How to Prepare My Timber Deck for Treatment

[Antje]

Dear Bunnings Community, 

I am in need of some advice regarding the best way to look after my timber deck. I understand that I can paint or that I can treat it with oil. I haven't decided yet, but being advised that painting will protect the timber for longer, I was leaning towards that. However, I am wondering how to prepare the timber prior to painting/oiling; and this might also help me decide (if prep work differs for painting and oiling). 

The deck is 8 years old; I have recently purchased the placed. I do not know whether it was treated when it was built, and whether any maintenance has occurred since. The timber has a lot of cracks and looks very dry and old.

There is information out there about sanding, and using wood filler for cracks. Some also say to prime before using the wood filler. I am just a bit unsure what I would need to do in my specific case and am wondering if you are able to offer some advice? 

Kind regards

Antje 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Antje,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.

Regardless of whether you choose to paint or oil your deck, the process is going to be much the same because you are going to have to sand it. This is because the surface is very weathered, which will make paint struggle to stick, and will make oils or stains look pretty average. Sanding off the top layer of weathered timber will prepare the surface to receive either oil or paint.

Check out How To Sand A Deck for some guidance on the process.

You won't get any great benefit from filling cracks, so I wouldn't worry about them too much. If anything, filling them will just cause you more issues down the line because the timber will move and flex with the changes in temperature and rain, which will cause fillers to crack and fail. When they are painted or oiled, they will be protected, and they will look less noticeable after sanding and coating.

Paint will last longer and require less upkeep, but it also takes away some of the natural beauty of the timber. If, after sanding, you find that you like the look of the timber, you might consider using oil or a stain but be aware that it will require reapplication every 6-12 months, depending on the conditions your deck experiences over that period.

I'd start by sanding the deck and looking at the timber. If it looks nice and you are happy to do regular upkeep, consider a decking oil or stain. If it doesn't look so great after sanding, or you'd like to minimise upkeep, look at using a deck paint.

Allow me to tag our experienced members @Dave-1, @twocutekelpies and @AlanM52 to see what they think.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Antje]

Good afternoon, @JacobZ, many thanks for your advice; it is very helpful; I appreciate it. I shall be on my way to Bunnings to buy a sander I will keep you posted  

Kind regards

Antje 

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @Antje 

As @JacobZ has suggested, sanding first and then judge the look of the timber is a good idea. It needs to be done whichever way so nothing to loose.

I vote oiling the deck I like the way it looks and feels underfoot. It may take a little more effort but I think its worth it. I will include my deck restoration that I had left unloved for around a decade and it is still shining. Its probarlly due for another coat of oil so I need to make myself do that.

The oil, even a very natural look oil will darken your timber. With your older timber I think it adds charcater to it.

Hardwood deck restoration 

Dave