As we head outdoors for summer many of us look to freshen up our exterior with a new look, or an update on the current. Resene colour consultant Brooke Calvert shares some expert advice when it comes to what not to forget – your deck! .

Despite being an extension of your home, your deck can often be left out of the process when selecting an exterior scheme but should be carefully considered. It can make or break your overall look. To point you in the right direction when selecting your deck colour, it is important to consider surrounding elements such as your garden, interior flooring and exterior house colours. Not only does a fresh coat of stain or oil make a dramatic difference to the aesthetic of your deck, but it also helps with UV resistance, protection from the weather and mould resistance, plus helps to avoid splinters.

One of the many wonderful things about Resene wood stains is that they are designed to colour timber while still allowing the natural grain to show through. There are plenty of colour options to choose from, the most popular being traditional timber colours like Resene Natural through to Resene Pitch Black.

However, if you are looking for a pop of colour there are also some fun bright shades to play with. Preparation is key when it comes to creating the perfect finish. Resene Moss & Mould Killer and Resene Timber and Deck Wash are must-use cleaners prior to getting started, and while it might be tempting, resist the urge to use your water blaster as it can badly damage the timber. Always try a Resene testpot on a sample piece of the timber intended for the project, to ensure that it gives the desired result before coating the entire area. 

If you’re planning on using a dark colour outside, Resene CoolColour is a great option as it reflects more heat than the standard colour, helping to keep the surface cooler reducing the risk of warping.

What Product Where? 

Resene Woodsman Decking Stain is a hybrid waterborne stain developed especially for new and weathered decking.

Resene Waterborne Woodsman is a waterborne wood stain ideal for a variety of external timber surfaces such as weatherboards, fences and planter boxes.

Resene Woodsman Wood Oil Stain is particularly great for old, worn or rough sawn timber as it can penetrate deeply into the timber.