Decks & Timber · Tweed Heads
Deck Staining vs Painting — Which Is Right for Your Tweed Deck?
Both stain and paint can look great on a deck — but they age very differently. Here's how to pick the right one for your timber and climate.
Stain — best for new and well-kept timber
Penetrating oil stains keep the timber grain visible, breathe with the boards and never peel. They do need a refresh every 12–24 months in our climate, but the refresh is just a wash and re-coat.
Paint — best for tired or mixed timber
Solid-colour deck paint covers everything — old stains, mismatched boards, surface checking. It lasts 4–6 years in coastal Tweed but will eventually peel and need a full strip-back.
Quick comparison
Choose based on the timber's condition and how often you want to maintain it.
- Stain: 12–24 month refresh, never peels, retains grain
- Paint: 4–6 year cycle, full coverage, can peel
- Stain: slightly less slip on wet boards
- Paint: more colour choice and instant fresh look
Get a free quote from a licensed exterior painter in Tweed Heads
Munn & Co. Finishes is fully licensed in NSW (461243C) and QLD (15536255), insured and based locally — so we can usually quote Tweed Heads jobs within 24–48 hours. Call 0444 528 452 or request a free written quote online and we'll walk the job with you, photograph problem areas and send a clear, fixed-price scope before any work begins.
Deck staining vs painting — frequently asked questions
- How much does deck staining cost in Tweed Heads?
- Most Tweed Heads decks cost $25–$45 per square metre to sand, clean and re-oil or stain, depending on the timber's condition and whether the existing coating has to be stripped back.
- How often should I recoat a deck?
- Exposed coastal decks need a maintenance coat every 12–24 months. Covered or south-facing decks can stretch to three years.
- Oil or stain — which is better?
- Decking oil penetrates and is easier to refresh without stripping; a stain gives deeper colour and more UV protection but needs full prep at recoat time. We recommend based on the timber and how exposed the deck is.
- Are you licensed and insured to work in Tweed Heads?
- Yes. Munn & Co. Finishes holds an NSW painting licence and a QLD QBCC licence, and we carry full public liability insurance. Licence and insurance details are supplied in writing with every Tweed Heads quote.
- How do I get a quote for deck staining vs painting in Tweed Heads?
- Call 0400 000 000 or send the online quote form. We book a free on-site walkthrough in Tweed Heads, then send a fixed written quote — surfaces, products, coats and timeline — usually within 24–48 hours.