Suitable Finishes For Hardwood Decking

Hardwood decking is a real investment and if you’re planning on investing in this solution, it’s worth considering which finish will work best for your personal hardwood decking project.  Every hardwood decking project has its own characteristics and it’s well worth considering every detail of your project before choosing which hardwood decking finish is most suitable for you.

There is little doubt that there is a direct correlation between how well maintained a deck is and its life expectancy, so it’s important to make the right maintenance decisions throughout the life of your deck.  Regular cleaning with the right products is really important after your deck has been installed and it’s important to make sure you are familiar with any specific requirements of the deck you choose.  The first of the maintenance decisions you’ll make for your deck involves the selection of a suitable finish for your hardwood decking.

Some of the most commonly used finishes for hardwood decking are:

• UV oil
• Teak oil
• Generic outside decking oil, or
• A stain of some sort

UV oil is the preferred option for anyone who wants to protect their decking against any sun or light related damage or discolouration.   Typically, decking will grey with age and sunlight.  If you want to avoid this greying, a UV oil will certainly help.

Teak oil and generic outdoor decking oil on the other hand are commonly used finishes for decking and all types of garden furniture.  Teak and generic outside decking oil preserve the natural look of your decking by penetrating the wood, providing nourishment and helping protect it against mildew and algae.

If you want to change the colour of your wood, you can choose a stain to achieve your desired colour.  If you choose a combined stain and seal option, not only will you be able to achieve your colour goals, you’ll be able to seal your wood at the same time.

• Here are our Top Tips for whichever method you choose:
• Always make sure that your deck is dry and clean before applying any finish.
• To ensure maximum protection, apply at least two coats of your chosen finish after installing your deck.
• Make sure you oil your deck at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and again before winter arrives.
• Always follow the instructions on the tin of your chosen finish.  Failure to follow these important instructions will reduce the effectiveness of the finish.