Your questions, honestly answered
Everything you need to know about deck restoration on the Gold Coast — cost, timing, process, materials, and the honest answers most contractors won't give you.
Deck restoration on the Gold Coast typically costs $1,200 to $3,500 for a full sand-and-finish restoration, depending on deck size and condition.
- Small decks (15–20m²) — $1,200 to $1,800
- Medium decks (25–35m²) — $1,800 to $2,500
- Large decks (40m²+) — $2,500 to $3,800+
Per-square-metre rates are $50–$75 for full restoration or $30–$35 for a maintenance recoat. See our full pricing guide for detailed breakdowns.
Most Gold Coast deck restorations take 3 to 5 days start to finish. Small decks under 20m² can be done in 2 to 3 days. Larger decks over 40m² typically take 4 to 6 days.
Weather is the biggest variable — stain and oil application need dry conditions, so wet weather can add a day or two to the schedule.
On the Gold Coast, most timber decks need professional oiling or staining every 12 to 18 months due to intense UV, salt air, and humidity.
A full sand-back restoration is typically needed every 5 to 7 years for well-maintained decks, or every 3 to 4 years for neglected or coastal-exposed decks.
Regular maintenance recoats significantly extend the time between full restorations. Skipping maintenance and letting the finish fail entirely means paying 3–5x more for a full restoration later.
Timber decks turn grey because UV rays break down the lignin in the wood, stripping away natural oils and pigments. Once the protective coating fails, the timber is exposed to sun, rain, and salt air.
On the Gold Coast, unprotected decks can turn silver-grey in as little as 12 months. The grey layer can usually be removed by professional sanding, revealing fresh timber underneath ready for a new finish.
Grey isn't "natural ageing" — it's damage. The longer it's left, the deeper the damage goes into the timber fibres.
Surface restoration — cleaning, light sanding, and applying a maintenance coat — is manageable for confident DIYers with a full weekend to spare.
Full sand-back restoration requires commercial-grade equipment (Lägler Hummel belt sander), dust extraction, product knowledge, and experience with timber species. Structural repairs and pre-sale restorations should always be done professionally.
DIY typically saves $300–$600 in cash but delivers a finish that lasts half as long. Professional restoration done every 3 years is usually cheaper than DIY done annually with poorer results.
Staining adds colour to the timber and sits on the surface, offering strong UV protection and vibrant colour retention. Best for softwoods and when you want a specific colour.
Oiling penetrates deep into the timber, nourishing the wood from the inside out. Best for hardwoods like Merbau, Spotted Gum, and Ironbark. Weathers more naturally and is easier to recoat.
Oils weather beautifully but need more frequent maintenance. Stains offer bolder colour but eventually peel and require sanding to remove. We'll recommend the right one based on your timber and situation.
Autumn (March–May) is the best time. Temperatures are mild, humidity is lower, rain is less frequent, and demand is quieter — meaning faster start dates and often better pricing.
Avoid peak summer (December–February) as heat causes stains to dry too quickly and unevenly. Avoid the wet season for obvious reasons.
Winter also works well, though colder temperatures can slow cure times slightly. September–November is peak demand — expect longer lead times if booking then.
For Gold Coast conditions, dense Australian hardwoods perform best:
- Spotted Gum — Excellent UV and salt resistance, beautiful pale-to-honey grain
- Ironbark — Extremely durable, handles coastal exposure exceptionally well
- Blackbutt — Lighter alternative with similar durability
- Merbau — Most common, good value with regular maintenance
- Treated Pine — Budget-friendly softwood, needs more frequent restoration
Composite decking is a low-maintenance alternative but has a very different look and feel to timber. Read our timber comparison guide for a deeper breakdown.
Yes. We replace rotten, split, warped, or splintering boards as part of every restoration.
Standard restorations include up to five board replacements at no extra cost. Additional boards are $80 to $150 each, supplied and fitted, depending on timber species.
We also handle structural repairs — bearer replacement, joist repairs, corroded fixings, and railing fixes — quoted separately after inspection.
You can walk on your restored deck after 24 hours of dry weather. Heavy furniture should stay off for 48 to 72 hours to allow the finish to fully cure.
Pot plants, rugs, and BBQs are best kept off for at least 5 to 7 days — anything that traps moisture against the finish can affect the cure.
In humid conditions or cooler temperatures, cure times can be slightly longer. We'll give you specific guidance based on the product used and current weather.
We monitor the forecast closely and reschedule finishing days if rain is expected within 24 hours of applying stain or oil.
Sanding can continue in light showers if the deck is covered overnight, but finish application needs dry conditions for proper adhesion and cure.
Unexpected rain within 24 hours of finishing can affect the coating and may require touch-ups. All work carries our 12-month workmanship guarantee — any weather-related issues are our problem to fix, not yours.
Yes — every full deck restoration includes a 12-month workmanship guarantee. This covers finish adhesion, sanding quality, and any repair work we've completed.
Product guarantees vary by manufacturer (Cutek, Intergrain, and Cabots all offer their own warranties). If anything fails within 12 months due to workmanship, we come back and fix it at no cost.
Yes, if your deck is grey, splintering, or noticeably weathered. Real estate agents consistently report that restored decks add $5,000 to $15,000 to final sale prices.
A restored deck also:
- Removes a common buyer negotiation point
- Becomes a hero feature in listing photos
- Typically reduces days on market
- Improves buyer emotional response at open homes
Most pre-sale restorations complete in 3 to 5 days — well ahead of listing photography.
In most cases, yes. We carry a wide range of tinted oils and stains from Cutek, Intergrain, Cabots, and Sikkens. We can also mix custom tints for specific colour matches.
During the free inspection we'll show you sample stains applied to your timber so you can see the exact colour before we start.
Note that timber species affects colour outcome — the same stain looks different on Merbau vs Spotted Gum vs treated pine.
Yes. We service the entire Gold Coast region — from Coolangatta and Palm Beach in the south, through Burleigh, Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and Southport in the centre, up to Helensvale, Hope Island, and Coomera in the north.
This includes inland suburbs like Carrara, Highland Park, Robina, Merrimac, Mudgeeraba, Nerang, and Worongary.
Not sure if we cover your suburb? Call 0451 252 501 — we almost certainly do.
Still have questions?
Give us a call — we'll answer any question about your deck honestly, whether or not you end up hiring us.