A well-maintained timber deck can last decades. Melbourne's variable climate, with hot summers, wet winters, and everything in between, means your deck needs attention at least twice a year. This is our seasonal guide to keeping your deck looking and performing its best, based on over 15 years of building and maintaining decks across Melbourne's west, Bayside, and the Mornington Peninsula.
Spring: inspect and clean
After winter, inspect your deck for any signs of moisture damage, mould, or loose boards. Pay attention to areas where water tends to pool or where the deck meets the house. These are the spots most likely to develop issues over winter.
Give it a thorough clean with a deck-specific cleaner and a stiff bristle broom. If you use a pressure washer, keep it on a low setting and maintain distance from the timber. High-pressure washing can damage the grain and lift fibres, especially on softer timbers like treated pine. Allow the deck to dry completely before any further treatment. This usually takes two to three dry days in Melbourne's spring weather.
Summer: oil and protect
Once your deck is clean and fully dry, it is time to oil. We recommend products specifically designed for Australian hardwoods. They penetrate the grain and provide UV and moisture protection rather than sitting on the surface where they can peel and flake.
Apply in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the oil drying too quickly in direct sun. Two coats is ideal for most hardwoods, with the second coat applied once the first has been absorbed. Work in manageable sections and keep a wet edge to avoid lap marks.
For merbau decks, the first oil after installation is particularly important. Merbau contains natural tannins that leach out as a reddish-brown residue. A good quality decking oil helps seal the grain and reduce this tannin bleed over time.
Autumn and winter: monitor and maintain
As leaves start falling, clear them from your deck regularly. Leaves and debris trap moisture against the timber surface, which encourages mould growth and can stain the boards. This is especially important in shaded areas where the deck does not get enough sun to dry out naturally.
Check for any boards that have cupped or warped and address them before winter rain sets in. Minor cupping can sometimes be corrected by sanding once the timber dries out, but severely warped boards may need replacing.
If your deck is in a particularly shaded or damp spot, consider applying a mould inhibitor treatment before winter. This is a simple step that can prevent bigger problems in the months ahead.
Is your deck looking a bit tired? We offer restoration services that can bring it back to life.
Get a Free AssessmentWhen to call a professional
Regular maintenance can be done yourself, but some issues need a professional assessment. If you notice soft or spongy boards, wobbly posts, significant splitting, or any signs of structural movement, it is time to have someone qualified take a look.
We offer deck repair and restoration services that can extend the life of your investment significantly. Sometimes a deck that looks tired on the surface is structurally sound and just needs a sand, some board replacements, and fresh oil. Other times there are subfloor issues that need addressing. Either way, we will tell you honestly what we find.