A Simplified Guide To Restoring Kwila Decking From Its 4 Biggest Threats

5 Common Issues With Kwila And How To Restore Them

Discover how to restore Kwila from its four biggest threats using Dryden.

How to prevent Kwila from cupping, warping, splitting and raised fibres with Dryden:

Regulating your Kwila deck’s moisture absorption and release rate is the key to avoiding or minimising damage from raised fibres, warping, cupping and splitting.

Dryden OilStain is one of the best defences against this type of damage because it deeply penetrates the timber and delivers exceptional water resistance and moisture management.

How to restore Kwila from cupping, warping and splitting:

If your Kwila deck shows signs of cupping, splitting, warping or raised fibres, you’ll need to repair the damage and ensure it doesn’t happen again.

• Prep with LiquidTimberClean: To do this, first, find out what the existing finish is and reapply it after giving it a good clean with LiquidTimberClean.
• Sand (if needed): In some cases, Liquid TimberClean won’t be enough and you would need to sand the timber to about 150 or 180 grit for better results.

This is especially true when dealing with raised fibres. The sanding process would be relatively easy with a reed side-down deck. However, decks with the reed side up might require more effort due to the intricate grooves.

• Recoat: After finishing prep work, apply Dryden OilStain for a clear finish, or combine our OilStain with Dryden Colourtone+ for a stained finish.

Does Kwila warp easily?

Even though Kwila is denser and more durable than other decking species like Radiata pine, warping can still happen due to exposure to the elements, lack of maintenance and absence of a timber protector like Dryden OilStain.

How to restore Kwila from silvering with Dryden:

There’s no natural way to reverse silvering, but you can give your Kwila deck a fresh coat of OilStain combined with Colourtone+, a pigmented tint that adds colour and an extra layer of UV protection.

Colourtone+ comes in over 37 colours, so you can find a shade similar to Kwila’s original colour.

• Prep: Give your deck a deep clean with Dryden LiquidTimberClean and gently wash off using a garden hose.
• Recoat: Dry and recoat with two coats of OilStain and Colourtone+ combined.

How long does Kwila take to silver?

Six to 12 months is the standard time before a Kwila deck can show signs of silvering. However, depending on the deck’s exposure to various weather elements, this can be accelerated or delayed.

For instance, decks in coastal areas with high humidity and strong sun exposure may silver faster. Meanwhile, in milder climates, this process could be slower.

Recap of Restoring Kwila Decking

• Kwila is a premium decking material known for its high density and durability.
• Without proper maintenance and high-quality decking oil to protect it, your Kwila deck will eventually show signs of:
  • Cupping, warping, splitting and raised fibres
  • Weathering
  • Silvering
  • Growth of mould and lichen
• These issues are caused by weather exposure, moisture retention and general wear and tear over time.
• Dryden LiquidTimberClean is a specialised timber cleaning product to prepare decks for restoration.
• Dryden OilStain is a deeply penetrating decking oil that helps restore Kwila decks with its water-resistant properties.
• Dryden Colourtone+ is added to OilStain to add colour and UV protection.

This ultimate guide to Kwila deck maintenance has more detailed, step-by-step instructions on applying our products. Visit your local Dryden reseller and get started on your Kwila deck restoration project.