What deck and fence painting involves
Deck and fence work starts with cleaning off dirt, mould and old flaking coatings, then drying, light sanding and repairs to loose boards or fixings. The painter then applies a penetrating oil, a stain or an opaque paint. Oils and stains soak into the timber, while paint forms a film on top.
The finish you choose changes future maintenance. An oil or stain wears gradually and can be recoated after a clean. Paint can last longer but tends to peel when it fails, which means more scraping next time.
What deck and fence painting costs in Hobart
As of September 2026, a published Hobart painting cost guide puts deck staining at $450 to $1,800 and fence painting or staining at $450 to $2,250 per job, GST included. Size, the condition of the timber and how much old coating has to come off decide where a job sits in those ranges.
The guide also gives a middle figure for each job:
| Job | Hobart range | Guide's middle figure |
|---|---|---|
Deck staining | $450 to $1,800 | $990 |
Fence painting or staining | $450 to $2,250 | $1,075 |
How long deck and fence painting takes
A full deck staining job usually takes one to five days, according to a national deck staining cost guide (updated December 2023), depending on size, condition and weather. That guide also recommends letting a washed deck dry for two days before staining, so dry weather matters as much as labour.
Hobart-specific considerations
Outdoor timber work in Hobart is shaped by rain days, drying time and the age of many fences. Summer gives the most reliable drying weather. Older painted fences may carry lead paint and some older sheet fences may contain asbestos. Heritage rules can also apply to fences on registered properties.
Weather. Bureau of Meteorology averages for Hobart (Ellerslie Road) show the fewest days with 1 mm or more of rain from January to March (5.6, 4.9 and 6.1 days) and the most in October (9.4). Summer also has the longest sunshine, averaging 7.3 to 8.0 hours a day from December to February.
Lead on old fences. The Lead Alert guide says lead paint was used on fences and railings, and that galvanised iron fences made from recycled roof iron often had their overlapping laps painted with red lead. Do not dry sand or burn off old fence paint.
Asbestos fencing. The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency says homes built before 1990 can contain asbestos outside as well as inside, and that high pressure water must never be used on asbestos materials. Have old fibre-cement fence sheeting tested before cleaning.
Heritage fences. For places on the Tasmanian Heritage Register, the Heritage Council's Works Guidelines (October 2025) list repainting non-historic fences, where it does not affect significant fabric, as minor works that still need approval.
Preparing for a deck or fence painter
The more access the painter has, the quicker the job. Clear pot plants, furniture and barbecues off the deck. Trim shrubs and creepers back from fences. If a shared fence is being done, talk to your neighbour first and agree on the colour of the side that faces them.
Questions to ask a painter
A clear scope avoids arguments about what "done" means. Ask each painter how they will clean the timber and deal with damaged boards. Ask which product they will apply and how many coats. Then ask what happens to the schedule if rain arrives halfway through the job.
- How will you clean the timber, and what will you use?
- Which oil, stain or paint do you recommend for this timber, and why?
- How will you deal with old paint that may contain lead?
- Are you licensed and insured? (Check any licence on the CBOS register.)
- Does the quote include both sides of the fence?
Deck and fence FAQs
Is it better to stain or paint a deck?
It depends on the look and upkeep you want. Stains and oils soak in and wear gradually, so recoating is simpler. Paint gives a solid colour and can last longer, but when it fails it peels and needs more preparation. Ask the painter which suits your timber and how the deck is used.
How often does a deck need restaining in Hobart?
There is no fixed interval. It depends on the product, how much sun and rain the deck gets and how much foot traffic it carries. When water stops beading on the surface or the colour has worn through in walkways, it is time to recoat. Ask the painter for the product's recommended cycle.
Can a painter do my fence and deck on the same visit?
Often, yes, and combining the jobs can reduce setup time. Tell us about both when you request a quote so the painter can plan them together. Weather still decides the schedule, because both jobs need dry timber and dry days to coat and cure properly.
Is old fence paint dangerous?
It can be. Lead Alert says lead paint was used on fences and railings, and red lead was often used on the laps of old galvanised iron fences. Lead is a hazard when disturbed by sanding, scraping or burning. Ask the painter how they will test for it and contain dust and chips.
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