Flooring, window furnishings, paint, woodcare or wallpaper - whatever inspiration you’re looking for, this is the place to find it! As decorating experts, we stay up to date with the latest season trends - check out our advice below to help you create a contemporary living space in your home.
The warm, sunny months are on their way, bringing long afternoons outdoors and plenty of time to enjoy your backyard. Before the season really settles in, it’s a great opportunity to give your deck some well-deserved care so it’s ready for months of relaxing and entertaining.
At Guthrie Bowron, we stock premium Cabot’s® woodcare products and can help you boost your DIY confidence before you begin. Below are our top tips for staining your deck.
Cabot’s® Aquadeck®. Colour: Kwila. Timber: Kwila.
Cabot’s® Aquadeck®. Colour: Teak. Timber: Kwila.
Different types of timber — new, weathered, painted, or previously stained — need different preparation. It also helps to identify the type of wood you have, as all species look different with the same stain on them. Start by giving your deck a proper once-over.
New, untreated timber
You no longer need to wait weeks for new timber boards to weather before you apply stain. Cabot’s New Timber Prep helps lift out tannins, oils, treatment residue and other contaminants so you can stain sooner.
Greyed or weathered timber
If your deck has faded to a dull grey, a good clean (see step 5) may bring it back. Cabot’s Deck Clean can revive lightly weathered boards. Severely grey or cracked timber will need sanding before cleaning. Use the water bead test (step 4) to be sure.
Decking oils enrich and protect the natural colour of wood. Knowing your timber helps here — for example, Kwila looks fantastic when its rich red-brown tone is nourished with oil.
Recommended decking oils:
Cabot’s Aquadeck. Colour: Rustic Oak. Timber: Kwila.
Cabot’s Natural Decking Oil. Colour: Natural. Timber: Kwila.
If you want to change or intensify the colour of your deck, a stain is your best option — especially if your timber is older or quite weathered. You’ll also need to decide between water-based and oil-based stains.
Water-based stains dry quickly, have low odour, clean up easily and often retain colour longer. Oil-based stains penetrate deeper and offer excellent durability.
For personalised advice, pop into your local Guthrie Bowron store.
Recommended wood stains:
Cabot’s Deck & Exterior Stain Oil Based. Colour: Charcoal.
Sprinkle a few drops of water onto your deck and wait a few minutes.
If the timber won’t absorb water, it won’t absorb stain or paint — so this test helps you avoid wasted time and product.
Dirt, grime and grease can show through a fresh coat of stain, affecting the final look. Scrub the boards with a specialist product such as Cabot’s Deck Clean.
Even brand-new timber needs washing. After being weathered or treated with Cabots New Timber Prep, give it a clean with Cabot’s Deck Clean
Apply Deck Clean with a stiff brush, leave it for about 20 minutes, then rinse well with a hose.
You’ll need:
Mask it off
Tape around any adjoining surfaces for neat, tidy edges. Clear your deck of plants, furniture and other obstacles.
Start with the edges
Give your stain or oil a good stir, pour some into a tray, and brush around the perimeter first. If you’re spraying railings, complete them first — cover the deck to prevent overspray.
Get into a rhythm
Use the applicator to coat a few boards at a time, working along their full length for a smooth, even finish. Allow the correct drying time between coats:
Now comes the best part — relax! Enjoy your refreshed deck and take full advantage of the outdoor season ahead. And if anyone asks how you achieved such a great finish, let them know they can find Cabot’s at Guthrie Bowron.
Cabot's and Aquadeck are registered trade marks.
