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Reviewer Photos & Videos
Love this product.
I bought an ex display home that had not had the deck touched in over four years. I know what type of product this particular building company uses as they use it on all of their display homes. It comes in the manual of the house. For obvious reasons i won’t be naming the builder or product. I got a quote from a professional to sand and stain our deck and it came in at $7,000. Out of my budget so I purchased a small hand sander and spent a couple of weekends sanding. It was very tedious and hard to remove the previous product which was oil base...Read more
d and more like a lacquer than an oil. Our deck is made up of two types of wood. Pine ( cheaply done for display homes) and one part is hardwood ( a seating area feature they thought the new owners would want to keep) . After months of research asking people we knew in the building game we got every answer imaginable. I was totally confused. I certainly didn’t want to ever have to sand again. So after much deliberation I went to Bunnings and purchased Aqua Deck. It was the best decision ever. We have been living here six years now. I do the deck annually with aqua deck in merbau. We replaced some rotten boards and they initially looked more orange when first stained. Several years on they have darkened and my deck looks just as good as the day I first did it. I don’t understand the tackiness people speak of. Mine is always runny. Yes it does dribble down the sides but that just means you’ve put to much on your applicator. It applies very easily with a brush and touch dry with in the hour. It does say you can walk on it but I leave it the full seven days to cure. I have walked on it in the past earlier than seven days and it appears to go dull a lot quicker. Personally I love aqua deck. My rule of thumb is when water stops beading on my decking boards I know it’s time for another coat. It’s also easy to clean up being water based. Like anything preparation is essential and proper use of the product will give you amazing results.
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LisaMelb
- 7 reviews
Like applying PVA glue, wrecked new deck
Like trying to apply sticky glue, this did dribbles down the side of each plank. Hand brushed each side to coat it. Started to deteriorate within two months, wood is dry and largely grey. Absolutely perfect off, what a crapulous product.
Bunnings encouraged me to try it. Farcical.
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- Verified purchase
Would not recommend it
Had new spotted gum decking that we needed to stain. Went to Bunnings and this was recommended as it was meant to be great around pools and had a natural finish. I agree with other reviews on here - it’s orange. Also the sticky feeling like it hasn’t cured or set. It’s day 6 now and still has that feeling to it when walking on it. It does repel the water but completely ruined our beautiful spotted gum decking. hoping that it fades out and I will strip it back and go with a different brand, maybe feast and Watson as I have heard good things about them.
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orange and ruined!!
I can’t believe I didn’t read any reviews but trusted my deck sanding professional to give a ‘natural’ finish! After 3 days of sanding my very large outdoor deck I came home to a nightmare. 30 litres of Cabot’s natural aquadeck and l look out onto a sea of orange ‘fake tan’ as others have described. My beautiful jarrah deck looks terrible. How I am I going to resurrect this!!!
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Still tacky after 5 days drying
I had to replace all my existing pine decking timber, so chose a product called Southern Pine 90mm decking - great product and dry when delivered. I applied 1 coat Aquadeck Merbau to all surfaces before installation.Colour looked good and dried and set virtually within a couple of hours. After installing decking I then applied 2 coats more within 1.5 hours of each coat (1 hr recommended between coats), in 23 degrees sunny day. Deck is mostly covered from elements - had some light rain after 2 days and now 5 days later deck is still tacky to wa...Read more
lk on with joggers, or if you leave a towel, the fluff sticks to the deck. I know it says 7 days to full cure, but to me this is not looking promising - after 3 cans and about $240, I expected much better performance from such a well known product. I am confident I applied the coats correctly (with lambswool pad) and all in accordance with your instructions. I am very disappointed with this product and only wish I had read some of these responses before purchasing as I certainly would have chosen another brand/system. Here's hoping after another week or so my deck might be dry and I can replace furniture etc. Any response or advice would be well received. Any inspection would be welcome.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
MatthewTamworth
- 2 reviews
- 3 likes
Love it.
Sanded back the unknown flaking product the builder used on solid merbau posts which failed inside 12 months of house handover. After sanding i applied 3 coats of aquadeck and they came up fantastic. That was 2 years ago. Now i simply apply a single coat around anzac day each year to maintain it and no signs of flaking, discoloration or failure to date. It would probably last longer between maintenance coats but i never want to go through that sanding process ever again and the posts are heavily exposed to sun the elements. Easy to clean up with water and apply with a large fence brush. Posts still look brand new after 4 years. Couldn't be happier.
