Lohia Street Deck

This Lohia Street deck restoration project involved bringing new life to a large entertainment deck that had been neglected for several years. The timber had turned grey from weathering, some boards showed early signs of checking and splitting, and the entire surface was rough from UV degradation and lack of protection. The homeowners wanted to restore their deck before it deteriorated further, recognising that proper maintenance now would extend its life significantly and avoid costly board replacement later.

The homeowners had been putting off the deck for two summers and they knew it — every year of delay on an unprotected timber deck accelerates the deterioration. Checking (the fine surface cracks that appear along the grain as timber dries and shrinks) had started on several boards in the most exposed sections, particularly on the top step and the boards directly beneath where the summer sun hits hardest. Left untreated, checking progresses to splitting, which eventually means board replacement. We were able to address this with stain penetration rather than replacement, which was a considerably better outcome for the homeowners' budget.

We commenced with intensive cleaning and preparation, using specialist deck cleaning products to strip away grey surface fibres and reveal fresh timber underneath. After thorough drying, we sanded the entire deck surface, smoothing rough areas and addressing minor splinters whilst being careful not to over-sand and damage the timber. Several boards with significant checking received additional attention — we worked the stain into the checks by brush on the first coat to ensure complete penetration into the cracks before following up with a roller pass on the second coat for an even surface finish. We applied Resene Woodsman Decking Oil, a penetrating oil-based stain that provides deep protection whilst enhancing the timber's natural beauty. Two full coats were applied to all surfaces, with additional coverage on end grain and areas prone to moisture exposure.

The oil-based penetrating system was the right choice for this deck. Oil stains get deep into the wood fibre rather than sitting on the surface — when a surface-film product wears through, moisture gets underneath and accelerates failure; when a penetrating oil thins out, the timber itself still retains some protection. For a deck that had been without adequate protection for several years, starting with a deeply penetrating system gives the best foundation for long-term maintenance.

The deck was completely transformed, restored to a beautiful timber appearance with rich, warm tones that invite outdoor living. The homeowners were delighted with the result and committed to regular maintenance to keep their deck in excellent condition. Proper deck staining and maintenance is essential for protecting your outdoor investment — contact us to restore and protect your deck.