If you have a timber deck outside your property, then it is absolutely essential that you do all that you can to ensure it is protected. In order to do this you need to be sure that you are using the right decking oil, which will give you the protection that you need.

Timber oil, when applied, soaks into the porous timber and adds a layer to the top of it to give it maximum protection from a variety of conditions. In some cases you can buy oils which will also stain the timber to give you a different look altogether. The aesthetics are nice, but what this is really about is making absolutely sure that the weather conditions don’t cause damage to the timber.

The Risks of Weather

All kinds of weather can present a risk to your timber decking. In the warmer months the sun can actually burn and discolor parts of your deck, leaving a bad look on the surface of the deck. During the colder months you can find that moisture causes a real problem with regards to sweeping the deck and then causing it to split. Additionally as the temperatures change, the decking could be prone to warping, which could leave your deck looking out of shape and with gaps between boards.

Weather Considerations

When it comes to getting the right oil your first thought should be the weather which you experience at home throughout the calendar year. If there isn’t much of a swing in temperature and you rarely see much rain, you can rely on a relatively low cost, light oil which will give you just enough protection. If however you live in a climate which changes frequently and which brings a lot of precipitation, you’ll have to invest in a much thicker oil which is designed for this purpose.

Timber

Not all timbers react the same when you add oil, and this is because there are some which are more porous than others. This is another consideration to make when it comes to buying oil for your deck. In the case of more durable timber, the smart option for those in changing conditions, you should look for an oil which has a high volume of wax in the solution.

Risk of Fire

Some oil options provide a much better resistance to fire, which is something to consider if you live in an area which is prone to wildfire. You will find that many timbers are naturally fire resistant, but adding oil which also increases that resistance is always a smart idea.

Timber Maintenance

Another consideration to make is how prepared you are to ensure the upkeep of the timber. For example, there are some oils which are incredibly good at protecting your timber deck, but they may need to be applied more often. If you don’t feel that you will be someone who regularly applies the oil, it may be best to look for an oil option which will protect and nourish the timber for a longer period of time after application.

Getting the right oil is critical to making sure that your timber decking looks its best for a long period of time.