The Brief

When Alex moved into her new home in Massey, Auckland, she was excited about the potential of her good-sized backyard. But there was just one problem: it was completely neglected. The fences were mouldy, the retaining walls were unfinished, and the grass was patchy at best. It was a sad, tired space that did nothing to highlight the beautiful views of the native bush along one boundary.

Alex wanted a backyard that was vibrant and inviting, somewhere she could entertain friends with a Saturday night BBQ or just relax with a quiet cuppa after a busy workday. As a busy working mum, she didn’t have time for constant upkeep but knew there was no such thing as a no-maintenance garden. She was after something practical, stylish, and as low-maintenance as possible.

That’s when she called on Grant from The ProGroup. They talked through her ideas, discussed her lifestyle needs, and came up with a creative plan to bring this tired backyard to life.

Project Details

• Project Name: Magical Backyard Makeover – Massey
• Location: Massey, Auckland
• Project Type: Deck and Fence Restoration, Landscaping, and Artificial
• Grass Installation
• Residential Property
• Service Used: Deck&FencePro, GrassPro
• Date Completed: June 2016

The ProGroup Solution

This backyard had loads of potential; it just needed a bit of vision and a lot of elbow grease. We wanted to keep things simple and practical while bringing out the natural beauty of the space. Here’s how we made it happen:

Deck Restoration:

This deck looked more grey than brown; years of sun exposure had left the timber dry and lifeless, covered in a layer of dead lignin that made it look old and tired. We completed a full deck restoration, starting with a thorough high-pressure wash using eco-friendly cleaning chemicals to strip away the dead lignin and reveal the beautiful timber underneath. The deck was then repaired, with loose nails hammered down and a few weathered boards replaced to make everything safe and sturdy.

Fence Makeover:

The fences surrounding the yard were structurally sound but covered in mould and looking rather rough. After a thorough, high-pressure clean, it was ready for a fresh coat of paint. Instead of staining, we opted for a dark charcoal paint that gave the fences a solid, contemporary look while also providing long-lasting protection. The paint finish did an awesome job of covering imperfections while providing protection against future mould growth and sun damage.

Landscaping and Garden Design:

To make the most of the beautiful views of the native bush, we completed the unfinished retaining walls and added bark gardens filled with shrubs and grasses. For the slightly muddy and unsightly bottom area of grass, Alex and Grant came up with a brilliant plan to turn a wasted space into an inspired oasis. They added a pond with a rustic macrocarpa bridge, a natural waterfall feature, and goldfish.

Artificial Grass Installation:

Alex wanted to sort out the utility area, which was often a muddy mess, especially in winter. She wanted to keep the decent-sized washing line but was tired of traipsing through the mud to hang out or bring in the washing.

We suggested hard-wearing residential artificial grass as a practical, low-maintenance solution. The grass was laid over a prepared base to ensure good drainage and a perfectly level finish. Not only did this create a clean, mud-free area, but it also provided a lovely spot for a new spa pool, turning a previously dull and messy utility area into a fun, functional space the whole family could enjoy.

Choose The ProGroup for Your Backyard Makeover

If you’ve got a high-maintenance garden that’s been neglected, a landscaping makeover with a touch of artificial grass could be the solution. Calm, idyllic havens are more achievable than you may think – bring a bit of magic into your outdoor living areas with GrassPro and Deck&FencePro.

Explore our other recent projects to view more of our work, and fill out the form below to request your free quote today.

The Brief

This homeowner in Rolleston, Canterbury, was looking forward to summer BBQs and lazy afternoons on their deck, but there was just one problem: the deck was looking tired and dry. Made from Kwila hardwood, the deck had turned grey and unattractive thanks to the harsh Canterbury sun. It had lost all its rich, vibrant colour, making the rest of the house look dull too.

They didn’t want to replace the deck; they just wanted to bring it back to life. So, they contacted The ProGroup to discuss how our deck restoration services could help their Canterbury home.

