One end of our deck is rotting and we plan on replacing the timber. After we paint, is there anything we can apply to make it weatherproof? The deck is undercover but the rain enters from the side.
Hello @dreeped
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your deck.
To add weather protection to your deck, I suggest covering the balustrade with Pillar 1.8 x 10m Monument 90% UV Waterproof Shade Cloth. This will prevent rain from reaching the surface of the deck and will also protect it from direct sunlight exposure. The shade cloth also comes in a light cream colour.
If you are after a strong surface paint, I suggest looking at the Cabot's 4L Brown Timbercolour Deck And Exterior Paint - 4L. It is a premium, self-priming, oil-enriched acrylic paint. It has been specifically formulated to provide exceptional durability to all exterior timber surfaces and decks. Please note that there are several oil-based and water-based sealer options available in store. I propose having a visit and checking out the oil and stain sample board in the paint department.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
These options are great. Thank you .
Hello, could you please send a link to the cream coloured shade cloth. Also is it waterproof and what's the best way to attach the shade cloth to this end of the balcony?
Here is the link to the shade cloth - Pillar 1.8 x 10m Surfmist 90% UV Waterproof Shade Cloth. Yes, the shade cloth is waterproof. The shade cloth can be attached using Crescent 200 x 4.6mm Outdoor Cable Ties - Pack of 25. My best advice is to fold the cut edges and secure them with zip ties to prevent the edge from fraying.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Thanks!
We had the rotting timber replaced with merbau and installed a new timber post on the left corner. We’re happy with the merbau colour. Could you kindly outline steps and products to use to coat / seal the deck. I’m unsure what prep work is required.
The repair looks fantastic and its great that you've used Merbau as a replacement set. They appear to be pre-oiled decking panels, and you'll need to season them before you paint them with anything. Seasoning means that you'll need to let the timber naturally age which takes about 8 to 12 weeks depending on the weather. When the oil and tannins have leached out of the timber panel you will see a change in the timbers finish which is an indicator that you can then paint or stain the decking panel.
However, there is a way to paint earlier and that is to use Cabot's 2L New Timber Prep - 2L in combination with Cabot's 1L Deck Clean - 1L. It is designed to remove tannins and oils from bare new timber surfaces to allow for immediate coating. New Timber Prep skips the recommended timber weathering period of 4-6 weeks for new timber.
Here are some handy step-by-step guides that will help you with your project:
If you need further assistance, please let me know.
Do you recommend sanding after cleaning the timber?
Also what about the timber post in the corner? How do I stain in a matching colour?
Because it is brand new there is no need to sand the surface of the deck. The timber post will need to be stained in the same colour and yes, you can use the Cabot's products on the post as well. Please note that stains may occur underneath the deck so be prepared to wash that area as well. If you have plants under the deck, I recommend moving them away while you are cleaning and oiling/painting your deck.
Ok thanks. So just a clean and then oil.
Can I skip sanding the new timber post as well?
Hi @dreeped
A clean with the Cabot's cleaners and make sure that the deck is totally dry before you begin oiling.
Just to clarify, there is no need to sand the new post @dreeped.
Mitchell
Okay thanks. Do I need to allow the new timber post to weather or can I stain straight onto it?
Hi @dreeped,
As it is pine, you don't need to let it weather in the same way as you would with a tannin-rich timber like merbau.
You'll want to give it a clean and let it dry, before applying your stain, but that's about all you'll need to do.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Jacob
Just an update, I prepped and clean using the Cabot products you mentioned. For the oil, I used Feast Watson Traditional Timber Oil in natural. I love the finish. I ended up putting 3 coats. As you can see, the deck gets quite wet on that end after it rains.
Nice work @dreeped, your deck has come up beautifully, and from the way the water is beading, you can tell it is functioning as intended.
Thank you for the update.
One end of our deck is rotting and we plan on replacing the timber. After we paint, is there anything we can apply to make it weatherproof? The deck is undercover but the rain enters from the side.
