Why your timber deck turned grey, and how to fix it
Silver-grey timber is UV damage on the surface, not rot. It sands off.
Why it happens
Sunlight breaks down lignin, the natural glue in the top layer of wood. Rain then washes those loose fibres out, leaving a grey, fuzzy surface. In Singapore this can happen within 3–6 months of the last oiling on an exposed balcony.
Grey timber also absorbs water faster, which leads to mould, small cracks and splinters if left for years.
How we fix it
- Clean off mould and dirt
- Sand back to fresh timber (usually 0.5–1 mm)
- Two coats of penetrating UV oil in your chosen tone
- Re-oil every 6–12 months to stop it greying again
Get it quoted
Send us photos of the affected area on WhatsApp and we will reply with a quote. More on our timber deck restoration service.
Questions about this problem
Is a grey deck rotten?
Usually not. Press a screwdriver into a grey board: if it does not sink in, the timber underneath is sound.
Can I use a deck brightener instead of sanding?
Brighteners lift light greying, but they do not remove the damaged fibre layer. Results fade quickly on badly weathered decks.
Other deck problems
Not sure if your deck needs a repair or a full replacement?
Send us photos on WhatsApp. We will tell you honestly whether a sand-and-oil, a few new boards, or a full re-lay makes sense, and send you a quote.