Project Details

• Project Name: Kwila Deck Restoration – Rolleston
• Location: Rolleston, Canterbury
• Project Type: Deck Restoration and Staining
• Residential Property
• Service Used: Deck&FencePro
• Date Completed: October 2022

The ProGroup Solution

We knew this Kwila hardwood deck had great potential – it just needed a bit of elbow grease to bring it back to life. Here’s how our deck restoration service helped:

Deep Cleaning:

We started by giving the deck a high-pressure wash using eco-friendly cleaning chemicals to remove dirt and grime. This cleaning revealed the fresh timber underneath, setting the stage for staining.

Oil-Based Staining:

With the deck cleaned up, we applied two coats of Deck&FencePro linseed oil stain. This oil-based stain penetrates deep into the timber, nourishing it from within and protecting it from UV rays and moisture.

We brushed the stain on board by board, maintaining a wet edge for a streak-free finish. After the stain dried, we did a final check and cleaned up the area, leaving the deck spotless and ready for summer.

Choose ProGroup for Your Deck Restoration

If your deck is looking tired, dry, or just plain worn out, we can bring it back to life. Our deck restoration services are designed to clean, restore, and protect your timber.

Explore our other recent projects to view more of our work, and fill out the form below to request your free quote today.

The Brief

This homeowner in Albany, North Shore, loved spending time outdoors but was sick of looking at their dull, grey deck. It used to be the go-to spot for BBQs and lazy Sunday afternoons, but constant sun exposure had sucked all the life out of it. The timber was faded, dry, and patchy, making the whole backyard look tired and worn out.

They didn’t want to rip the deck out and start over; they just wanted to bring it back to life, showing off the natural beauty of the timber while protecting it from the harsh Kiwi sun. They were after something that looked great but wouldn’t need a ton of upkeep. That’s when they gave us a call to see how our deck restaining could help revitalise their Albany home.

Project Details

• Project Name: Weathered Pine Deck Restaining – Albany
• Location: Albany, North Shore
• Project Type: Deck Restaining and Staining
• Residential Property
• Service Used: Deck&FencePro
• Date Completed: November 2019

The ProGroup Solution

This deck had good bones thanks to its timber-construction. It just needed a bit of TLC to bring it back to its former glory. Here’s how we got it done:

Deep Cleaning and Preparation:

We started off by deep-cleaning the deck and washing off all the dirt, mould, and dead wood fibres. This wasn’t just a quick spray and wipe. We used a powerful cleaning solution to break down the dead lignin (that’s the dry, grey stuff on the surface) so that the high-pressure wash could strip it away, revealing the fresh, vibrant timber underneath.

Once the deck was clean and dry, we checked for any damage. Luckily, this one was in pretty good nick; there were just a few loose boards and nails that needed securing. We made sure everything was solid and ready for the next step.

Oil-Based Staining:

With the deck all cleaned up, it was time to bring the colour back. We used our own Deck&FencePro branded linseed oil stain, specially made to soak deep into the timber, protecting it from UV damage and moisture while bringing out the natural beauty of the wood.

We applied two coats of rich, natural stain, brushing it on carefully to avoid any streaks or patchiness. The key to a great finish is keeping a wet edge as you go. Otherwise, you will end up with dark lines where the stain overlaps. We worked board by board, end to end, to make sure the colour was even and looked as natural as possible.

Finishing Touches and Clean-Up:

We did the staining over two days to allow each coat to dry properly, ensuring a smooth, durable finish that would stand up to the weather without fading or peeling. Once the stain was fully cured, we gave the deck a final once-over to make sure everything was spot-on. No streaks, no drips, no missed spots, just a rich, even colour that brought the timber back to life.

Choose ProGroup for Your Deck Restaining

If your deck’s looking like it needs a bit of love, we’ve got you covered. Our deck restaining services can bring your timber back to life.

Explore our other recent projects to view more of our work, and fill out the form below to request your free quote today.

The Brief

This homeowner in Devonport was sick of looking at their tired, outdated fence. It was faded, patchy, and far too ‘90s. The reddish-brown colour made the whole backyard look drab and dreary. The fence was structurally sound but seriously needed a facelift to bring it back to life.

