General Care Questions

How often should I maintain my hardwood timber?

Maintenance frequency depends on species, application, and exposure. Outdoor decking typically needs annual inspection and cleaning, with re-oiling every 1-2 years. Indoor timber requires less frequent maintenance—usually just periodic cleaning and humidity monitoring. High-exposure applications like marine environments may need bi-annual attention.

What's the difference between maintaining treated and untreated timber?
Treated timber (H3-H6) has chemical protection but still benefits from surface maintenance like cleaning and sealing. Untreated naturally durable species (Class 1-2) rely on their inherent oils and density but may need periodic re-oiling to maintain appearance and enhance weather resistance.

Can I over-maintain my timber?
Yes. Excessive cleaning with harsh chemicals, over-oiling, or pressure washing can damage timber surfaces, remove natural oils, and reduce lifespan. Follow species-specific guidelines and use appropriate products at recommended intervals.

Outdoor Timber Maintenance

How do I clean outdoor hardwood decking?
Sweep regularly to remove debris. For deeper cleaning, use a mild timber cleaner (pH-neutral) with a soft brush, working with the grain. Rinse thoroughly with low-pressure water. Avoid pressure washers above 500 PSI—they can damage timber fibres and create splintering.

When should I re-oil my outdoor timber?
Re-oil when water no longer beads on the surface (typically every 12-24 months depending on exposure). Clean thoroughly first, allow to dry completely (48+ hours), then apply timber oil in thin coats. Best done in mild weather (15-25°C) with low humidity.

What causes timber to grey naturally?
UV exposure breaks down lignin (the glue binding wood fibres), causing silvering or greying. This is cosmetic only and doesn't affect structural integrity. Many species naturally grey over time. Regular oiling slows this process, or you can embrace the weathered aesthetic.

How do I protect outdoor timber from weather damage?
Apply appropriate finish (oil, stain, or sealer) based on species and application. Ensure good drainage—standing water accelerates decay. Maintain adequate ventilation underneath decking. Trim vegetation to prevent moisture retention. Inspect annually for damage, checking fixings and structural integrity.

My decking has mould or mildew—how do I remove it?
Use a specialized timber mould cleaner or mix oxygen bleach (not chlorine bleach) with water. Apply, let sit for 15 minutes, scrub gently with a soft brush, and rinse thoroughly. Allow to dry completely before re-oiling. Address underlying moisture issues to prevent recurrence.

Indoor Timber Maintenance

How do I clean indoor hardwood floors?
Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove grit. Damp mop (not wet) with pH-neutral hardwood floor cleaner. Avoid excessive water—it can cause cupping or warping. Wipe spills immediately. Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches.

What humidity levels are best for indoor timber?
Maintain 40-60% relative humidity year-round. Low humidity (winter heating) causes shrinkage and cracking. High humidity (summer) causes expansion and cupping. Use humidifiers or dehumidifiers as needed, especially in extreme climates.

Should I refinish or re-oil indoor timber floors?
Depends on finish type and wear. Oiled floors need re-oiling every 1-3 years when they appear dry or dull. Polyurethane-finished floors may need screening and recoating every 3-5 years, or full sanding and refinishing every 10-15 years depending on traffic.

How do I remove scratches from indoor hardwood?
Minor surface scratches: Buff with fine steel wool and re-oil (for oiled floors) or use touch-up markers. Deeper scratches: Sand locally with fine-grit sandpaper, feathering edges, then refinish to match. Deep gouges may require professional repair.

Species-Specific Maintenance

Does Cypress Pine require special maintenance?
Cypress Pine's natural durability and termite resistance mean minimal maintenance. For outdoor applications, an initial coat of oil enhances appearance but isn't essential. Clean annually and re-oil every 2-3 years if desired. Its natural oils provide excellent protection without chemical treatment.

