Share
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
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?
Hello @dreeped
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.
Eric
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.
Hello @dreeped
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.
Eric
Hello @dreeped
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.
Eric
