Melbourne winters leave decks grey, mouldy and thirsty. Spring is the ideal window to restore timber before summer entertaining — especially in growth suburbs where new decks weather quickly.
1. Inspect for soft spots and fasteners
Probe boards for rot, lift protruding nails or screws, and note any boards that need replacement before staining.
2. Deep clean
Remove furniture, sweep debris, then clean with a timber-safe deck cleaner. Power washing helps, but keep pressure controlled so you do not raise the grain or damage softwood.
3. Allow proper drying time
Victorian spring can still be damp. Timber must be thoroughly dry before stain — rushing this step is the main reason early failures happen.
4. Sand and repair
Light sanding after cleaning improves adhesion and evening the surface. Fill splits where needed and vacuum dust before coating.
5. Choose the right stain system
Oil-based penetrating stains suit many hardwood and treated pine decks; film-forming products need careful maintenance. We specify products for local UV and rainfall.
Professional deck staining
M.R.M Painting & Maintenance handles full deck restoration and staining across South East Melbourne. See our deck staining service or call 0416 970 747 for a free assessment.