Decking Oil
Some of the most common questions that we are asked relate to decking oil, decking stain and deck maintenance, which include:
- How to clean a deck
- How to oil a deck
- How to stain a deck
- How to maintain a deck
Deck Cleaning – How to Clean a Deck
Your new timber deck is now complete and looks great. What should you do now?
Step 1 – Wait 4-6 weeks, so that your decking can naturally release the timber’s natural oils and tannins.
Step 2 – Since our weather on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane can be hot and dry, hosing down the decking, every few days, will help to release the tannins.
Step 3 – Give your decking a deck clean. We recommend and use Cabots Deck Clean. Mix Cabots Deck Clean with water at a ratio of 1 part Cabots Deck Clean and 4 parts water.
Step 4 – Scrub your deck clean with a stiff bristled brush or broom.
Step 5 – Wait 20 minutes, whilst the deck clean sits on your deck and then wash off with high pressure water.
Step 6 – Allow your deck to dry fully and then it’s ready for a decking oil to be applied.
Decking Oil – How to Oil a Deck
Once you have cleaned your timber deck, it is ready for a decking oil to be applied. A decking oil is a good idea as it nourishes and gives timber protection to your decking Gold Coast and decking Brisbane.
Gold Coast decks and Brisbane decks generally need to be oiled every 6 to 12 months.
Step 1 – Clean Decking – See how to clean a deck (above)
Step 2 – Apply a decking oil. Purchase a decking oil for your deck from a hardware store. We use and recommend either Cabots Decking oil or Feast Watson Decking Oil or Ultradeck (Intergrain).
Step 3 – Stir either the Cabots Decking oil or Feast Watson Decking Oil or Ultradeck (Intergrain) thoroughly, prior to applying.
Step 4 – Apply the decking oil with the Cabots decking applicator. Apply along the entire length of the deckboards, and do 2 or 3 boards at a time.
Step 5 – Once the deck has completely dried. Apply a second coat of decking oil.
A covered deck will not generally require as regular oiling as a sun deck.
Decking Stain – How to Stain a Deck
A decking oil is used on timber decks as it nourishes the timber deck and gives it protection against the harsh sun.
A decking oil can be natural (ie clear) or it can have a stain included in it.
A decking stain is simply a colour added that once applied to your timber deck will add colour to your deck.
As a result, to give your deck some colour, you can simply apply a decking oil with a stain in the decking oil. We use and recommend Cabots Deck & Exterior Stain (oil based).
Deck Maintenance – How to Maintain a Deck
Gold Coast decks and Brisbane decks generally need to be oiled every 6 to 12 months. This protects your timber deck from the drying out from the sun and wind.
Deck maintenance should be done every 6 to 12 months, and consists of:
- Deck cleaning – see how to clean a deck
- Decking oil – see how to oil a deck
Enjoy your outdoor entertainment area and regularly perform the above deck maintenance.