A deck is a beautiful addition to your home. It can be a great place to enjoy the summer and give you a nice outdoor place to entertain. If your deck is made out of timber, then it will need regular maintenance to ensure that it lasts. This will often involve oiling it to ensure that the timber is sealed.

Why you should oil your deck

Timber naturally consists of microscopic cells which, if not treated properly, will fill up with dust or other small debris. Most decks are exposed to the elements and are constantly under the strain of harsh sunlight, rain, temperature and pests. Left untreated, your deck can quickly fade, swell, lift or even rot. 

Decking timber gets pressure treated during manufacturing but this usually isn’t enough on its own. The timber can still be susceptible to stains and grey colouring.

Decking oil is applied to your deck to seal the wood and act as a final layer of protection for your deck. They’re designed to fill, or cap, the holes found in the timber. It helps keep moisture out of the wood, protect it from the harsh sunlight and prevent fading or other warping. Decking oils are also great for restoring a deck to its original colour or transforming the timber into a new colour.

The difference between decking stain vs. decking oil

It's good to note that there is a difference between decking stain and decking oil. Both are absorbed by the wood but they have a crucial difference. In the simplest terms, decking stain is used to colour the timber but not seal it. Decking oil, on the other hand, is specially formulated to penetrate and seal the wood and provide a beautiful finish to your timber.

The formula of decking oil is designed with a dual function:

1. It replaces the natural resins and oils present within the timber, resins and oils usually lost over time. This protects the wood as decking oil does not crack when the timber contracts or expands through different weather conditions.
2. The oil also binds with the timber fibres which, when dry, provide a stronger structure than the individual wood fibres. 

These properties make decking oil a great choice for strengthening your deck and protecting it from the elements. They also provide more protection than other finishes like varnish or polyurethane. 

Application of the decking oil

Applying decking oil is a lengthy process and needs to be done properly. If you’ve already bought some deck oil it can be a good idea to get in contact with a deck professional for application. 

Hiring a professional ensures that the job gets done right and saves you time and energy. They can apply your deck oil efficiently and they’ll take care of the whole process. 

Generally, a deck professional will be able to:

Prep the surface – your deck professional will start by thoroughly prepping your deck to get it ready for the oil. This will include cleaning the surface, sanding back any previous oil or varnish and any maintenance work needed. They can prevent damage to the timber which can occur during this process.

Applying the first coat – on the first day, they will apply the first coat of oil to your deck. Ensuring that there are no bubbles or that oil doesn’t collect in any grooves. It can seem like a simple process but using a professional can ensure that you don’t get unsightly crystals forming.

Applying the second coat – the second coat of oil can only be applied after the first coat has dried. In ideal conditions, the first coat can take an hour to dry.

Depending on your schedule, your professional may be able to apply the second coat of oil on the same day. The second coat will always take longer, often around 4 hours or more. These times were based on a 50 sqm deck and will change depending on the size of your deck.

Why is a second coat of decking oil recommended?

In general, it's always best to get your Deck specialist to apply a second coat. It ensures that your deck is optimally protected as any small areas which might have been missed should be covered with the second coat. The crystallized double coats will also ensure a much stronger and more resistant deck. If tinted decking oil was applied, the second coat will further enhance the look by bringing out the colour.

The cost of deck oil

After visiting your property, your deck builder will base their quote for deck oiling costs on several factors, including:

• The size of your deck
• If sanding is required
• How many coats of oil are used
• If repairs or new fixings are needed

For deck oiling you can expect to pay in the region of:

• $600 – $700 for a small deck, under 15 square meters 
• $750 – $1,100 for a medium deck, under 30 square meters 
• $1,300 – $3,000 for a large deck, 35 square meters plus 

How often should I get my deck oiled?

It’s recommended that you get your deck oiled every 12 months to ensure long life and protection. If your deck is in a harsh climate or more exposed, then it can be a good idea to oil it more regularly. 

A simple test to check if your deck needs to be re-oiled is called the thirsty deck test. If the water soaks into your deck rather than beading on its surface, then your deck needs to be oiled. 

What else can a decking professional do?

Another reason that it’s a good idea to hire a decking professional to apply your decking oil is that they can fix any problems with your deck. These include:

• Warping
• Splintering
• Cracked boards
• Rot 
• Mould
• Mildew

They can also do maintenance on your deck while they are there to prevent any of these issues from arising. 

Hiring a deck professional

When it comes time to hiring a decking professional, take time to make sure they are right for your job. Some questions to ask them include:

• Are you insured?
• How long will my job take?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• Do you have references I can follow up on?
• Can I see examples of your work?
• What warranty do your products carry?