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 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

[Antje]

Good evening, @JacobZ and @Dave-1, 

Many thanks for your feedback. I have now finished 3 coats of paint. With time limited due to being back at work this week, I prioritised those areas that I had sanded (mainly the walk-on surfaces and top of railing) to not lose the work I had done. 

Once this has cured I will work on the rest. 

I wanted to ask please - despite having 3 coats of paint on it, the cracks are still showing. Does this matter at all? Or should I keep adding coats until the cracks disappear? 

Kind regards

Antje 

 

 

 

 

[Dave-1]

Good Evcening @Antje 

Now that has come up a treat! Really nice effort and work. 

Nooo you dont need to keep layering the paint lol That would be an interesting experiment tho. The paint looks like its gone into the cracks as it is. Decks age, we protect what we can and restore when needed. You have done both. It looks good now and will look even nicer down the track when you do the rest

Dave

[Antje]

Good evening @Dave-1 , 

Thank you! Although, I am still warming to the colour 😅 

Admittedly a little relieved to read your response. Although painting got quicker with every coat. The first coat was 4 hours, the second 2 hours and the third not even 1.5 hours. 

I did try and really push the paint into the cracks with every coat.

I feel a sense of achievement. It'll keep me motivated to do the rest 😊 

Have a lovely evening, 

Kind regards

Antje 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Antje,

That looks fantastic!

As @Dave-1 has already mentioned, there is no need for more paint. Cracks are always going to show through a little bit, but they are well and truly protected at this point.

Great work, I can't wait to see it when you've had time to finish everything.

Jacob