What a good question this is! Over the years I have used Decking stain on my now 19 year old, 40 square metre deck. This year (2021) my deck has looked really old and in need of attention. This is due to several reasons which include two really hard winters and the fact that I failed to treat the deck last year (2020) due to lack of products caused by the Pandemic. After reading several posts and watching several YouTube channels I decided to opt for the Decking Oil.
Just to let you know I am not being sponsored for any of the products below. These are the products and ranges I personally use.
After exploring the reviews of each of the products, I chose Screwfix's No Nonsense Decking Oil (this is a range I use frequently as it is great value for money and does exactly what it says on the tin....sorry for using Ronseal's phrase!). £24.99 for 5 litres (sometimes they have this on offer)
The reason for opting for this was that the Deck Oil was that it was quoted as it helps replenish the natural oils of the wood as well as better penetration to allow for greater protection. There are other benefits to using oil which include good coverage and longer protection. The reviews of this product were really good.
Here is a link to a really good Blog describing both Oil and Stain Decking Oil or Stain, Which is Best? - Wood Finishes Direct (wood-finishes-direct.com)
Here is my deck nearly finished with deck oil. You can clearly see the colour difference. I gave it two coats as per instructions. I was really happy with the end result.
After two months the deck was back to looking washed out again! After feedback from the Boss (the wife) it was clear that it had to be done again! This time I went back to the original plan of Deck Stain. Again I used Screwfix No Nonsense Deck Stain. I also bought the Harris Deck pad which was great value for money. I was able to give my 40 square meter deck as well as my smaller 5.5 square meter deck at the back two coats. I bought four 2.5litre tins at a cost of £40 (on offer at the time - 2 for £20). After both decks were completed I still had half a tin left.
Here is the end result after two coats
And this is what it looks like after three months.
Conclusion?
Personally I think the Deck Stain gave better protection, instant and longer lasting colour restoration as well as some kind of non slip feature. The coverage with the Deck Oil was far better, however the Deck Oil appeared to be slightly dearer. I used around 8 litres to cover around 45 square metres of deck with two applications. The deck still looks great and I can still see the beads of water forming on the deck after rain or jet washing.
On reflection I think the two coats of Oil first certainly helped restore the deck oil and bizarrely I was able to apply the deck stain after two months, something that all the forums say should be difficult/impossible. the only thing I can think would be that my deck was in such a state that the Deck Oil was absorbed well into the the wood.e
Decision
I will be sticking with the yearly Deck Stain routine as I feel it offers the best protection for value for money.
Here is a link to one of my favourite YouTubers who has performed extensive independent research on Decking Oil.
Please leave any comments or suggestions below.
Thanks for reading
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