Choosing an oil
Specialists use a range of trade decking oils, for example Cutek, Intergrain or Sikkens. Natural oils show the timber’s own colour. Tinted oils add colour and usually give a little more UV protection. Ask which product is being quoted and follow that maker’s maintenance guidance.
Getting a good finish
- ✓Clean, dry timber (often checked with a moisture meter)
- ✓Coats applied thinly and evenly, as the maker recommends
- ✓Drying time between coats
- ✓No coating in rain, dew or full midday sun
- ✓Keep foot traffic and furniture off until it’s dry
Typical cost
As a guide, full mechanical sanding back to bare timber plus 3 coats of trade decking oil typically ranges from $45 to $75 per square metre, depending on the existing coating (acrylic paint and stain take longer to strip than oil), stairs and handrails. Your specialist will give you a firm price after seeing the deck.
Coastal conditions to keep in mind
Salt air, strong UV and summer heat on the Illawarra coast break down deck coatings faster than inland. North- and west-facing decks and decks close to the beach usually need more frequent maintenance. Follow the oil maker’s guidance on recoat intervals and on drying time, and avoid coating in rain, dew or full midday sun.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a coastal deck be re-oiled?+
Exposed north- or west-facing decks near the ocean often benefit from a wash and maintenance coat every 12 to 18 months, depending on exposure and the oil maker’s guidance. A maintenance coat before the oil wears bare can help avoid another full sand for some years.
Can I oil over my existing finish?+
Only if it’s a compatible oil that hasn’t failed. Oil won’t bond well over peeling acrylic stain or paint, which usually needs stripping first.
How Shellharbour Deck Care works
Shellharbour Deck Care is a lead-matching service connecting Illawarra and South Coast homeowners with independent timber deck restoration specialists. We don’t do the work ourselves. The specialist you’re matched with quotes, carries out and is responsible for the job, so ask them about insurance, the products they use and any warranty before you go ahead.