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ClarriMelbourne
- 2 reviews
- 6 likes
Happy with results
I used Aquadeck in March this year on a relatively small deck. The deck had been nelected and was therefore well weathered. I cleaned with a deck cleaning product according to product instructions. Once dried, I sanded back lightling and ensured all dust was swept off. I applied two coats of Auqadeck. Some areas were still a bit tacky after drying, but i may have appiled too heavily in those areas. I believe i had perfect weather conditions: not too hot and not too cold and I spent time on preparing the timber. This is the first time I have ...Read more
EVER attempted deck restoration. I am happy with the product and the results so far. My question is: how do I maintain my deck with this product as I would like to use it again. My deck is totally exposed to the weather (Melbourne) Thanks!Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Not HappyThagoona
Poor product don't buy it
Have been using this product for a number of years it was great, BUT now it didn't last, it is patchy in big spots and the deck has a white appearance that makes it looks awful. This product is not lasting as long as it was. When I rang them I was told it was the weather even though it was coated about 6 months ago we do it annually and has been in the weather for the last 10 years and never had a problem with it. The prep was done with the right cleaner from Cabots so everything was done how it was to be. Not Happy At All !!!!!!!
1 comment
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John MKingsgrove
Didn't last 12 months now has a milky appearance
Not Happy Jan !
First time trying a water based product - never again.
Our Treated Pine Deck has an louvre pergola roof so weather exposure is not extreme.
After 12 months the colour has gone milky,
Bought the Cabots cleaning solution, no improvement.
Very disappointing after using various Cabots high quality products over the years.
#AquadeckFAIL
1 comment
Stuart M.Cabot's
Hi John,
12 months is certainly less life than we expect from Aquadeck. We’d love it if you could get in touch with us to help you get to the bottom of what has happened. Please call us on 1800 011 00... Read more
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markh0464
- 3 reviews
Timber has black stains
Used Merbeu on timber table applied several coats looked great for 9 months. Then after heavy rain all black stains through timber looks terrible. Also applied several coats to new treated pine stairs Nov 17 same thing rained ended up with black stains and tinge through timber again looks terrible. How do I fix??
1 comment
Stuart M.Cabot's
Hi Mark,
There’s a few possible causes of black stains coming through a finish. A common explanation with merbau, is that it is the tannin in the timber bleeding to the surface. Merbau is very rich i... Read more
n dark tannins which will come to the surface as moisture travels through the timber. The way to avoid this is to either remove the tannins prior to coating (through using Cabot’s New Timber Prep, or even by leaving the timber in the weather for a few weeks); or alternatively to entirely seal the timber so that moisture can’t get in. In this case it is critically important to keep the coating maintained. If the coating deteriorates over time and moisture gets into the timber, it will leach the tannin to the surface resulting in black stains appearing.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Tassie carpenterHobart
I'll never buy Cabot's anything again.
Horrible stuff don't touch it. Looks terrible and you can't get it off. Cabot's should wake up and remove this rubbish from the market. Ruined a beautiful hardwood deck after being advised it goes on like oil and lasts longer. The natural finish looks like a cheap vinyl stick on. I'll have to sand it all off and start again. I'm so disappointed and angry.
2 comments
Stuart M.Cabot's
Hi Tassie Carpenter,
We’re sorry to hear that you don’t like the finish of Aquadeck. To help you choose a finish next time, many decking oils and stains are available in 250ml sample pots. We recomm... Read more
end testing the finish on an off-cut or similar piece of timber prior to coating the whole deck.Funny to see a response on this public forum, where as my attempts to get a response directly fell on deaf ears.
No thanks cabots I shall be sticking with Feast Watson's product's from now on whom we'... Read more
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Gajdm04AU
- 12 reviews
Easy product to apply
Despite plenty of bad, disgruntled reviews here, this is the 2nd time I have used this product on my Merbau deck. I gotta wonder if some/most of the bad reviewers here closely read the instructions on the tin. My experience has been good.
This was a re-coat after nearly 2 years with the same product. Like anything wth painting - good, patient preparation is the key. Use the Cabot’s deck cleaner, then I take it one-step further and use the pressure cleaner with the floor attachment and give the timber a thorough blast.
