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These easy D.I.Y. projects will have your outdoor area looking tidy and fresh in time for the busy summer and holiday season. From cleaning and oiling your deck to giving your outdoor furniture a little TLC and reset, these five steps will make your deck feel like new.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Make sure your deck is ready to entertain family and friends by giving it a thorough clean. With the right tools and equipment, this is a simple D.I.Y. job that will make a big impact.
Start by brushing down the deck with a soft broom to remove any dirt or leaves. Follow this up with a high-pressure cleaner (or hose) to wash away any remaining dirt, going carefully over the entire deck.
Mix some deck cleaner with water, following the instructions to achieve the correct balance, and give your deck a good scrub using the cleaning mixture and a broom. Leave this for 10 to 20 minutes before washing it thoroughly with the high-pressure cleaner or hose. Allow the deck to dry completely before staining or oiling.
Decks get a lot of wear and tear from weather exposure and use. Oiling, staining, and/or painting your deck will not only help protect it, but it will also make it look like new.
Re-oiling your deck is an important part of deck maintenance. The oil adds a new layer of protection to the wood, prolonging your deck’s lifespan. If you’re seeing deterioration, discolouration or patchiness, these are signs that it’s time to add some oil.
If you want to help preserve your timber and give your deck a little bit of a facelift, try staining the timber. Once you’ve prepared the surface (cleaned, sanded and any areas you don’t want to stain covered with masking tape), use a paintbrush and lambswool applicator to evenly apply the stain.
Painting your deck is a good way to breathe new life into your outdoor space, resulting in a vibrant and durable finish. If you have a new deck, you can jump right into painting without any additional preparation. If your deck is stained, you’ll need to sand the entire deck until the stain is removed.
From there, clean the surface (including pressure-washing to remove built-up dirt and using deck cleaner), select a paint specifically designed for outdoor use, and get painting!
With your deck looking like a million dollars, make sure your outdoor furniture and barbecue are fit to match.
Even the most durable of outdoor settings can use a refresh. Clean surfaces, wiping away dirt and cobwebs, and sand away any flaking varnish or niggly edges. Apply furniture oil to help protect exposed timber and give your outdoor cushions a wash so they’re ready for the summer season.
If your barbecue has seen better days, give it a thorough once-over and a good clean. First, turn your gas bottle off. Check there are no leaks or cracks in the gas hose. Clean the drip tray and scrub the hotplates, removing any excess grease or fat. Scrub the barbecue with soap and water before replacing the hotplates (give them a light spray with cooking oil to help prevent rusting) and drip tray (line this with aluminium foil and sprinkled Fat-sorb).
Lighting adds atmosphere – it’s also a safety feature. Review how your deck is illuminated and consider upgrading your existing lights.
Low voltage deck lights create a warm, fun and inviting atmosphere. Installing them is a D.I.Y. project that you can do yourself. Festoon lights create a glittering galaxy of light overhead. They are energy efficient and affordable, and they are also a simple D.I.Y. installation project.
Summer is bound to get hot, so planning ahead with some ready-to-hand temperature controls is another way to stay comfortable and safe.
Outdoor blinds provide welcome relief and protection from the sun and there are a wide range to choose from to suit your space. A misting system is another way to cool down on a scorching hot day. The system uses a curtain of ultra-fine droplets to lower the temperature as they evaporate – think of a cool, misty morning rather than a soaking! Best of all, you can install one yourself.
Looking to change your outdoor area’s appearance and get more out of the space? Think about how you’re using your deck and make a few easy changes. It’s that simple.
Start by upcycling any outdoor furniture to revive and refresh what you have. If you’re missing something that would have come in handy last summer (a barbecue or outdoor kitchen area, for example), add this to your space. Also, incorporate some small touches that make an immediate impression – think atmospheric lighting, colourful outdoor cushions and greenery with potted plants.
It also helps to consider what you use your deck for besides entertaining family and friends. Do you need a place to exercise, meditate or stretch? Decks are perfect places to easily and efficiently find space to practice your passion, with nature as a backdrop.
Alternatively, set up an outdoor cinema for fun family nights, or scatter some cosy blankets, cushions and beanbag or camp chairs to do a little stargazing at night. (Don’t forget the popcorn and hot chocolate!)
Shop our wide range of outdoor furniture.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
