Hi all,

Well we have finally been able to get our builder to get the deck started, however it's been quite wet the last few days here in Sydney and it's likely to be that way for another week or so, so it's a good opportunity to get some advice and find someone to do the first sand/coat of our new deck.

The timber we have is 140mm Brazillian Cherry and the deck area will be approx 6m x 7m. The deck is going to have a roof covering the entire area, as well as having all sides either screened with timber slats or blinds (it's west facing).

We are after some advice about having the deck sanded and oiled/varnished. Ideally, I do not want to have the deck oiled with those products which eventually make the timber look that awful dark brown colour with no graining. So what we are really after is some kind of clear gloss finish which can withstand the heat from a westerly summer sun (with limited protection) and preserve the look of this fine hardwood (colour and grain). We'd like to put a small amount of jarrah/mahogany colour tint on too, if possible.

I have read a little about UltraDeck and am not that fussed about the reports I've read.

One product I am very interested in is the Deks Olje. Any advice on if this would be suitable? The deck will mostly be a "no shoes" area and traffic will be minimal, apart from entertaining which might occur once every 2-3 months.

We are also a tradie to do an initial sand and the first application of the chosen product. if anyone is interested and could give us a rough quote based on the 42m sq area, that'd be fantastic!

Please email me and let me know if you're willing to do the job for us!

zoecook@bigpond.com

Hoping to hear from someone soon!

Zoe.



Has

hmm.. can anyone at all help?

Clear finishes are never very successful on decks although fully roofed will help. With western sun exposure no gloss finish will be very successful IMO. On of the water based finishes might be OK, but a straight oil might be better. So long as you do not use a tint there should be no darkening - but any finish will make the timber appear darker. A 'natural' oil will make it look much the same as when it is wet. Shouldn't need to sand it either.

The Deks Olje stuff is OK as is the Sikkens system for decks but regardless of the claims never last as well as claimed in exposed areas and if sand etc gets onto it wear will be greater. One of the problem is that Oz has such high UV levels compared to most of the world (ie: most of the US and Europe).

Sorry that doesn't help. Really your call - just make sure you do any re-coat earlier than later - once the surface is broken or lifted then usually you need a full removal to bare timber.

__________________
Advice from me on this forum is general and for guidance based on information given by the member posing the question. Not to be used in place of professional advice from people appropriately qualified in the relevant field. All structural work must be approved and constructed to the BCA or other relevant standards by suitably licensed persons. The person doing the work and reading my advice accepts responsibility for ensuring the work done accords with the applicable law.