Connaught Terrace Deck

This expansive deck on Connaught Terrace had suffered from years of weathering and UV exposure, with the previous stain completely faded and the timber showing signs of greying and surface degradation. The homeowners wanted to restore their deck to a beautiful, natural timber appearance whilst ensuring robust protection against Wellington's harsh weather conditions. The deck's size and condition made this a substantial restoration project requiring careful preparation for optimal results.

The greying on this deck was extensive — a sign that the timber had been unprotected long enough for UV rays to break down the lignin on the surface layer. Greyed timber isn't damaged timber in most cases; it's surface oxidation that can be reversed with the right cleaning process. But it does mean you need to remove that layer before staining, because applying stain over grey oxidised fibres produces a flat, lifeless result rather than the warm, grain-enhanced finish the homeowners were after.

We began with comprehensive deck cleaning using specialist timber cleaning solutions to remove grey surface fibres, dirt, and old stain residue. The deck cleaner was applied, allowed to dwell for the correct period, then pressure-rinsed at low-to-medium pressure to lift the oxidation without raising the timber grain excessively. Once thoroughly cleaned and dried — and we allowed a full two days for drying in the Wellington conditions — we lightly sanded the entire surface to open the timber grain for optimal stain penetration. We selected Resene Woodsman Decking Stain, formulated specifically for horizontal timber surfaces subject to foot traffic and weather exposure. The application consisted of two full coats, with particular attention to end-grain areas and joints where additional protection is crucial. We also treated all handrails and balustrades with the same stain system to create a cohesive appearance.

End grain is always the most vulnerable part of any timber deck. Moisture enters end grain many times faster than through face grain, which is why board ends and the undersides of steps are usually the first areas to show deterioration. We applied an additional coat of stain to all end grain areas and the undersides of treads, giving those sections the same level of protection as the upper face of the deck.

The transformation was remarkable, returning the deck to its original warm timber tones whilst now protected by a premium stain system engineered for New Zealand conditions. The homeowners were thrilled with their revitalised outdoor living space and the confidence that comes with proper protection. For expert deck staining and restoration, we deliver professional results that enhance and protect your valuable timber surfaces.