Common repairs
- ✓Replacing split, cupped or rotted boards
- ✓Re-screwing loose boards
- ✓Replacing rusted nails with stainless screws (316 marine grade is common near the coast)
- ✓Repairing worn stair treads
- ✓Sanding handrails
Matching timber
New boards won’t exactly match weathered ones at first. Sanding and oiling the whole deck afterwards helps them blend, and the colour evens out over time.
When it’s more than boards
If the joists, bearers, posts, stairs or balustrade are soft, loose or rotted, that’s structural work. Get it checked by a qualified builder or carpenter before the deck is used or refinished.
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
Should I repair boards before sanding?+
Yes. Replacing damaged boards and fixing loose ones first means the whole deck can be sanded flat and oiled together.
My deck feels bouncy. Is that a board problem?+
It may be the frame rather than the boards. Have the joists, bearers and footings checked by a qualified builder or carpenter.
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.