiful decks
A deck that is in good condition will need very little work. Give it a light sand, clean with a bristle brush and soapy water. Allow it to dry thoroughly, brush off any dust and apply two coats of the same coating you used on the deck previously.
Browse more beautiful decks
Choose the right coating
Deck coatings are either oil- or water-based. Oil-based coatings are more durable and penetrate the wood better than water-based ones. Water-based coatings, on the other hand, are environmentally friendly, easier to clean up, produce less odour, and allow you to re-coat your deck within two hours, compared with 24 hours for a oil-based coating.
Deck coatings are either oil- or water-based. Oil-based coatings are more durable and penetrate the wood better than water-based ones. Water-based coatings, on the other hand, are environmentally friendly, easier to clean up, produce less odour, and allow you to re-coat your deck within two hours, compared with 24 hours for a oil-based coating.
If you are unsure whether an oil-or water-based coating was previously used on the deck, you will need to sand the deck right back to bare timber and start again.
When coating a freshly cleaned deck, use a bristle brush for a smooth, even finish. Applicator pads and paint rollers are not suitable for coating timber, as they tend to apply the product unevenly and do not allow the coating to penetrate the timber.
When coating a freshly cleaned deck, use a bristle brush for a smooth, even finish. Applicator pads and paint rollers are not suitable for coating timber, as they tend to apply the product unevenly and do not allow the coating to penetrate the timber.
Quality counts
Whatever you choose, buy the best you can afford. Quality coatings may be more expensive but they can last up to two years longer than cheap decking oils.
Image: Sikkens
Clever Tricks to Save Time on Backyard Chores
Whatever you choose, buy the best you can afford. Quality coatings may be more expensive but they can last up to two years longer than cheap decking oils.
Image: Sikkens
Clever Tricks to Save Time on Backyard Chores
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Did you find this story useful? Tell us in the Comments section below. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to like, bookmark or share this story. Join the conversation.
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Read more outdoor stories
Peeling, flaking, discolouration, mould growth or greying of the timber surface are all signs that your deck needs re-coating. If any areas of your deck are affected by mould or mildew, you’ll need to treat these before re-coating, otherwise mould will continue to grow beneath the fresh paintwork.
You can revitalise any deck, as long as it’s structurally sound. But if your timber boards have started to rot or break, it might be time to replace them. If in doubt, consult a professional.
Image: Sikkens