A deck is the perfect place to relax in the summer and is an integral element of many homes throughout Queensland.
Whether you’re enjoying some shade as the sun beats down, spending time with the kids or kicking back with friends after work, a deck is the ideal place to congregate.
How you decorate or maintain your deck can make a significant difference to its lifespan.
With the right care and attention, you can increase the longevity of your deck and ensure it remains a usable part of your home for years to come.
Of course, knowing how to maintain your deck isn’t always easy.
With a variety of options to choose from, you’ll need to assess numerous factors in order to determine which products, finishes and styles are right for your property.
Making the most of your deck
Most homeowners want their deck to complement the exterior of their property.
If so, you’ll want to choose a finish which is in keeping with the materials and colour of your home.
Fortunately, this can be easy to do.
If your home is painted, there’s a good chance that the shade will be available in paint which is suitable for use on decking.
This means you can create an exact match between the deck and the property itself.
However, choosing the same colour for your deck as the exterior of your home isn’t your only style option.
Selecting a contrasting finish can be a great way to showcase the best elements of the property and enhance the deck itself.
Whilst paint remains a popular option for some homeowners, stain is becoming the go-to option for deck installation, maintenance and enhanced visual impact.
Perfect for use on wooden or timber decks, you can choose from a wide range of colours and finishes when you opt for a stain.
Furthermore, a stain will enable you to enhance the natural properties of the wood, rather than hiding them.
Ensuring durability of your deck
All homeowners want their decks to be safe and secure.
Whilst a professional installation will ensure your deck is well-structured from the outset, you’ll need to undertake routine maintenance to make sure it remains it tip-top condition.
Our Gold Coast deck builders are often asked about how best to maintain their deck once it’s been built.
The amount of maintenance required typically depends on the type of material used to construct your deck.
Hardwood decking, treated timber and modular decking will typically need staining once a year, for example, whilst composite decking doesn’t require staining at all.
By applying stain and/or sealant on a regular basis, you can protect the material from weather damage and ensure it stands the test of time.
Whilst the harsh Australian weather can quickly cause timber to warp, fade or rot, the right stain will ensure your deck looks great for years to come.
Coloured or transparent stains?
If you want to enjoy the natural properties of your wooden deck, you might be tempted to opt for a transparent stain. This ensures you can protect the material, whilst still seeing the natural grain of the wood.
However, coloured stains offer a wider variety of options.
As well as protecting your deck, a coloured stain can give a great finish and allow you to do something a little different.
Whilst wood colour stains are always popular options, there’s no need to stop there.
You can find bright, bold and vibrant wood stain colours, so there really is something to suit everyone and every property!
When choosing a stain or finish for your deck, you’ll also need to consider whether you want to opt for a water-based or an oil-based product.
Many people maintain that water-based wood stains are easier to work with and provide advanced colour retention.
However, oil-based finishes typically penetrate the wood more deeply and provide better overall protection.
Choosing the right stain for your deck
When you’re renovating your property, it’s important to get things right. You’ll spend a considerable amount of time on your deck, so you’ll want to make sure that you’re content with the feel, aesthetic and finish.
Choosing the right stain can be tricky, particularly if you’ve never prepared, stained and sealed a deck before. Fortunately, help is at hand. At Queensland Building Repairs, we have years of experience when it comes to designing, constructing, renovating and maintaining decks.
Whether you’re planning to restore your deck to its best condition, modify your exterior design or simply want to add a layer of sealant to your deck, our dedicated tradesmen can provide the advice and assistance you need.