They wanted a fresh, modern look that would complement their garden and outdoor space while also providing long-lasting protection against the elements. That’s when they called us in to give this fence the restoration it desperately needed.

Project Details

• Project Name: Fresh Fence Restoration – Devonport
• Location: Devonport, Auckland
• Project Type: Fence Cleaning and Painting
• Residential Property
• Service Used: Deck&FencePro
• Date Completed: September 2017

The ProGroup Solution

This fence had good bones but needed a serious refresh. Our plan was to clean it up and give it a fresh new look. Here’s how we did it:

High-Pressure Cleaning:

Before any paint could go on, we needed to get rid of the dirt, mould, and grime that had built up over the years. We used a high-pressure cleaning system combined with eco-friendly cleaning chemicals that were tough on dirt but gentle on the environment.

The high-pressure wash stripped away years of dirt and mildew, revealing the bare timber underneath. This clean gave us a solid surface for the new paint to bond to, ensuring it would last longer and look better.

Fence Painting:

With a fresh, clean surface, it was time to get rid of that dated reddish-brown once and for all. We opted for dark charcoal fence paint, a popular choice for many homes thanks to its contemporary look and contrast against plants and flowers.

We chose to paint the fence rather than stain the fence for a few reasons. Paint provides a more solid, even finish that covers up imperfections and old paint residue. It also offers longer-lasting protection against sun damage and mould growth.

Finishing Touches and Clean-Up:

After the painting was done, we made sure every edge was clean and precise, with no drips or uneven patches. We also gave the surrounding area a thorough clean-up, including a water blast for the concrete pathways, leaving the backyard spotless and ready to enjoy.

Choose ProGroup for Your Fence Restoration

If your fence is looking tired, outdated, or just plain ugly, we can help bring it back to life. Explore our other recent projects to view more of our work, and fill out the form below to request your free quote today.

The Brief

This homeowner in Christchurch Central had high hopes for their deck when they first stained it. They wanted that rich, natural timber look that you see in magazines. But the DIY attempt didn’t quite go to plan. Instead of a smooth, even finish, they were left with a patchy, streaky mess. To make matters worse, it started failing within a few months, leaving the deck looking worse than before.

Frustrated and disappointed, they needed a solution that would fix the problem without the hassle of ripping out the deck and starting from scratch. They wanted a finish that looked great and would stand up to Christchurch’s harsh weather. That’s when they called us in to sort out the mess and get the stained deck looking as good as new.

Project Details

• Project Name: Failed Deck Stain Fix – Christchurch Central
• Location: Christchurch Central, Christchurch
• Project Type: Deck Restoration and Staining
• Residential Property
• Service Used: Deck&FencePro
• Date Completed: March 2016

The ProGroup Solution

We’ve seen this a lot. DIY deck staining can be tricky. Without the right prep, product, and technique, the stain just doesn’t penetrate properly. Here’s how we fixed a deck stain gone wrong:

Stripping the Old Stain

We started by removing the old, patchy stain using a high-pressure cleaning system with eco-friendly stripping chemicals. This cleared away the previous stain, built-up dirt, and grey dead wood fibres, leaving a clean surface ready for staining. We were careful not to use too much pressure, avoiding any damage to the timber.

Fixing DIY Mistakes:

The homeowner’s DIY attempt had left the timber rough and “fluffed up” in places from using too much water pressure. We sanded these spots smoothly and secured any loose boards to make sure the deck was solid and safe.

Oil-Based Staining:

Once the deck was prepped and dried, we applied two coats of our Deck&FencePro linseed oil stain, specially formulated to penetrate timber and protect it from UV damage and moisture. This oil-based stain soaks deep into the wood, enhancing its natural colour while providing long-lasting protection from the elements.

After the deck stain was fully cured, we did a final check to make sure everything looked perfect: no streaks, no drips – just a beautifully even finish. We also cleaned up the area, leaving the deck spotless and ready to enjoy.

Choose ProGroup for Your Deck Restoration

If your deck’s looking more weathered than warm and welcoming, we’ve got you covered. Our deck restoration services can bring your timber back to life.

Explore our other recent projects to view more of our work, and fill out the form below to request your free quote today.