How to get the most out of your deck
Does timber stain protect wood?
Absolutely! Timber materials used on decks, furniture and doors all require regular maintenance to keep them looking fresh and in good condition.
How to decide whether to stain or oil your deck
Oils enhance the natural appearance of the timber. If you like the existing appearance of the deck, choose an oil to enhance the colour and grain of the timber.
Stains contain pigment and will therefore change the existing colour and refresh the appearance of the timber. The pigment in stains protects against harmful UV rays, harsh weather and foot traffic.
Ultimately, the decision on whether to oil or stain your deck will come down to what you want out of your deck. The choice will also depend on what you are staining or oiling, i.e. decking, furniture, interior doors, windows or trim, etc. Good paint stores will be able to lead you in the right direction.
How often should you oil or stain timber?
Oil: This depends on whether you are using a water-based or non-water based product, but between every six to 18 months is a good timeframe. Deciding to use water-based or non-water-based products will depend on what was used on the timber previously.
Stain: If you’re using a more pigmented stain, once every five years is a rough guide to go by. If the stain is transparent, you may need to re-stain every year. These timelines should be used as a guide only, as harsh weather and frequent use will mean a shorter time between treatments.
In places like Queensland, timber decks and furniture are constantly exposed to the harsh elements of the environment. The extreme heat, wild weather and outdoor lifestyles leading to frequent usage mean you will need to regularly treat and protect the timber. We recommend yearly maintenance to prolong the life of timber products. The months of September and October provide ideal conditions to perform maintenance works on timber products.
How to apply oil or stain to timber
If you are staining a brand new deck, ensure the wood has properly dried out before commencing any work, 30 days is generally a reasonable timeframe to stick by.
When preparing your deck or other timber product, ensure the surface of the wood is clean and sanded.
Cover any nearby surfaces which you want to avoid getting product on.
Open your tin of stain and give it a thorough stir to evenly mix the pigment.
Use a paintbrush to cut in the edges and corners of the deck.
When staining the larger areas of the deck, continue to brush by hand for a precise application, or you can use a lambswool applicator to speed up the process.
Protecting timber can be a time consuming and labour-intensive job and if done improperly, it can cause headaches down the road. Don’t have the time or energy to regularly re-stain or oil your deck and other timber products? Leave it to the professionals, give NeoPainting Solutions a call for a free, no obligations quote.