Mechanical stripping of wooden decks and wood flooring
Decks, varangues (verandas), stairs, wood flooring: we remove the grey layer and old finishes down to sound timber, then protect it for the west coast climate.
What we strip
Mechanical stripping means removing the damaged layer of the wood by sanding and brushing: greyed fibres, old flaking wood stains, marks, moss. We get back to sound timber before applying new protection.
- Decks and terraces in tropical hardwood (ipe, cumaru, padauk…) or pressure-treated pine;
- Verandas and Creole house floors;
- Pool surrounds, jetties, stairs and walkways;
- Exterior cladding, shutters, doors and woodwork;
- Indoor solid and engineered wood flooring.
Why timber ages so quickly on the west coast
On the leeward coast, the sun beats down all year round. UV degrades the wood surface, which turns grey and rough; sea spray, pool chlorine and sand do the rest. Left as it is, timber splits, holds water during heavy rain and eventually deteriorates deep down. Stripping at the right time avoids having to replace boards.
Our method, step by step
- Assessment: wood species, condition of boards and fixings, old finishes, exposure. We flag any board needing replacement and any suspicious signs (rot, insects).
- Protecting the surroundings: walls, windows, plants and furniture.
- Cleaning: high-pressure or steam depending on condition, to remove dirt and moss.
- Mechanical stripping: sanding in several grits, from coarse to fine, following the grain; edges and stair risers reworked.
- Dust removal and moisture check of the wood before finishing.
- Finish: deck oil or oil for outdoors (they penetrate and do not flake), tinted or clear depending on the look you want.
- Maintenance advice suited to your exposure.
Parquet floor sanding and renovation
Indoors, we sand old or damaged parquet floors, replace or re-glue defective boards, fill the gaps, then apply floor varnish (high-traffic rooms), oil (natural look, can be repaired locally) or wax. Sanding a parquet floor in a Creole house or older home means adapting the grit to the remaining wood thickness: we check it before we start.
Stripping, steam or high-pressure cleaning?
| Technique | Best for | Billing |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical stripping | Heavily greyed timber, old finishes, wood flooring | m² or hourly |
| Steam cleaning | Ingrained dirt, pressure-sensitive surfaces | m² or hourly |
| High-pressure cleaning | Paving, outdoor areas, preparation before stripping | m² or hourly |
| Laser stripping | Fine woodwork, mouldings, lambrequins, metal | m² or hourly |
Find out more: our guide to renovating a wooden deck in Réunion Island.
FAQ
Stripping or simple cleaning: how to choose?
If the wood has only greyed on the surface, high-pressure or steam cleaning followed by a finish may be enough. If there are old flaking wood stains, deep stains or raised fibres, mechanical stripping is needed to get back to sound timber.
Can my tropical hardwood regain its colour?
In the vast majority of cases, yes: greying only affects the surface. Once stripped, the wood regains its natural tone, and the finish (pigmented or clear deck oil) then stabilises it. A split or rotten board, however, needs replacing: we will point this out during the assessment.
How long does deck stripping take?
It depends on the area, the condition and the chosen finish. For a family home deck, allow a few days in general, including drying time. The schedule is set out in the quote.
How often should a deck be maintained on the west coast?
On the very sunny coastline, a maintenance coat of deck oil is often needed every year or two depending on exposure. Regular gentle cleaning significantly extends the life of the finish.
Do you also do interior wood flooring?
Yes: sanding, repair of damaged boards, then floor varnish, oil or wax depending on how the room is used and the look you want.