Preparing your timber deck for a Queensland summer

Your deck gets more use in summer than any other time of year. It also cops the harshest UV and the heaviest storms. Spring is the right time to get it ready, while the weather is dry enough for cleaning and oiling but before the real heat arrives.

Check the deck first

Before any cleaning, walk the deck slowly and look it over. Small problems are cheap to fix now and expensive after another summer of neglect.

• Look for loose or raised nails and screws
• Check for soft spots or boards that flex too much
• Look for grey, dry timber that has lost its oil
• Note any black mould, usually in shaded corners
• Check the boards under pot plants and furniture, where moisture gets trapped

Clean it properly

Dirt, mould and old oil need to come off before you recoat, or the new oil will not soak in. Timber is softer than concrete, so it needs a gentle clean with the right pressure and a timber safe cleaner. Too much pressure lifts the grain and leaves the surface furry, which means sanding before you can oil.

Move all furniture and pot plants off first, and sweep away loose leaves and dirt. If the deck sits close to garden beds, wet the plants down before and after cleaning so any overspray is diluted.

Let it dry, then oil

This is where most DIY jobs go wrong. Oiling a deck that is still damp traps moisture in the timber and the coating peels within months. Patience here pays off.

1. 1Leave the deck to dry for at least two to three fine days
2. 2Choose a penetrating decking oil suited to your timber
3. 3Apply thin coats with the grain, working a few boards at a time
4. 4Keep foot traffic off until it is touch dry
5. 5Plan around the forecast, not the other way round

Common mistakes to avoid

• Blasting the deck with a high pressure cleaner and raising the grain
• Oiling before the timber has fully dried
• Applying one thick coat instead of two thin ones
• Leaving pot plants in the same spot all year, which stains the boards

How often should a deck be cleaned and oiled?

In Queensland conditions, most decks need a clean every year and a recoat of oil every 12 to 24 months, depending on sun exposure. A deck in full western sun will need oil more often than one under a pergola. The water test above is the easiest way to know when it is due.

Which oil should you use?

For most hardwood decks, a penetrating oil is the right choice. It soaks into the timber rather than sitting on top, so it will not peel or flake in the sun. Water based oils dry faster and are easier to clean up, while traditional oils tend to give a richer colour. Either way, match the product to your timber species and follow the recoat times on the tin. If your deck is merbau, expect some tannin bleed after cleaning, so give it an extra rinse and let it dry fully before oiling.

If the deck has gone very grey, a timber brightener after cleaning brings back the natural colour before you oil. It is a small extra step that makes a big difference to the finished look.

Finish the outdoor area

A clean deck next to dirty walls stands out. Many customers book timber deck cleaning together with house washing so the whole entertaining area looks fresh. Book a free quote and we will look at both.