Picture this: the height of summer is around the corner, the days are longer, and you’re itching to revamp your outdoor living space just in time for those backyard barbecues and lazy afternoons. With the sun shining and your deck in need of a facelift, one of the simplest ways to breathe new life into your garden is by picking up a paint can and brush. So, let’s dive into the world of garden decorating: Can you paint decking, or should you stick to its original look?
Can you paint decking? Composite versus wood
You might hesitate to paint your decking, concerned about its exposure to the elements or the level of DIY expertise required to complete the job, but fear not! When it comes to garden decking, painting can open up a whole realm of creative possibilities.
Thanks to modern decking trends and advancements in paint technology, there’s very few surfaces you can’t refresh, allowing for endless opportunities to personalise your exteriors – and this includes composite decking as well as your classic timber.
Composite surfaces
One of the major benefits of composite decking over timber is that the upkeep is far less extensive, with a lifespan of 20-30 years during which the original shade tends to remain unfaded. Because of this, many homeowners choose not to refinish their composite decks, but if you become turned off by its colouring you can absolutely give it a try.
Despite composite decking’s structural make-up of recycled wood fibres and plastic, it’s not impossible to paint – in fact, far from it – so even if you have this more hardy, modern material you can give it a new lease of life.
While it’s true that, when compared to timber, painting composite is a trickier process that may well require a more specialist paint commanding a higher price tag, we wouldn’t try to discourage you from this project. After all, a coat of new paint will be far cheaper than replacing it. Just make sure that you use an appropriate primer, so the topcoats adhere well to the surface.
Timber surfaces
Painting timber decking is more straightforward than painting composite. With the right preparation and paint, timber can be transformed visually whilst being protected from the elements. Timber is more forgiving and easier to work with, making it suitable for DIY enthusiasts of any level.
On top of this, timber deck owners will find that there are more aesthetic options available as the wooden boards can be painted, stained or oiled according to their preference. Each method is fairly straightforward, requiring products that are easily sourced from most hardware and DIY stores. If you’re working with painted timber that is cracking, peeling or rotting, you’ll need to prime and treat the wood beforehand.
What about UPVC?
UPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) is another material used for decking, and yes, it can also be painted! UPVC decking is known for its durability and low maintenance, but over time, you might want to refresh its appearance.
Painting UPVC requires specific preparation and paint types to ensure the paint adheres properly to the substrate and lasts. We recommend looking for a paint that’s self-priming, so all you need to do is apply it to the clean, even surface and then paint on more layers.
To paint or not to paint: is it a good idea to paint your decking?
We’ve covered the main question – can you paint decking? – but is it a good idea? Here are some of the key benefits that you might want to mull over if you’ve got a hankering for a decking refresh.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Repainting allows you to coordinate your decking with the overall colour scheme of your home and garden, creating a cohesive and visually appealing outdoor space.
- Protection Against Elements: The paint forms a protective barrier against sun exposure, rain, and humidity, helping to prevent damage such as fading, cracking, and warping.
- Durability: It can extend the lifespan of your decking by shielding it from wear and tear, including foot traffic and outdoor elements.
- Maintenance Ease: Painted decking surfaces are easier to clean than untreated wood, requiring simple soap and water for routine maintenance.
- Straightforward process: If you know how to lay decking, painting it will be a doddle; all you need is a solid set of DIY skills and a steady hand.
- Reduced Staining: Helps to resist stains from spills, grease, and dirt, making cleanup less time-consuming.
- Structural Integrity: Painting timber decking adds a protective layer that can help prevent moisture infiltration, reducing the risk of rot and decay.
- Cost-Effective Refresh: Painting offers a cost-effective way to refresh your outdoor space without the expense of replacing decking boards.
- Increased Property Value: Improves curb appeal and adds value to your home, especially appealing to potential buyers with a well-maintained outdoor area.
- Sustainability: Extends the lifespan of decking materials, reducing the need for replacement and minimising environmental impact.
Key considerations
When it comes to refreshing your decking with a coat of paint, whether it’s traditional wood or modern composite, there are significant differences in approach, durability, and maintenance. Understanding these distinctions will help you decide whether you want to go through with the project and whether getting the professionals in is more suited to you than attempting a DIY job.