One instruction I will d...Read more
1 comment
Will K.Cabot's
Hi Gajdm04,
Thanks for your review. We're glad to read Aquadeck is performing for you! Preparation is key, and we wish you and your deck all the best for the coming Summer.
... Read more
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NickSYDNEY
- 4 reviews
- 2 likes
POOR durability in exposed areas
Ive used it 3 times now and frankly it has poor durability in exposed areas. Rain and sun = 6 months or less. In covered areas it stayed on for about 10 - 11 months. Im researching other brands now. I would not recommend it in exposed areas. Buyer beware
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Use oil no this crap
100 square meter hard wood deck, product is patchy and failed
Deck was aged, scrubbed and dried for a week, product applied in shade 2 coats ...2 days apart
I a man very disappointed with product and now have to strip back .will be chasing rep and getting stripper at no charge
1 comment
Bonnie J.Cabot's
Hi Richard,
Thank-you for your review. Sorry to read you are unhappy with Aquadeck. We are going to need some more information regarding your deck so we can help you get your project back on track. W... Read more
e will need to know things like the timber type and how long Aquadeck has been on the decking for before failing.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Brendan ZSydney, NSW
- Verified purchase
Very good product and easy to use
I read many of the reviews here and was slightly concerned about using the Cabot's system but in the end the Bunnings assistant convinced me that it was a sound product so I bit the bullet and gave it a go.
I bought 10L of the Aquadeck, the lambswool applicator pad, the yellow deck bucket and 4L of the deck wash. Was very pleased how great the deck looked after using the deck wash. The areas that were badly affected by the sun had gone brown and came up looking like new after some hard scrubbing. I let the deck dry overnight to make sure it ...Read more
was dry. I then gave 2 coats of the Aquadeck leaving about an hour and a half between coats. I cut in the corners with a brush and then used the lambswool applicator pad to finish the job. The brush part took longer and was the hardest because of the size of my deck. The Aquadeck was very easy to apply. Id recommend this product to anyone.1 comment
Garth M.Cabot's
Hi Brendan,
Thanks for your review. We're glad to read you're happy with Aquadeck. Preparation is the key and we hope your deck rewards you with many sunny days shared by friends and family. Call us i... Read more
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Find out how Cabot's Aquadeck compares to other Paints & Varnishes
Know better, choose better.
Terrible product!!!
Very unhappy!! Stain does NOT penetrate the wooden deck. I spent $900.00 on staining my deck that goes around half the house only 11 months ago. Just went to wash and scrub deck to get mud off it as im hosting a 50th in 2 weeks and the stain has lifted!!!! It is now patchy and looks dreadful!! Total waste of nearly $1,000.00 I was told a few days ago by a builder it is a bad product and best to strip my deck back!!!
1 comment
Garth M.Cabot's
Hi there,
It sounds like Aquadeck hasn't adhered to your decking.
... Read more
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easy to apply, lasted for 6 months
Used this product on an old deck which is semi protected from the elements. Sanded it back to fresh timber and applied 2 coats 24 hours apart. Finished deck still looks great 6 months later...no problems at all with this product. My advice would be to sand all existing products from the surface before applying.
1 comment
Garth M.Cabot's
Hi Handiman,
Thanks for your review.
For any further feedback or advice please call us on 1800 011 006.... Read more
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Lennymelbourne
- 2 reviews
- 4 likes
Poor life span in open positions
Disappointed in life span under exposed and wet conditions. Using 140mm wide merbau which sometimes cups and holds water, I find the surface breaks down and get black staining .I have sanded back on two occasions and coated and lasts about two rain days. Cabot's should tell you that the product will not withstand rain sitting on it .
2 comments
Will K.Cabot's
Hi Lenny,
Could you please call us on 1800 011 006. We'd like to ask you a few more questions and see if we can help you with your issue.
Cabot's
Sorry Cabots, but I already gave you the chance to help and was told that your product will not withstand constant water sitting on it .You should acknowledge the shortfalls of your product in open e... Read more
xposed conditions . Under cover your product functions reasonably but seems to lose it surface durability.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Aqua Deck Merbu. Great product
Applied Aquadeck Merbu on my brand new deck (weathered for 7 weeks) last week.
