Painting a deck and pergola in Lambton, near John Hunter Hospital
This deck and pergola in Lambton, about 700 m from John Hunter Hospital, was one of my jobs in September 2025.
Here is what it looked like, and what decks around the hospital usually need.
The job
A raised timber deck with a few steps down to the lawn, and a pergola over the top. The deck boards were finished in a red-brown and the pergola, posts and handrails in white, so the frame stands out against the gum trees behind it.
It's the kind of backyard you see a lot on the slopes between Lambton and New Lambton Heights: big trees, a bit of shade, and timber that has to cope with both.
Why decks under trees need more prep
Shade and leaf litter keep timber damp, and damp timber grows mould and lets paint peel. On a deck like this, the boards are washed, any mould is treated, and the timber is left to dry properly before anything goes on.
Grey, weathered boards are sanded back to sound timber first. Posts and rails get the same treatment, because that's where water sits and the paint lets go first.
- Decks and steps
- Pergolas and posts
- Handrails and balustrades
- Eaves and fascias
- Exterior walls
- Fences
Painting around the hospital
I paint homes all through this area: New Lambton Heights up on the ridge by Blackbutt Reserve, Lambton and New Lambton down the hill, and Rankin Park. If you work shifts at the hospital, tell me the hours you need to sleep and the noisy work goes around them.
From my place in Edgeworth it's about 15 minutes, down Lake Road and up McCaffrey Drive.
Down the hill in Lambton and New Lambton the homes are older, and paint from before the 1970s can contain lead, so I check for it at the quote. See healthdirect's guide to lead exposure.
How much does a deck cost to paint?
It depends on the size of the deck, the state of the timber, and whether the pergola and rails are included. Weathered or mouldy timber takes longer to prep, and that is listed in the quote.
Every quote is written and lists each surface. See also deck painting in Newcastle.
Who does the painting
Me, Jye Hughes. I hold NSW painter-decorator licence 476719C, which you can check on the NSW Fair Trading licence check. I quote the job and I paint it, and you deal with the same person from start to finish.
What Customers Say on Google
"Jye painted my house, and I couldn't be happier with the result. He was professional, on time, and very respectful throughout the entire process. The quality of his work was outstanding, and he made sure everything was cleaned up afterwards. ..."
"Jye has been amazing to work with! Nothing has been a problem and has been straight up with best options when fixing / upgrading parts of an older house. ..."
Questions about decks near John Hunter Hospital
Can you paint a deck that has gone grey?
Yes. The grey timber is sanded back to sound wood first, so the new coating soaks in and lasts.
Should a deck be stained or painted?
Stain shows the timber grain and is easier to recoat. Paint covers more and suits older, patchy boards. I'll tell you which suits your deck at the quote.
Can you work around my shifts?
Yes. Send me your roster and the job is booked around the hours you need to sleep.
Do you paint in Rankin Park and Kotara?
Yes. Both are a few minutes from the hospital.
Is the quote free?
Yes. The site visit and the written quote are free.
Where is Hughesys Painting?
Hughesys Painting is based at Edgeworth, about 11.1 km by road from John Hunter Hospital.
More Hughesys Painting pages
Painters New Lambton
Interior and exterior painting across New Lambton.
Painters Lambton
Older homes, rentals and exteriors in Lambton.
Deck painting in Newcastle
Decks and pergolas washed, treated and coated.
Areas Hughesys paints
Every suburb and landmark Hughesys covers from Edgeworth.
Need a painter near John Hunter Hospital?
Tell us what you need painted and get a clear written quote before any work starts.