Condition
It’s important to assess the current condition of your decking to determine the level of preparation required. If it’s extremely worn out, for example, with boards rotting through areas that bear a lot of weight you may need to consider replacing them.
- Timber Decking: Look for signs of rot, splintering, or warping. Damaged boards might need replacing, filling in or extensive sanding.
- Composite Decking: Check for mildew, stains, or discolouration – these can happen if the deck was installed poorly. Composite decking is generally low maintenance, so this is unlikely, but it may need cleaning or minor repairs.
- UPVC Decking: Inspect for any cracks or fading. UPVC is durable but can degrade with prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Surface or materials
Different materials (wood, composite, or UPVC) will dictate the type of paint and preparation needed.
Wood Decking: Requires thorough sanding to create a smooth surface for paint adherence. You should use a primer specifically designed for wood and an appropriate paint.
Composite Decking: Needs a specific primer and paint formulated for composite materials. Light sanding might be necessary to improve adhesion.
UPVC Decking: Requires a primer that adheres to plastic surfaces. The paint should also be designed for plastics and withstand outdoor conditions.
Decking type
The type of decking might also have a bearing on the project, including the amount of touch-up required and the overall skill level needed for (re)painting.
- Softwoods (e.g., Pine, Cedar): Softer woods are more prone to damage and may require more frequent repainting.
- Non-slip decking: Anti-slip decking has a textured surface to prevent slipping, which requires extra care when painting. Be careful to avoid filling in the textured grooves, which could reduce the non-slip effectiveness.
Expertise required
Evaluate your DIY skills; some projects may be more suitable for professional painters to take the reigns of.
- Beginner DIYers: Timber decking is a beginner-friendly surface to work with as long as you have competent skills with a paint can and brush.
- Intermediate DIYers: Composite decking requires a bit more preparation and specific materials. It’s also more tricky to paint without it looking untidy. UPVC decking might also pose a challenge due to the need for specialised paints and techniques required to get the coats on smoothly.
- Professional Painters: When dealing with cracked or water-damaged decking, extensive preparation might be necessary from the treatment of the boards, sanding and filling. In this case, it’s best left to the professionals.
Decorative details
Consider additional elements like balustrades, railings, and fencing which can add time, energy, and expense to the project.
- Balustrades and Railings: Painting these intricate parts can be fiddly and time-consuming. They may require smaller brushes and more precise work to ensure an even coat without drips.
- Complementary Colours: Matching your decking paint with your railing ideas can create a cohesive look but adds to the overall project workload. If painting these extra details, consider colours that complement your decking to enhance the overall aesthetic without clashing.
- Prep Time: More detailed elements will need careful preparation to avoid paint splatters on non-target areas.
Project budget
All DIYers set on a new project should consider the cost of materials, paint, and potential professional help to set a realistic budget.
- Materials: High-quality paints and primers can be more expensive but offer better longevity.
- Labour: If hiring professionals, get a range of quotes to understand the full expense of the project. On average, it can cost £16 per hour for the raw labour.
- Maintenance: Factor in future maintenance costs. Painted decking may require touch-ups or repaints every few years.
With all of the above factors explored, you’ll now have a better idea of how much your decking makeover is going to cost.
How to paint decking
Whether you aim to refresh worn-out decking or completely transform its look, our guide to painting decking will set you on the right path. Spoiler alert: it’s all about the preparation and the right choice of paint.
Preparation
- Clean the surface thoroughly to remove dirt, mould, and old finishes.
- Fill in any holes and cracks with a suitable sealant / filler.
- For timber decking, sand the surface to create a smooth base. Composite decking typically doesn’t require sanding if you choose a high-performing multi-surface paint and the decking is in good condition.
- Apply a suitable primer for the material, or skip if your paint is self-priming.
Painting
- Choose a high-quality paint designed for exterior use. For timber, hard-wearing water-based paints or an appropriate decking oil are recommended. For composite, use paints specifically designed for composite materials.
- Apply the paint evenly, following the direction of the decking boards. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat.
Finishing
- Allow the paint to dry completely between coats as directed by the product packaging.
- Once the final coat is applied, let it cure as per the paint manufacturer’s instructions before using the deck.
Bring your decking to life
Et voila! A comprehensive answer to the question “Can you paint decking?” that should leave you feeling confident about your next decking project. Feel free to take the advice here as an invitation to revamp your decking, and give it a new lease of life.