Easy to apply, colour came up great and not sticky. The deck absorbed the oil well after a couple of hours even though it's winter!
I cleaned the deck about 8 times prior with napisan to weather it faster as the deck is undercover
I can only imagine the complaints are from people who have not weathered or sanded back old timber
1 comment
Will K.Cabot's
Hi Snitz,
Thanks for sharing your positive experience with Aquadeck.
... Read more
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Cedar shutters like new....
I can only speak for the use of Cabot's Aquadeck on my interior Cedar shutters, although it was time consuming to oil the shutters in-situ ( yes I did try a couple taken down) I found the finish great. I was advised to apply the oil with a rag but quickly realized that method was def not going to work for me so I used a brush. Beware to wipe any excess around the outside edge of the blades as I have a couple that still stick because I overlooked this possibility, thankfully they are the lower blades that I don't open anyway. Must say though having read the reviews re the deck I am not willing to risk using this on my Pool deck.
1 comment
Will K.Cabot's
Hi Gael,
Thanks for your review.
We back Aquadeck 100%, and we're glad you've had a good experience with your shutters. We're sad to read you don't think you'd use it on your deck after having such a ... Read more
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Questions & Answers
Pauletta Wasked
Can you aquadeck directly over sikkens cetol product without sanding back?
2 answers
Hi Pauletta. Thanks for asking I’m not the right person to answer here - I’m not a surfaces expert. If the Sikkens is oil base then you might need to sand. I found the Cabots deck prep solution to work as it promised but I’ve only used cabots over cabots. Sorry not to be more helpful.
Leah P.Cabot's
Hi Pauletta,
Thanks so much for your question. Unfortunately the Aquadeck is not suited to go over a Sikkens coating.
There is a coating system that is available in the Intergrain range, I recommend giving 1800 630 285 a call to discuss this further - as it is quite detailed.
Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 7:30am to 7:00pm, Saturday 8:30am to 3:00pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm AEST.
Thanks - Team Cabot's
Alan-Susan D.asked
Hi, Bit of a long story. Two years ago I purchased 10L of Aquadeck Kwila. Used it on my old veranda and I was satisfied with the results. The remainder was then stored in an outside shed. I noticed it got very hot in the shed during summer so I moved the paint to a cooler location after a few months. I also have a cabin with a new pine deck and decided to stain it during lock down. I used the balance of the old stain on the first coat. I would describe the colour of the stain in the Pail as dark chocolate. I bought a new 10L pail and found that the colour was what I would describe as translucent milk chocolate. I applied two more coats and find that the first coat is clearly visible and hence appears blotchy. I would like a fix to my problem. I don't consider your product is to blame, but I need help with a blotchy deck!
1 answer
Leah P.Cabot's
Hello there,
Thank you so much for reaching out to us! The best way to get all of the information you will need is to give our Technical Team. We will need to ask you a few extra questions so we can determine the best possible solution for you.
If you're timber project is based in Australia please call us on 1800 011 006, or New Zealand on 0800 22 687.
Cheers - Team Cabot's
Gavinasked
I used aqua deck on a pine deck the finish was great 14 days later I had some pavers layed and the dust from cutting them seams to have stuck on the finish what is the best way to clean it without damaging the finish I have used water and a broom this got a lot off but there is still more to get off
1 answer
Leah P.Cabot's
Hi Gavin,
Glad to hear that you're happy with the finish of the Aquadeck!
To help clean the timber to remove any stubborn dust/dirt - take a look at the Cabot's Deck Wash;
https://cabots.com.au/product/cabots-deck-wash
This cleaner is diluted into water and scrubbed on to the surface of the timber. The Deck Wash is a non abrasive cleaner designed to go hand in hand with our coatings to keep them looking clean and fresh in between coats.
If you have any other questions, please give us a call on 1800 011 006. Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 7:30am to 7:00pm, Saturday 8:30am to 3:00pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm AEST.
Cheers - Team Cabot's
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James F.Cabot's
Hi, there could be a few causes of the inconsistent finish on your deck. The white appearance can be caused by rain occurring within 24 hours after the product (Aquadeck) has been applied. This will e... Read more
ventually fade. If you'd like to discuss solutions with our team further, please call us on 1800 011 006. The Cabot’s Team.