What You Need to Know About Oiling Your Timber Decking
A timber deck is a significant investment that every homeowner should strive to preserve. The process of maintaining the deck should begin even before the installation process as the timber is being prepared. Oiling your timber decking before and after installation can dramatically improve its appearance and protect the wood from weathering and decay. Read on to find out more about oiling your timber decking, its benefits, and the ideal types of oil that should be used.
Why you should pre-oil timber decking
Some timber manufacturers pre-oil their timber before delivering it on site for deck installation. Pre-oiled timber can last longer and maintain its beautiful appearance for a longer period as compared to timber that hasn't been pre-oiled. When timber is pre-oiled, it will be adequately covered in the front, back, and on the groove. This protects the wood from cupping, buckling, and distortion which occurs due to the intake of moisture.
When ordering timber for your deck, ensure that it is pre-oiled before being delivered on site. Oiling on site can be challenging, especially if there isn't adequate space to spread out the timber and allow access to all the surfaces and corners.
Post-installation oiling
It is not enough to oil the timber before installation. Regular oiling, at least once a year, can help maintain the appearance of the timber decking and increase its resilience to weather elements. In this case, you can only oil the accessible surfaces, which are usually the front and sides. Make sure that you purchase the ideal decking oil from the store. There are two common types of decking oil, and these are water based and non-water based oils.
- Water based oils penetrate the wood pores and cover the deck with an acrylic film. They offer protection against water damage, UV radiation, and other elements. They do not alter the natural color, but they give it a glossy finish.
- Non-water based oils offer the same protection as do water based oils. However, they can alter the color of the wood to give it a darker shade. Also, they tend to take a longer time to dry as compared to water based oils.
How to oil the deck
Before oiling, ensure that you remove all the furniture, plants, and any decorative fixtures so that you can be able to access all the areas easily. Also, clean the floor to get rid of any dirt and debris that may prevent the oil from adhering properly to the surface. Use a decking brush to apply the oil and use long continuous strokes, making sure that you coat the surface evenly and adequately.
Oiling your timber deck before and after installation is paramount in determining its appearance and durability. If you have any questions or concerns about the process, ensure that you consult a professional contractor from a company like Hayter's Timber & Paving for assistance.