This is the question we get asked most often, and the honest answer is that it depends on what’s actually going on with your deck. If it’s a few specific problem areas — a damaged board, a loose railing, a section that’s lifted — we’re usually looking at targeted repairs. If the whole deck looks tired and weathered but the structure underneath is still solid, restoration is almost always the right call. If the substructure is compromised or there’s significant rot or termite damage that’s gone through the timber, that’s when we start talking about a rebuild. We won’t know for certain until we’ve had a proper look, which is why we always start with a free on-site assessment before we recommend anything.

For most residential decks in Ipswich, a full restoration takes between one and three days, depending on the size of the deck, the condition of the timber, and the products we’re using. We’ll give you a clear timeline before we start so you know exactly what to expect and can plan around it accordingly.

It genuinely varies depending on the size of the deck, the species of timber, the extent of the surface damage, and whether any boards need replacing as part of the process. A straightforward restoration on a standard-sized deck is significantly more affordable than most homeowners expect — especially compared to the cost of a full replacement. We provide itemised quotes so you can see exactly where every dollar is going, and we’re always upfront about costs before any work begins.

Yes — and this is one of the most satisfying results we deliver. Grey, weathered timber looks past saving, but in most cases, it isn’t. Beneath that grey surface layer, the timber is often in genuinely good condition, and once we clean and sand it back and apply the right finish, the colour comes back remarkably well. Merbau decks, especially, homeowners are often stunned at how rich and warm the timber looks again after years of looking completely washed out.

Sometimes it’s obvious — soft spots underfoot, discolouration, timber that crumbles when you press it. But often the early signs are subtle and easy to miss if you don’t know what you’re looking for. We check for termite and rot damage as part of every assessment we carry out, and we’ll point out anything we find and explain clearly what it means for the deck. In Queensland, termite risk is real and catching it early makes an enormous difference to what’s salvageable.

For like-for-like repairs and surface restoration work, council approval generally isn’t required. If the job involves structural modifications — changes to the deck’s size, alterations to the substructure, or significant changes to railings and balustrades — that’s when Ipswich City Council requirements may come into play. We’ll always let you know upfront if your specific job needs any approvals before we start work, so there are no surprises down the track.

In Ipswich’s climate, we generally recommend inspecting and re-oiling or re-sealing a timber deck every 12 to 18 months. Queensland’s UV and humidity are hard on timber, and regular maintenance is what keeps a deck looking great and avoids the kind of surface damage that builds up over years of neglect. We’re happy to advise on the right maintenance schedule for your specific timber species when we carry out any repair or restoration work.