Fences, decks and weatherboards
Grey, cracked or flaking timber stained or painted to look good again and stay protected through the wet and the sun.
- Stain, oil or paint, matched to the surface
- Proper cleaning and sanding first
- Timber, Colorbond and fibro
Stain, oil or paint? Here’s the difference
| Finish | Looks like | Best for | Recoat every |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetrating oil | Natural timber grain, warm colourSoaks in, doesn’t peel | Hardwood decks, outdoor furniture | 1–2 years |
| Semi-transparent stain | Grain shows through a tinted colourGood UV protection | Decks, pergolas, paling fences | 2–4 years |
| Solid stain | Opaque colour, timber texture visibleHides old, mismatched boards | Fences, screens, older decks | 3–5 years |
| Exterior paint | Solid, smooth colourFlexible acrylic for timber | Weatherboards, trims, verandahs | 8–12 years |
Recoat times are typical for the Illawarra and vary with sun, shade and foot traffic.
The most prep-hungry surface there is
Weatherboards move with the weather, so old paint cracks along the joins. We scrape back to a sound edge, fill, prime bare timber and finish with flexible exterior paint built for timber.
- Loose paint removed and edges feathered
- Split boards and nail heads treated
- Gaps sealed so water stays out
- Two coats of exterior paint for timber
Timber that looks cared for
We clean off grey, weathered fibres, sand back rough boards, and choose the right product so it wears evenly instead of peeling.
- Paling, lapped and slat fences
- Decks, steps and pergolas
- Colorbond fence colour changes
- Timber ceilings, gates and screens
Fence, deck and weatherboard questions
Should I paint or stain my deck?
Decks are usually best stained or oiled, because paint on a walking surface wears and peels. Fences and weatherboards can be stained or painted depending on the look you want.
How often should a deck be re-coated?
Decks in full sun often need a maintenance coat every 1 to 2 years. Keeping up is far cheaper than stripping a deck that’s been left too long.
Can you paint a Colorbond fence?
Yes. Metal fences need cleaning and the right primer so the new colour bonds properly.
Is weatherboard painting done under your licence?
Yes. Weatherboard and other exterior work is done under NSW contractor licence 390512C, with a written contract on jobs over $5,000.
Timber looking tired?
Tell us what you’d like painted. We’ll come out, measure up and send a fixed written price, usually within 48 hours.