While timber decking is beloved in Australia (no doubt due to our passion for outdoor entertaining), the only drawback is the maintenance required to keep it in superior shape. But that looks set to change with the arrival of a three-step system from Cabot that promises to drastically reduce the time taken to complete the task.
Mmm, that timber decking looks sumptuous.
Step one: Cabot’s New Timber Prep Possibly the most exciting product in the three-step system, Cabot’s ‘New Timber Prep’ allows deck owners to skip the four to six weeks of weathering typically recommended for new timber – how fabulous! Just one coat of this product imitates the effects of weathering, by drawing out the timber’s tannins and oils. The process takes a mere 15 minutes before the product is rinsed off with warm water, leaving the surface ready for coating.
Step two: Cabot’s Deck Clean An essential prep product, this solution should be used for both new and weathered timber prior to coating to remove dirt and excess tannins. Just mix it up with warm water and apply it to the timber’s surface with a bristle brush and after 20 minutes, simply rinse it off with a high-pressure hose.
Step three: Cabot’s Aquadeck The final step, and now with half the recoat time (just one hour, down from two), Cabot’s Aquadeck leaves a durable, lightly pigmented finish that is touch dry in just 20 minutes and is guaranteed to last twice as long as other oil-based decking oils. The faster drying time means fewer dust and dirt particles are likely to get trapped on the timber surface too.
The Easter break poses a welcome opportunity to undertake DIY and ‘fix-it’ jobs that have been put off around the home. A good place to start is a simple yet effective update to your deck! You can simply ‘refresh’ or create on-trend looks thanks to Feast Watson’s range of decking products. Here are some handy tips:
Starting from scratch
A new deck always starts with the right timber choice and the right timber treatments. Feast Watson have pulled together a collection of some of the most popular timbers perfect for creating inspiring and on-trend decking.
CYPRESS PINE is an Australian softwood, despite its apparent hardness. It varies in colour from pale yellow to variegated browns. Although Cypress Pine has a fine even texture, knots are very common and it tends to be brittle and prone to fine surface checking.
JARRAH is a heavy, tough Australian hardwood with a distinctive dark red colouration.
SPOTTED GUM is a very dense, oily Australian hardwood that ranges from pale to dark brown. It is essential to weather and clean Spotted Gum with Feast Watson Woodclean (as per label instructions). Note: Spotted Gum is often present in decking timber sold as ‘mixed hardwood’.
TREATED PINE is Radiata Pine that has been pressure treated to resist decay, termites and fungi. This treatment involves saturating the timber, so it is essential to leave Treated Pine to dry properly before staining. Tip: When choosing your timber and constructing your deck you’ll need to allow it to weather in its final position for four-to-six weeks before coating. After this time, prepare timber for coating using Feast Watson Woodclean as per the instructions. For best results, lightly sand the surface to remove any grain raise. Remember to remove all sanding dust before coating.
Looking for a simple refresh?
It’s difficult to state an exact timeframe for how often timber decks should be recoated because it is dependent on so many factors; quality of the coating, amount of foot traffic, degree of exposure to UV radiation and the weather. As a rule of thumb, we suggest you conduct a regular annual inspection of the coating, and touch up any areas that are looking worn. A full recoat is required when the overall coating is looking tired and in need of a refresh. Tip: Refresh regularly as it’s easier to maintain the coating before it becomes too worn and the timber underneath starts to degrade.
Decking Oil: Try Feast Watson Decking Oil to refresh your deck. It’s a hardwearing, semi-transparent timber coating that enhances the natural beauty of timber whilst protecting it from Australia’s harsh conditions. If you’re looking for a higher sheen, try Feast Watson Wet Look Deck.
BeforeAfter
Looking for a whole new style?
When it comes to home renovation and decorating, there has been a move away from traditional finishes that simply protect and maintain the natural look of timber. The newest trends in decking are finishes that create a unique statement and provide impressive bases for outdoor entertaining.
Grey Look Deck
Feast Watson Grey Look Deck provides an immediate grey, naturally weathered timber look and durable protection. Formulated to appear grey, the finish protects timber from harsh Australian conditions and will increase in colour intensity over time.
Wet Look Deck
Feast Watson Wet Look Deck provides homeowners with a timber finish that has a long lasting, freshly coated ‘wet’ look. Feast Watson Wet Look Deck is a great base for an outdoor room in need of a fresh, clean look.
Dark Deck
Try Feast Watson Timber Deck & Stain for a deep colour option. We’re seeing a resurgence in the use of darker coloured stains such as black and ebony, to enhance outdoor areas. Feast Watson Timber Deck & Stain in Black Japan is a great dark colour option and can be matched with interior flooring to encourage style consistency throughout the home.
For a new decking look or a simple decking update, try Feast Watson Grey Look Deck, Wet Look Deck, Decking Oil and Timber & Decking Stain and more. To find out more about Feast Watson products and their application, visit their website and for inspiration, check out the Feast Watson Instagram.
