Best Oil For Decking: Which To Choose?

Decking oil is used to finish the decking and preserve the wooden surfaces and restores the natural wood oils that have been lost in older decking.

Over time, decking has become an incredibly popular garden feature with more and more people installing a garden deck each year.

Decking, whether it is old or new, should be regularly oiled meaning that it will be painted with decking oil to offer up extra protection for the wooden panels. This can prevent the decking from rotting, splitting and buckling.

Why Should You Oil Your Decking?

Aside from the abovementioned benefits of oiling your decking, there are many other reasons why you should ensure that you take this extra step. This is not to be confused with decking stain, which is another form of treatment that can sometimes be confused with decking oil.

1. Traction

Decking oil creates good traction on the decking meaning that it increases the grip and friction on the wood, making it less slippery, especially during the rain and makes it much easier to walk on. It penetrates deeply into the wood and forms a thick seal on the decking surface.

2. Waterproof

Waterproofing the decking is essential. Being outside, your decking is going to meet some harsh weather conditions and water damage can be a big problem if you haven't protected your wood. The deep penetration into the wood stops the water from seeping into the decking and causing rot.

The elements in the decking oil repel the water and when it falls on the panels it splashed off and doesn't affect the wood.

3. Ultraviolet damage is prevented

If your decking is exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays for long periods of time, it can damage the wooden surface and cause defects in the wood like cracking, cupping and the board and buckle. This will eventually make the decking unstable and can be incredibly dangerous. Oiling your decking provides a protective layer that prevents the ultraviolet rays from reaching the wood.

Whilst this doesn't offer a lifetime guarantee of protection, it slows the process down and regular maintenance can be very effective.

4. Mould and Algae protection

Wooden decking has pores, which are filled with oil when you treat it. This means that it prevents mould build-up and algae from entering these pores. This can cause damage to the inside of the wood and cause rot and decay. 

5. Easy application

Since oiling your decking should be a part of its regular maintenance, it is handy that it is an easy process and the application is very simple.

Best Decking Oils Brands: Which Should You Choose?

There are plenty of decking oils out there, but knowing which one is going to be the best for the price can be a difficult task, especially if this is your first time with decking oil. Below, we have made a list of some of the best decking oil brands and the individual products that we recommend within their range.

RONSEAL

Ronseal has stated that its mission is the show the world that anybody can do DIY. They claim that they are able to tell you exactly what you need in order to get the job done as painlessly and as quickly as possible. You can see this through the performance of their products, where you are less likely to have to repeat the job so soon.

Their products vary and take into account garden woodcare, ensuring that the products they sell perform exactly how they say they will. Below, we have explored some popular products for this brand.

Ultimate Protection Decking Oil - Our Top Pick!

Their ultimate protection decking oil keeps your decking looking impressive. It protects it against the weather and nourishes deep into the wood and prevents it from drying out. This formula even adds a layer of protection from scuffs and knocks.

They claim that it will last twice as long as standard decking oil. It also does the following:

• Protects the decking from greying and splitting
• Keeps the look of the decking natural
• Rainproof within 90 minutes

The RONSEAL website allows you to be able to calculate how much oil you are going to need. You simply measure the height and width, including the measurement and calculate how many litres you will need.

This type of oil can be used on hardwood decking and softwood decking with both ridged and softwood. There are six colours available, but will just affect the shade of your wood. The following colours are:

• Dark Oak
• Natural
• Natural Pine
• Teak
• Natural Cedar
• Natural Oak

They advise that two coats of paint provide the best finish and it should be applied with a brush or application pad.

You can find the product here: Ultimate Protection Decking Oil

Decking Protector

Whilst this is not necessarily oil, this decking protector is wax enriched meaning that it is waterproof and great for protecting your decking from water damage. You will find that your decking if left unprotected will swell and split when water is absorbed.

In addition to water prevention, this product will also protect your decking from damage caused by the sun, meaning your decking will look better for longer and stops the greying process.

This product can be used for soft and hardwood decking on both ridged and smooth wood and two colours are available, as shown below:

• Natural Oak
• Natural

Due to the formula, the wax enriched element gives your decking a sleek matt finish. 2 coats and recommended and the application should be done with a pad or a brush.

You can find the product here: Decking Protector

Cuprinol

Cuprinol is a company that produces products based on the belief that the garden is an extension of your home. They believe that it has the power to improve your well-being, reduce your levels of stress and empower your productivity levels.

They are determined to be number one in sustainable solutions relating to providing a leading market where the customers are working more sustainably but keeping the same quality as before. They engage in constant research to develop new solutions.

