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Timber decking is a beautiful addition to any outdoor area, providing both beauty and practicality and a place to relax when the weather is nice. However, keeping your decking in top condition requires a certain amount of maintenance, like oiling. Regular oiling is a key part of keeping your decking looking its best, so when it comes to piling your decking, it needs to be done correctly and at the right time for the best protection and long-lasting results.
If you’re looking for a whistle-stop tour on oiling your deck, you’re in the right place. At Savoy Timber, our motto is DIY made easy, so we’ve pulled together everything you need to know to get a good basic understanding of how to oil your decking.
Decking oil is an oil-based finish used to protect and enhance wooden decking. It sinks deep into the wood fibres to provide protection against weathering and to enrich the wood’s natural shade and grain without changing the colour.
Decking oil offers more than just aesthetic benefits for your decking. This protection not only extends the lifespan of the timber but also strengthens it against common problems you’d typically face over time with a wood deck, like cracking, warping, and rot. Oiling your deck also makes general maintenance, like keeping your deck clean and free from stains, more manageable, too!
The ideal time to oil your timber decking is during dry and mild weather, usually in spring and early summer. In the UK, weather can be unpredictable, but typically, from May to around June, lower humidity levels provide the perfect conditions for absorption and drying. Dry and mild weather allows the oil to penetrate the wood effectively, creating a protective barrier without the risk of rain washing it away or any excessive moisture hindering the process.
You want to steer well clear of oiling your decking during heat waves or when it’s freezing or pouring it down outside. High temperatures can cause the oil to dry too quickly, leading to uneven application and potentially reducing its effectiveness (not to mention it looks a mess when it dries patchy). On the flip side of that, super cold weather can prolong drying times, delaying your ability to use the deck and increasing the risk of the oil not fully penetrating the wood fibres. Really, the latest you want to be oiling your deck is early autumn, weather permitting, of course.
Start by thoroughly cleaning the decking surface to remove dirt, debris, and any previous coatings. Use a stiff bristles broom to brush everything off the surface, then you can use the hose pipe to rid the deck of any dirt. Make sure you allow the decking to dry down completely before you start with the oil, you don’t want to trap any moisture.
When choosing a decking oil, make sure to select one that suits the type of wood your deck is made from and gives off your desired finish. When it comes to types of oil, you have a few options; you could choose a clear oil that enhances the natural wood tones of your decking or a tinted oil that provides additional UV protection and colour enhancement. If you need clarification on which oil is going to be best suited, reach out to the company or business from which you purchased your decking or speak to someone at the hardware store, and they’ll be able to point you in the right direction.
If you need some info on how to get started oiling your timber decking, we’ve got you covered. Our handy post provides all the advice you require when it comes to oiling your decking, so you can achieve a finish that you love! And if you need some oil and are looking for a recommendation, we love the fantastic Liberdecking Oil here at Savoy Timber.
This oil is perfect for feeding, protecting and enhancing the natural beauty of your wood decking, as well as for reviving and restoring colour to old decking. It’s available to buy here on our website or at any of our four DIY stores in Preston, Blackpool, Bradford or Wigan. Got questions? Give our team a call on 0345 0268 799, and we’ll be happy to help!
