Deck renovation by sanding and oiling

LGTrying

🖼️

The project:

The deck renovation began after my daughter slipped on the old, weathered
deck, which had become dangerously slippery. Determined to make it safe again,
I took on the challenge. The deck was pressure washed, and every board sanded
on my hands and knees, with fresh decking oil applied, and all the railings and
support beams repainted. There were a few DIY mishaps, including one sanding
tool swallowing the other's power cord, a trick for new beginners! The finished
deck now looks amazing and is a safe, welcoming space and a reminder that
stepping outside your comfort zone can be incredibly rewarding.

- Materials:

Cabots Deck Clean https://www.bunnings.com.au/cabot-s-1l-deck-clean-1l_p1521451

Sanding pads (and lots of them) - for the belt sander, palm sander and hand sanding

https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-100-x-140mm-10-piece-detail-sanding-set_p0417391

https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-detail-sander-assorted-grits-sanding-sheets-10-pack_p6291702

Decking oil (10L) https://www.bunnings.com.au/feast-watson-4l-merbau-matt-look-decking-oil_p1520580

Wood Hardener https://www.bunnings.com.au/earl-s-250ml-wood-hardener_p1585306

Wood filler

All weather paint https://www.bunnings.com.au/taubmans-4l-accent-semi-gloss-all-weather-exterior-paint_p0079556

- Tools:

Hose

Oats Bucket

Gerni High Pressure Washer https://www.bunnings.com.au/gerni-5000-1885psi-1800w-high-pressure-washer_p0235517

Belt Sander https://www.bunnings.com.au/xu1-810w-corded-belt-sander_p0253633

Wire broom

Cabots Applicator https://www.bunnings.com.au/cabot-s-decking-oil-applicator_p1660060

https://www.bunnings.com.au/rocket-sanding-block-holder-with-medium-grade-sponge_p1661396

AEG Multi Tool - borrowed from a friend

Ryobi Sheet Sander https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-280w-1-3-sheet-sander_p6210546

Ryobi 18V One+ Palm Sander https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-palm-sander-rps18-tool-only_p0371771

Deck Oil applicator https://www.bunnings.com.au/monarch-230mm-woodcare-deck-pad-applicator_p0328106

Paint brushes https://www.bunnings.com.au/monarch-3-piece-all-purpose-project-brush-pack_p0319018

- Step 1:

Sweep desk with broom.

Clean deck using hose and high pressure wash using Gerni, wire broom and Cabots deck clean.

Before

AFTER - stairs

AFTER - Deck

- Step 2:

And next come the hours and hours of sanding…..

And the death of AEG multi tool

- Step 3:

Using the applicator, of which I tried the Cabots and a number of others and settled on the Monach one which seemed easier on my back. A glass of champagne may have beens at at the end of the deck for motivation 😊

- Step 4:

Apply a second and third coat of decking oil to finish.

Before and after

And to let it dry…..and wait for the rain to see it bead!

- Step 5:

Finish the rail painting….when you think you can leave the sides and discover you cant, you just keep going.

- Step 6:

Finished - Sit back and admire the hard work.

THE END

EricL

Hello @LGTrying

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your deck renovation project.

My hat's off to you! That was an outstanding effort in rejuvenating your decking, and the transformation is remarkable. Bringing weathered timber back to such a rich, beautiful finish takes real patience and dedication, especially when so much of the work was done with a belt sander. The freshly oiled boards, crisp painted railings and refreshed stairs have completely lifted the whole outdoor area, making it look warm, inviting and ready to enjoy. It's wonderful that you've created a space that's both beautiful, welcoming and safe for family and friends.

Thank you for sharing the progress photos as well, they really show the amount of care and hard work that went into every stage of the project. You should be incredibly proud of such a fantastic result.

Eric