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Do I need to stain or oil the deck?

Hi

Deck is not in good condition and I want to fix it.

I saw some staining and oiling videos.
It looks like I need to stain it but just wanted to make sure I am on right path.

Do I need to sand it or just clean and then stain it?

or can I clean it and oil it?

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Comments

Jason

Hi @legopoint,

You might like to share a wider shot so we can see more of your deck, but from your first photo it appears that you have uneven wear currently. It means that if you apply a product on top of what you have (whether an oil or a stain) it is unlikely to look great as you won't get a uniform appearance.

I'm not sure how big your deck is, but if you are prepared for a bit of work, you would get a much better result by sanding first. Have a look at my deck renewal using a floor sander as an example.

By using search you will find other examples on Workshop of members who have renewed their decks by sanding - you can typically get them back to a near-new appearance.

Jason

redracer01

Hi @legopoint

It is vital that the surface of your timber deck be sanded properly. Failure to do so will result in poor oil absorption and an uneven finish on the surface. This will result in you having to sand off all that hard work and begin again.

I suggest having a look at these amazing deck revamps shared by our Workshop members:

Here is a link to our best advice: How do you revive a deck?

Here are some handy step-by-step guides:

How To Clean a Deck

How to sand a deck

How to stain a deck.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Happy Holidays!

Red

legopoint

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/32927#Comment_32927

Thank you @Jason

Area is close to 11 sqm
Some nails are protruding about 1-2 mm so I need to sort them first before attempting sanding.

legopoint

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/32936#Comment_32936

Thanks @redracer01 for helpful links.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/78810#Comment_78810

You'll be able to knock those nails in further with a nail punch and hammer @legopoint

Keep us updated, and reach out again if you have further questions.

Mitchell

legopoint

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/103675#Comment_103675

Thanks @MitchellMc

I bought these https://www.bunnings.com.au/trojan-3-piece-nail-punch-set_p0423026 .

I watched https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaBkdZiDZxg to make sure I am using the right technique.

Some nails moved but some didn't budge. Nail punch head also got deformed.
In the video it seems very easy but on some nails I had to hit 5-10 times to push them even 1-2mm.

Dayne

Hi!

Once you have suitably prepared the deck (repair, sand, clean) you can then look into sealing.

Sealing will help rejuvanate and enhance the beauty of the timber for years to come.

A reccomended trade quality system on the market is:

- 1 coat of Sikkens Cetol HLSe (in the colour of your choice, to provide colour enrichment)

- 2 coats of Sikkens Cetol Deck (protective trafficable topcoats)

Click here to view the Sikkens Project Guide

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/118902#Comment_118902

Hi @legopoint,

What size and weight hammer are you using? If they are hardwood joists, that could explain the issues with driving the nails down; it can be an incredibly hard timber. Make sure you have a decent-sized hammer, like at least a 16oz hammer, and perhaps pick up a less budget-friendly punch like the Kincrome 4mm Nail Punch. Make sure you have the nail punch centred over the head of the nail as if it slips off during punching, it can deform its edges.

Mitchell

legopoint

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/127961#Comment_127961

Thanks @MitchellMc

Happy New Year

I have https://www.bunnings.com.au/irwin-20oz-fibreglass-hammer-1991009_p0065673

I tried nail punch technique on some spare piece similar to https://www.bunnings.com.au/90-x-45mm-outdoor-framing-mgp10-h3-treated-pine-2-4m_p8032172 and it worked.

I am worried that if I use too much force I could damage the wood or hurt myself.
So I am going to follow https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Outdoor/How-to-oil-a-new-deck/m-p/154405#M20642 this time.

I hope to add new life for at least another year and by then I'll probably have more confidence as I am thinking of getting better at woodworking/DIY this year.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/133876#Comment_133876

That sounds like a plan, @legopoint. By oiling the deck, you'll preserve the timber and stop it from deteriorating. Sanding the deck just improves the look of it; so, the oiling is more important at this time.

Mitchell

legopoint

Weather was good this weekend for cleaning and coating.

Work in progress.

First coat done.

I'll do another in 2 hours.

I read a tip that to see if another coating is needed is to do water droplet test.

As you can see in before photo deck condition was very bad.

Should I go for third coat ?

Before

Before Before

After

After After

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/34119#Comment_34119

If that's the first or second coat in the after images, then it's looking pretty good @legopoint. If it's the first, I'd do another, but if it's the second, you are probably right to stop there.

Well done!

Mitchell

legopoint

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/79352#Comment_79352

Thanks @MitchellMc

After photo was 1st coat. I did second and then waited 2-3 hours to do water beading test.

It was so satisfying to see water not disappearing into boards.

So I stopped at 2 coats. I guess it is sorted for another year or two.

Thanks all for the helpful information.

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