How do I maintain Merbau timber?
Merbau benefits from regular oiling to maintain its rich reddish-brown color and prevent surface checking. Clean and re-oil annually for the first 2-3 years, then every 1-2 years once stabilized. Note: Merbau may leach tannins initially—this is normal and will stop after weathering.

What about Spotted Gum maintenance?
Spotted Gum is naturally oily and dense, requiring minimal maintenance. For decking, clean annually and apply hardwood decking oil every 1-2 years to maintain color and enhance water resistance. Its Class 1 durability means it performs exceptionally well even with minimal care.

How do I care for Blackbutt timber?
Blackbutt's fire-resistant properties and natural durability make it low-maintenance. Clean regularly and apply appropriate finish based on application (oil for decking, polyurethane for indoor flooring). Re-oil outdoor applications every 12-18 months to maintain appearance.

Does treated timber (H3-H6) need maintenance?
Yes. While chemical treatment protects against decay and insects, surface maintenance is still necessary. Clean annually, check for damage, and apply water-repellent finish to exposed surfaces. Re-treat cut ends or damaged areas with appropriate CCA or copper azole solutions.

Application-Specific Care

How do I maintain jetty and boardwalk timber?
Inspect quarterly for marine borer damage, loose fixings, and structural integrity. Remove marine growth (barnacles, algae) promptly. Freshwater applications: Clean annually. Saltwater applications: Rinse regularly to remove salt build-up, which accelerates corrosion of fixings. Replace damaged boards immediately.

What maintenance do outdoor furniture and structures need?
Clean bi-annually with mild timber cleaner. Re-oil annually to maintain appearance and weather resistance. Check fixings and structural connections yearly. Store cushions and covers when not in use. Consider covering furniture during extreme weather or winter months.

How do I maintain timber fencing?
Inspect annually for rot, especially near ground contact and fence posts. Clean with timber cleaner and re-oil or stain every 2-3 years. Ensure good drainage around posts. Trim vegetation to improve air circulation. Replace damaged palings or posts promptly.

What about timber cladding maintenance?
Depends on finish. Oiled cladding: Clean and re-oil every 2-3 years. Stained cladding: Re-stain every 3-5 years. Natural/unfinished: Allow to weather naturally or clean annually to slow greying. Check for moisture penetration behind cladding, especially around windows and doors.

Problem Solving

My timber is checking or cracking—is this normal?
Minor surface checking is normal, especially in high-density hardwoods exposed to weather. It's cosmetic and doesn't affect structural integrity. Deep cracks may indicate moisture issues or inadequate treatment. Keep timber well-oiled to minimize checking.

Water isn't beading anymore—what does this mean?
The protective oil or finish has worn away, leaving timber vulnerable to moisture penetration, UV damage, and accelerated weathering. Clean and re-oil promptly to restore protection.

My timber is cupping or warping—what causes this?
Uneven moisture exposure. Cupping occurs when the bottom absorbs more moisture than the top (common in decking with poor ventilation). Warping results from uneven drying or moisture cycling. Ensure adequate airflow, proper installation, and appropriate moisture barriers.

How do I remove tannin stains or bleeding?
Tannin bleeding is common in species like Merbau and some eucalypts when new. Clean with oxalic acid-based timber cleaner designed for tannin removal. Rinse thoroughly. This typically resolves after the first year as tannins leach out naturally.

Insects are damaging my timber—what should I do?
Identify the pest first. Termites require professional treatment immediately. Borers in softwood may need localized treatment or fumigation. Class 1-2 hardwoods (Spotted Gum, Cypress Pine) have natural resistance. For treated timber, consult a pest control professional if damage occurs—may indicate treatment failure.

Professional Services

When should I call a professional?
Contact professionals for: Extensive structural damage, large-scale refinishing projects, suspected termite infestation, moisture problems in structural timber, engineered timber repairs, or if you're unsure about appropriate treatments for your specific application.

Contact Durable Hardwoods for personalized recommendations based on your timber species, application, and environmental conditions. We provide ongoing support to ensure your investment performs for decades.