10 tips on choosing the right deck colour
- Stephen
- Apr 27, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 29, 2024
Are you thinking of staining your deck? It's a great way to freshen up your exterior and give your home a polished look! Choosing the right colour can be stressful, so here are 10 tips to help you make the right choice!
1. Consider the surrounding environment
Take inspiration from the natural elements around your deck. Look at the colours of your landscaping, trees, flowers, and nearby structures to find a complementary deck colour.
2. Create visual harmony
Aim for visual harmony between your deck colour and the exterior of your home. Choose a colour that complements the overall architecture and blends well with the facade.
3. Sunlight and heat
Darker colours tend to absorb more heat from the sun, potentially making the deck surface hotter. Consider lighter shades to minimise heat absorption if your deck is exposed to direct sunlight.
4. Balance with furniture and decor
Think about the furniture and decor you plan to use on your deck. The colour should harmonise with these elements to create a cohesive and inviting outdoor space.
5. Complement your house colour palette
If your home has a predominant colour scheme, choose a deck colour that complements it rather than clashes with it.
6. Trends and maintenance: think long-term
Trends come and go, but your deck colour will last several years. Opt for a classic and timeless colour that will stay in style quickly.
Lighter-coloured decks may show stains and dirt less than darker ones. When selecting a colour, consider the level of maintenance you're willing to undertake.
7. Consider the size of your deck
Darker colours can make a small deck feel even more compact, while lighter colours can create an illusion of more space. Choose a colour that enhances the size of your deck.
8. Main factors
Your choice is influenced by two main factors: the colour of the wood and how it combines with the colour of the stain/oil.
Remember, a pine deck will never have the same look as a Vitex timber (pale yellowish to creamy-grey along with some dark chocolate brown boards) or a Kwila heartwood (yellow-brown to dark red-brown).
9. Make samples and test them in a natural light
Testing your choice before starting your project is essential. Don't rely entirely on brochures and installation samples; they only indicate. Combinations can vary depending on the wood type and its condition. Apply a small amount to an offcut or in an inconspicuous area, and test your samples in natural sunlight and against other elements to see how they appear at different times of the day.
Colours can look quite different in various lighting conditions.
10. Trust your instinct
Before making a final decision, you can seek opinions from family, friends, or even professionals to gain different perspectives on your options. But remember that the colour is your choice—there is no right or wrong!
Following these tips, you can select a deck colour that complements your outdoor space and suits your lifestyle and preferences. Remember that everything has colour - your wood, outdoor furniture, plants, and home's exterior. Look closely at these colours to ensure that your chosen stain colour harmonises with them.
Choosing the right deck colour is like painting a canvas of emotions. Embrace the process, and remember that every colour holds a story waiting to be told.
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If you are looking for deck maintenance or restoration services like deck oiling, you don’t have to look further than deckrefresh. If you want to learn about one of our other services, like deck cleaning, sanding, staining or painting, we can help with that too. We bring you the expertise of our decking professionals and a range of services to help you take care of your decking.
If you are interested in deck oiling in Auckland, call us at 0212222172 or fill out our online contact form.