Below, we have explored some popular decking oil products for this brand.

UV Guard Decking Oil

This type of decking oil is used to penetrate the wood and replace the natural oils and resins that have been lost through weathering. The tinted formula helps to revitalise the colour of the natural wood.

This oil will protect the decking from harsh weather conditions and give it a sleek tinted finish. The application should be done with a brush and two coats are recommended. Leave six hours for it to dry.

Before application, ensure that the wood is clean and there is no debris or dirt that will impact the oil. This oil is available in four different colours, as followed:

• Natural
• Natural Cedar
• Natural Pine
• Natural Oak

It is worth noting that regular cleaning should be a part of its maintenance alongside the treatment. In addition, you should re-apply a fresh coat as and when needed.

You can find the product here: UV Guard Decking Oil

OSMO

Founded in 1878, OSMO was originally created with the intention of dealing with wood and building materials, however, developed into the foundation it is today. They have in-depth knowledge of wood products and finishes with our 100 years' worth of experience behind them.

Through its history of dealing with wood, it has developed the understanding of how wood can best be protected and processed, and the long term management of wood protection. Their products include natural ingredients based upon purified and refined natural resources harvested from natural oils and waxes.

Below, we have explored some popular decking oil products for this brand.

Decking Oil

This type of decking oil is designed to meet the demands of wooden decking and keep the natural character of the wooden design. It is a safe product to use and once dry it is safe for humans, animals and plants.

The formula is breathable and helps to reduce waterlogging and the swelling of the wood. It penetrates the wood to prevent cracking, peeling and flaking, producing a sleek finish. When another coat is required, you will not need to sand off the previous coat.

With over 10 different colours to choose from, you can bring a vibrant wooden finish to your decking. It is recommended that this type of oil be used on the following woods:

• Oak
• Beech
• Ash
• Alder
• Birch

They have also noted that if your wood type is not on the list that a patch test is conducted before commencing with oiling. 

You can find the product here: Decking Oil

Sadolin

Sadolin is renowned for its high-quality standards of wood protection. They state that they have advanced technology that is underpinned by over 200 years of history that provides the best care and treatment products for the interior and the exterior or garden wood.

Below, we have explored some popular products for this brand.

Sadolin Decking Oil

This type of decking oil will replace the oils that have been lost through weathering and enhance the natural beauty of your wooden deck. The deeply penetrating oil seeps into the wood and replaces the decking's nautral oils. 

In their formula, they incorporate Ultra Violet technology that contains Ultra Violet absorbers that offer superior levels of protection against the sun's rays and the damage that it consequently causes.

It provides your decking against weather conditions and water repellency. In addition, you will find that it makes your decking resistant to mould and algal growth.

You can find the product here: Sadolin Decking Oil

Barrettine

Barrettine products have been created with the intention to serve customers in the DIY market, decorating centres, builders merchants, garden centres, agricultural distributors, and shed and fence manufacturers.

They are family owned and have a reputation for creating quality products and maintaining those standards as they continue to develop new products. They are experts in woodcare and have some great decking oils. 

Below, we have explored some popular products for this brand.

Decking Oil All-in-One Treatment

This decking oil is a specifically formulated treatment that is intended for pressure-treated as preserved timber giving them great protection. This can be used on deck boards, deck tiles and balustrades.

It contains Ultra Violet fade-resistant pigments that stop it from flaking and it repels water to stop the wood from absorbing water and swelling. The formula contains a surface biocide preserver that protects it against mould.

When the oil is dry, it is safe against insects and plants when it dries. You can find 6 different colours which are as followed:

• Amber Light Oak
• Natural Oak
• Dark Oak
• Cedar Red
• Clear
• Rosewood

You can find the product here: Decking Oil All-in-One Treatment

How to Oil Your Decking

Since decking requires regular oil maintenance, you are going to find yourself doing this process more than once over the course of having your decking. Knowing how to do it beforehand is going to make the process much easier.

Firstly, you are going to want to ensure that you have picked what decking oil you are going to use and prepare your decking. This can be done by cleaning and brushing off loose debris and dirt that may have positioned itself in the grooves of the decking.

You can buy a decking cleaner separately that can assist this process. We recommend that you use a stiff garden brush for this job.

Next, you are going to want to take your brush and simply start applying it to the decking working in sections to create an even layer. Following the instructions of the tin and if a second coat is required, wait the required time and then apply a second layer.

Allow the oil to dry as instructed and if you are able to prevent getting the decking wet during this time. Since weather conditions are unpredictable, we suggest that you start this in the morning and aim to get it fully oiled within one day.