Whether you call the trend in grey decking beach chic, weathered, silver, Hamptons, or even just ‘grey timber,’ there’s no mistaking that this look has become one of Sydney’s hottest decking trends.
“Only 4 years ago, I received less than 10% of my enquiries to achieve this look. Now, I would say more than 50% of my enquiries are to achieve this look for their outdoor living space.” – Darren Ettridge, #1Decks Owner.
However, there are a few misconceptions about how to achieve this look. Here are four of the most common ones we’ve seen:
“You don’t oil the deck; you just let it age.”
This is not true. The timber still needs to be protected from the elements. Failing to do this will cause the timber to dry, split, splinter, cup, expand, and rot quicker than a protected timber deck.
To achieve the correct outcome, choose suitable timber, pre-coat the boards with clear, oil-based oil such as Cutek CD-50, and apply a final coat after installation. This penetrating oil will help protect the timber from the inside (once it soaks in) while allowing it to ‘silver off’ on the surface. We recommend oiling timbers for grey decks every 1-2 years.
“You can use any hardwood timber.”
Not true! Once dried out and silvered off, many timbers will split and splinter more easily. In fact, some will go a dark colour, not achieving the silvered look at all. The best timbers to use for the silver deck are Rosewood, Spotted Gum, Thermory (Ash), Teak (Vitex), Kebony, and Accoya.
“I can stain the timber grey to achieve the look.”
Staining your timber grey will help protect the timber, but more often than not, it looks like grey paint and does not have the desired aged and weathered look.
“If I let my timber age, it won’t last as long.”
Yes, this is true. However, that is if you are NOT following the correct process for using the right timber and oil. A grey, weathered-looking deck can last as long as any other timber deck if well cared for.
Looking for help to achieve the perfect ‘silver’ deck?
Call us! We are one of Sydney’s leading decking installers and have a wealth of experience advising our Clients on the best timber, composite, or new-generation timber products for their outdoor spaces.