How to Revive Your Outdoor Timber Deck: 

A Complete Guide

If your outdoor timber decking is looking a little weathered, this simple guide can help to revive and refresh it. With the right tools, materials, and techniques, you can bring your deck back to its former glory and enjoy it for years to come.

Tools and Materials Needed

To revive your outdoor timber deck, you will need the following tools and materials:

• Pressure washer
• Deck cleaner
• Scrub brush or broom
• Garden hose
• Sandpaper or power sander
• Stain or finish of your choice
• Paintbrush or roller
• Protective gear (gloves, goggles, mask)

Depending on the condition of your deck and personal preference, you may also require wood stripper, wood filler or replacement boards.

Step-by-Step Guide to Revive Your Timber Deck

The first step to reviving your outdoor timber deck is to give it a thorough cleaning. Over time, dirt, grime, and mildew can build up on the surface of your deck, making it look dull and discoloured. To clean your deck effectively:

Step 1: Clear the Deck

Remove any furniture or plants from the surface of your deck so that you have a clear area to work in. Use a broom or leaf blower to remove any loose leaves, sticks, or other debris from the surface of your deck.

Step 2: Sand the Deck

Sanding helps to smooth out the surface and remove any old finishes or rough patches. Use a belt sander or orbital sander with medium-grit sandpaper to sand the entire deck. Make sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain. Once done, sweep or vacuum the deck to remove any sanding dust.

Step 3: Clean the Deck

Apply a deck cleaner: CUTEK® Quickclean is the perfect way to regularly keep all your timber clean, and it prepares timber to optimise the performance of maintenance coats of CUTEK® Extreme CD50. It will easily remove dirt, grease, and grime as well as even out CUTEK® Colourtone that has started to wear or erode unevenly on your wood. CUTEK® Quickclean is a powerful general-purpose outdoor cleaner that removes dirt grease and grime from all your exterior hard surfaces. CUTEK® Quickclean is a concentrate that should be diluted with water. The dilution will vary depending on the build-up of dirt/grease on the surface. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's application instructions for optimal results and safety precautions.

Make sure all traces of the cleaner are removed to prevent any residue from affecting the application of the stain or sealant in later steps.

Allow the deck to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: (If applicable) Remove previous wood coatings using CUTEK® Wood Stripper

CUTEK® Wood Stripper is a powerful and user-friendly paint and surface coating stripper. It is the smart alternative to conventional strippers that use dangerous chemicals (such as methylene chloride, NMP, etc.). CUTEK® Wood Stripper is suitable for removing multiple layers of the most commonly used wood coatings such as latex paints, stains, varnishes, linseed/natural oils, acrylics and other film forming coatings. It is also effective at removing coatings from metal, brick, and masonry surfaces. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's application instructions for optimal results and safety precautions.

Step 5: (If applicable) Apply CUTEK® Restore

CUTEK® Restore will clean and prepare old, greyed off, or stained wood, getting it ready for initial applications of CUTEK® Extreme CD50. It is a powerful product that counteracts the weathering process by eliminating years of sun discolouration and silvering from all species of wood. CUTEK® Restore brightens, cleans stubborn stains, removes grey, and restores wood surfaces back to the appearance of new wood. It is also effective in removing stains caused by tannins, water, iron, resins, mould, and fungus. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's application instructions for optimal results and safety precautions. Ensure the deck is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Step 6: Apply Exterior Oil

Choose a high-quality exterior oil that is suitable for your type of timber and environmental conditions. Using a paintbrush or roller, apply the chosen exterior oil evenly across the deck. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times and apply additional coats as needed. Usually, two coats are sufficient for optimal protection.

Below are some recommended products:

Whittle Waxes Bangkirai Oil

Description: Trusted formulation for long-term protection.

Features: Heavily pigmented, eco-friendly, safe for children’s toys, suitable for horizontal and vertical surfaces.

Best For: Decks, garden furniture, various exterior timber types like Jarrah, Meranti, and Merbau.

Whittle Waxes Teak Oil

Description: Solvent-free emulsion offering moisture and UV protection.

Features: Low sheen, abrasion-resistant, quick-drying, safe for children’s toys, environmentally friendly.

Best For: Yacht decks, pool decks, outdoor furniture.

CUTEK® Extreme CD50

Description: High-performance oil-based wood stabilizer.

Features: Controls moisture, minimises warping, allows wood to naturally silver, optional colour tones available.

Best For: Decks, pergolas, carports, fences (not suitable for children's toys, beehives or food preparation surfaces).

Step 7: Maintain the Deck

Reviving a weathered timber deck is a straightforward process that delivers impressive results. By following this guide, you can restore the natural beauty and durability of your outdoor timber, ensuring it remains a stunning and functional feature of your home for years to come. For the best results, select high-quality exterior oils for horizontal applications, like those from Whittle Waxes or CUTEK®, and follow the application steps.

By investing a little time and effort, you'll transform your deck into a rejuvenated, inviting space perfect for relaxation and entertainment.