If your Earlwood home has a hardwood deck that’s seen better days — grey boards, slippery algae, cracked surfaces — you’re not alone. The Inner West weather takes a real toll on outdoor timber. The good news? In most cases, you don’t need to replace it. You just need the right team.
At 5 Star Decking, we’ve restored hundreds of hardwood decks across Earlwood, Marrickville, Dulwich Hill and the broader Canterbury area. Here’s exactly what the process looks like — and what you can expect from a professional restoration.
Why Earlwood Decks Take a Beating
Earlwood sits in a part of Sydney that gets plenty of rainfall, shade from neighbouring properties, and the kind of humidity that encourages algae and mould growth on any timber surface left untreated. Add a few winters of neglect and you’ve got boards that look grey, feel slippery underfoot, and are rapidly losing their structural integrity.
Most homeowners assume the only option is a full deck replacement — which can cost $15,000 to $30,000+ for a mid-size hardwood deck. In the majority of cases we inspect, restoration is the smarter and far more cost-effective path.
The Restoration Process: What We Do
Step 1: High-Pressure Surface Clean
We start with a thorough pressure clean using professional-grade Kärcher equipment. This strips away surface mould, algae, dirt, and any old flaking oil or sealant. Done correctly, it also opens the grain of the timber — which is critical for the oil to penetrate properly in the next stage.
Step 2: Sanding (Where Required)
For decks with deeper weathering, surface checking, or stubborn grey discolouration that pressure cleaning alone can’t fix, we sand the boards back. This brings fresh timber to the surface and gives you a completely even finish for oiling. It’s the step that makes the biggest visual difference on older decks.
Step 3: Professional Oiling
Once the deck is clean, open-grained and dry, we apply a premium penetrating oil. This locks moisture out, feeds the timber from within, and brings back that deep, rich colour that makes a hardwood deck look genuinely stunning. We use oils suited to Sydney’s climate — UV-stabilised, flexible, and built to last 2–3 years between applications.
Before and After: The Difference Is Dramatic
This shot is one of our favourites because it shows both stages in one frame. The top section of the deck hadn’t been treated yet — you can see the silver-grey colouring and the dull, flat surface. The bottom section had already been pressure cleaned and was starting to show the true colour of the timber underneath. By the time we finished oiling, the entire deck matched that rich, warm tone throughout.
What Does It Cost?
Deck restoration in Earlwood and the Inner West typically starts from $150/m² for pressure cleaning and oiling. Sanding adds to that cost depending on board condition. For a standard 30m² deck, you’re looking at roughly $4,500–$6,500 all-in — compared to $15,000–$25,000+ for a full replacement.
For context, a full hardwood deck installation starts from $440/m² and composite from $550/m². If your existing boards are structurally sound, restoration is almost always the right call financially.
Suburbs We Cover Near Earlwood
We work across the entire Canterbury-Bankstown and Inner West corridor, including:
- Earlwood, Marrickville, Dulwich Hill
- Hurstville, Bexley, Kingsgrove
- Canterbury, Campsie, Belmore
- Sydenham, St Peters, Tempe
- Newtown, Erskineville, Alexandria
Why Choose 5 Star Decking?
- Fully licensed — NSW Contractor Licence #395250C
- 4,000+ projects completed across Sydney
- Local Inner West team — we know your suburb, your weather, your timber
- Honest assessment — if your deck genuinely needs replacing, we’ll tell you. But in most cases, restoration is the answer.
- No mess left behind — we clean up completely before we leave
Get a Free Quote for Your Earlwood Deck
If your deck is looking tired, slippery, or grey, don’t leave it another season. A professional restoration will protect your timber, improve safety, and add value to your home — and it costs a fraction of replacement.
Call us on 0433 334 415 or visit 5stardecking.com/contact/ to book your free, no-obligation quote. We’ll assess your deck, tell you exactly what’s needed, and give you a fixed price with no surprises.
5 Star Decking — Sydney’s deck restoration specialists. NSW Contractor Licence #395250C.
