Decking is constantly exposed to different weather conditions. In order for them to last long and remain attractive, a regular maintenance cure with oil is absolutely necessary.
Terrace planks are available in different types of wood. Oiling is a sensible and, above all, important measure to ensure that the floorboards remain well-kept, weather-resistant and attractive for many years to come.
Local woods such as Douglas fir or larch need care just as much as exotic wood species such as Teak, Merante or Bangkirai.
Oiling wooden decking boards – How to proceed
Thoroughly clean decking before oiling
In order for the oil to have the best effect, you must first clean the planks thoroughly. The most important prerequisite for the entire process: Good weather! The cleaned planks should dry completely, preferably several days. So it must not rain on uncovered terraces.
Clean the boards with water, a neutral cleaner and a scrubbing brush. If moss has set in, you should get to grips with it with a special moss remover (My recommendation: Wepos algae and moss remover). Grey terraces, on the other hand, should be treated with a de-greying agent (such as this one).
Material and auxiliaries for the oiling of wooden decking boards
Boards treated with oil are lightly sanded after cleaning. With lacquered or sealed planks you must sand down to the raw wood if you prefer to oil the wood in the future. A grinding machine is ideal for this – it saves you strength, physical effort and time.
- Sandpaper with grain size 100-120
- Special oil for decking boards
- Short-haired paint roller or brush
- Lint free rags
- Paint tray for the oil
- Plastic container with water for the storage of oily cloths
Sanding is always advisable so that the wood can absorb the oil well. With smooth planed wood, sanding is particularly important, otherwise the oil cannot penetrate. After sanding, remove the sanding dust with water and allow the boards to dry thoroughly again.
Now it’s the turn of the oil application. Here, too, the weather is a player again: cloudy, windless days are best for preventing the oil from drying too quickly. There are also different oils for the different types of wood. The osmo company offers a wide range of products, including various colour shades.
Apply the oil with a roller or brush. Work in small sections and wipe off excess oil with a cloth after a few minutes. So that you don’t have to work on your knees all the time, you can use a lacquer roller with a telescopic handle and a scrubbing brush with a wrapped cloth.
After 24 hours the oil is completely absorbed and dried. If light, uneven stains are visible, apply another thin layer of oil. After a further drying period you may enter your terrace again and set up the furniture.
I am Don Burke, one of the authors at My Garden Guide. I am a horticulturist that cultivates, grows, and cares for plants, ranging from shrubs and fruits to flowers. I do it in my own garden and in my nursery. I show you how to take care of your garden and how to perform garden landscaping in an easy way, step by step.I am originally from Sydney and I wrote in local magazines. Later on, I have decided, more than two decades ago, to create my own blog. My area of specialization is related to orchid care, succulent care, and the study of the substrate and the soil. Therefore, you will see many articles dedicated to these disciplines. I also provide advice about how to improve the landscape design of your garden.
