Decking Oil

Decking Oil and Decking Stain

Regular treatment is an important part of maintaining an attractive and durable wooden deck. Our range of decking oils and decking stains provides options for protecting, maintaining and enhancing exterior timber, whether you are treating a new deck or looking after an established one.

Decking oils are designed to penetrate into the timber, helping to condition the wood while enhancing its natural grain and appearance. They are available in both clear and coloured finishes, allowing you to maintain a more natural appearance or change and refresh the colour of your decking.

Choosing the Right Decking Oil

The best decking treatment depends on the type and condition of your timber, the appearance you want to achieve and the level of protection required. Our range includes products from established manufacturers such as Osmo, Liberon and Polyvine, giving you a choice of finishes and applications.

Clear and natural decking oils can enhance the appearance of the existing timber, while tinted decking oils and decking stains can add colour as well as helping to protect the wood. Always check that the product you choose is suitable for your particular type of decking and follow the manufacturer’s application instructions.

Preparing Your Decking

Good preparation is essential before applying decking oil or stain. Weathered, dirty or previously treated decking may need to be thoroughly cleaned before a new finish is applied.

Our range includes decking cleaners and wood cleaning products designed to help prepare exterior timber. Removing dirt, algae, previous surface treatments and other contamination can help produce a more even finish.

If your decking has previously been treated, check the manufacturers instructions before applying a different product. Some finishes may need to be removed or sufficiently weathered before a new oil can penetrate the timber effectively.

Applying Decking Oil

For the best results, apply decking oil to clean, dry timber in suitable weather conditions. A decking brush is particularly useful because it allows the oil to be worked into the surface of the timber more effectively than many conventional paint application methods.

Apply thin, even coats and avoid allowing excess oil to remain on the surface. Drying times vary between products and weather conditions, so always follow the instructions supplied with the particular decking oil or stain.

Before treating the whole deck, it is recommended that you test the colour on a small, inconspicuous area. This is especially important when using a tinted decking oil or stain, as the final appearance will depend on the timber and its existing condition.

Decking Oil for Different Types of Timber

Different species of wood absorb oil at different rates. Naturally oily hardwoods such as Iroko may require additional preparation and weathering before an exterior wood oil can penetrate effectively.

Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your particular timber before treatment. If you are unsure, testing a small area first can help you assess both the absorption and the final colour.

Decking Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning can help keep decking looking its best between treatments. Our range includes specialist decking cleaners, wood cleaners and cleaning brushes for removing dirt and weathering from exterior timber.

Once the timber has been cleaned and allowed to dry thoroughly, a suitable decking oil or stain can be applied to refresh the appearance and provide ongoing protection.

Decking Oil, Stain and Application Products

As well as decking oils and stains, our range includes products to help with preparation and application, including:

• Clear and natural decking oils
• Tinted decking oils and decking stains
• Anti-slip decking oil
• Decking and exterior wood cleaners
• Wood reviving products
• Decking brushes and cleaning brushes
• End grain sealing products

Whether you are treating a new wooden deck, refreshing weathered timber or maintaining an existing finish, choosing the appropriate preparation and application products can help you achieve a more consistent result.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the individual product you are using. Drying times, coverage, preparation requirements and the number of coats required can vary between decking oils and stains.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Decking Oil used for?

Decking oil is a type of wood finish specifically designed for outdoor decking or other exterior wood surfaces. It is a protective coating that helps enhance the appearance of the wood while providing protection against the elements. Decking oil typically contains a blend of natural oils, along with additives that provide UV resistance and water resistance. These oils penetrate the wood to nourish and this helps to prevent the wood from drying out, cracking or splitting. The oil also helps to prevent the growth of mould, mildew and algae on the surface. Decking oil can enhance the natural colour and grain of the wood but we also offer a selection of different Decking Stain tinted shades. Decking oil is a popular choice for preserving outdoor wooden surfaces as it offers protection, durability and aesthetic enhancement to wood.

What is the best decking oil or decking stain?

In our opinion decking oil is best as the oil will penetrate the timber better than most stains. If you want to stain your decking then Osmo decking oil offers a natural or many different tinted variations all with the same properties to protect your wood decking. This means you can have superb protection along with a colour of your choice. As we have a tinting machine in house, this enables us to be able to send any colour of your choice. 

How long does decking oil take to dry?

This will depend on the brand but most decking oils will be touch dry in 12 hours and fully dry in 24 hours in warm dry conditions. 

Can you apply decking oil with a roller?

It is not recommended to apply decking oil with a roller as this will not push the oil into the fibres of the wood. It is far better to use a decking brush and Osmo offers a full application kit here. This includes the large decking oil brush made from natural hair bristle, perfect for applying your oil. It also contains a small brush for edges and corners of your wood, along with a tray and disposable inserts, making your decking treatment easy and clean. 

Will decking oil get lighter when dry?

Yes most oiled wood will lighten as it dries. All wood applications look slightly darker when first applied but if you are unsure on the colour, test in a small inconspicuous area first. Wait until this is dry so you can see the true colour and if you are happy, proceed to teat the rest of your wood decking. 

What oil is best to use on Iroko decking?

Iroko is a naturally oily wood so will require a period of weathering for around 12 weeks before treatment. The weathering helps Iroko wood to become more absorbent, so this will allow your oil to penetrate better and offer better protection. Once the weathering period is complete then you can clean the dried wood with methylated spirits. Lightly wipe over the wood surface with the methylated spirit and a lint free cloth. Allow to fully dry and then you can apply two thin coats of decking oil with a Decking Brush. One of the most popular products to use on Iroko decking is Osmo decking oil as it is a quality wood oil that offers superb protection.