Wanaka·
Cedar Oil Refresh in Northlake, Wānaka
Maintenance oil refresh on a cedar-clad home in Northlake, Wānaka.
View project →
Timber Specialists
Cedar Maintenance & Restoration
Expert cedar care for Wanaka, Queenstown & Central Otago
5-Star Rated|15+ Years Experience|Free Quotes
What our cedar clients say
Trusted by Wānaka cedar homeowners
“Bradley and his partner were excellent to work with. So obliging and did such a fantastic job. So easy to recommend and I will be using for any further work I need done. They did exterior staining on my property.”
CC
Craig Chirnside
Wanaka · Google Review
“Thanks to Brad for doing such an amazing job on our Wānaka house - the newly stained cedar looks beautiful and the whole house has had a lift. It was very easy to work with Brad as out-of-town home owners. Highly recommended!”
SG
Sarah Gunn
Wanaka · Google Review
Wanaka's Cedar Maintenance Specialists
Cedar is one of the most beautiful cladding materials in the Southern Lakes — but Central Otago's intense UV, temperature extremes, and low humidity can age it rapidly without proper care.
I'm Bradley Hamilton, and I've been staining and restoring cedar across Wanaka, Queenstown, Arrowtown and Cromwell for over 15 years. I've learned exactly which products perform in our conditions, how to prepare timber for lasting results, and the maintenance schedules that keep cedar looking great decade after decade.
Whether your cedar needs a maintenance re-stain or a full restoration from grey weathered boards back to warm honey tones, I can help. I use only premium penetrating oil stains with high-grade UV protection — the kind of products that actually last in our harsh alpine environment.
Local to a specific area?
We do a lot of work in Northlake, where cedar takes a real beating from the open hilltop UV — see our dedicated Northlake cedar maintenance page for project examples and area-specific advice.
Our Recent Projects
See the difference for yourself
Drag the slider to compare before and after on real cedar jobs across Wānaka and Central Otago.
Wanaka·
Cedar Maintenance in Northlake, Wānaka
Cedar restoration on a Northlake home in Wānaka, where a failing film-based stain had to be sanded back to bare timber before a breathable penetrating stain was applied.
View project →Our Process
How We Stain Cedar
A methodical approach developed over 15+ years in Central Otago
1
Assess
Moisture readings, condition assessment, and weather window planning. We identify what your cedar needs.
2
Prepare
Wash with timber-safe cleaners, allow to dry, sand back grey weathering if needed, and remove all dust.
3
Stain
Apply premium penetrating oil stain. Two coats minimum, three on high-exposure faces. Work with the shade.
4
Protect
Final inspection and touch-ups. We'll advise on maintenance timing to keep your cedar looking great.
Products We Trust
After testing dozens of products in Central Otago's harsh conditions, these are our go-to cedar stains:
Dryden Colourtone+ Oil Stain
Premium ChoiceOur top recommendation for most cedar jobs. Excellent UV blockers, deep penetration, and a beautiful natural finish. Lasts 3-4 years on moderate exposures.
Resene Woodsman
Great ValueA solid waterborne option with good colour range and easy cleanup. Excellent for budget-conscious projects. Recoat every 2-3 years.
Cabot's Australian Timber Oil
Maximum DurabilityWhen you need extra toughness for high-wear areas. Proven performance in harsh conditions.
Cedar Maintenance FAQs
How often should cedar weatherboards be re-stained in Wanaka?
In Wanaka's intense alpine climate, we recommend re-staining cedar every 2-3 years for north and west-facing walls, and every 3-4 years for sheltered south-facing areas. Regular maintenance prevents costly full restorations.
What's the best stain for cedar in Central Otago?
We recommend Dryden Colourtone+ for premium jobs - it has excellent UV blockers essential for our high-altitude sun. Resene Woodsman is a great mid-range option. We always use penetrating oil stains rather than film-forming products for cedar.
Can you restore grey, weathered cedar?
Yes, we specialise in restoring weathered cedar. We sand back the grey oxidised layer to reveal fresh timber, then apply multiple coats of quality stain. Most grey cedar can be brought back to its original beauty.
How much does cedar staining cost in Wanaka?
For a maintenance re-stain on well-maintained cedar, expect $15-25 per square metre. Full restoration of weathered cedar (including sanding) ranges from $35-50 per square metre. We provide free quotes with exact pricing for your property.
What preparation is needed before staining cedar?
Proper preparation is crucial. We wash the timber to remove dirt and mould, allow it to dry completely (below 18% moisture), sand if needed to remove grey weathering, and ensure the surface is dust-free before applying stain.
Cedar Maintenance Across Central Otago
We provide cedar maintenance and timber restoration services throughout the region:
WanakaQueenstownArrowtownCromwellAlbert TownLake HaweaLuggateHawea Flat
Contact Us for a Complimentary Consultation
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Telephone
+64 22 106 0336
Available Monday-Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm
info@lakesidepainting.co.nz
We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours
Service Area
Wanaka and surrounding areas
Why Discerning Homeowners Choose Us
- 15+ years professional experience
- Fully insured with a workmanship guarantee
- 15+ years in the industry
- Perfect 5-star rating on Google
- Known for exceptional quality and attention to detail
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