Everything You Wanted to Ask About Oiling Your Deck
How much decking oil do I need?
Simply put, the quantity of deck oil required is determined by the type of wood, its dryness, and texture. Below are some rules of thumb to figure out how many litres of deck oil you need to buy.
View timber type and coverage rate
- Coverage on Dressed Timber (Low Density) is approximately 9 – 12 square metres per litre
- Coverage on Hardwood Timber (High Density) is approximately 12 – 14 square metres per litre
- Coverage on Bandsawn Plywood is approximately 6 – 8 square metres per litre
- Coverage on Restored Timbers (Low Density) is approximately 6 – 8 square metres per litre
When do I need to oil new Kwila decking?
Usually, you need to leave Kwila decks to weather for at least six weeks so that the wood becomes porous and absorbs the oil better. But, with Dryden OilStain, you can skip the weathering stage and get straight into oiling because OilStain is designed to deeply penetrate the timber.
See here for more details: An All-Inclusive Guide To Protecting And Staining A New Kwila Deck.
How often do I need to oil the deck?
The frequency of oiling your deck for maintenance depends on the timber’s:
- Age
- Porosity
- Species
- Situation and exposure to weather
Dryden OilStain deck oil should be applied when the timber loses its water resistance and starts absorbing water. Check the condition of your deck every six months to make sure it’s still protected from water or as often as needed to maintain the look you prefer.
On top of this, you also need to give your deck an annual soft wash to keep it looking its best. But if you see any signs of the common issues that exterior timber suffers from – you should treat your deck or outdoor furniture sooner.
How long does decking oil take to dry?
Dryden OilStain decking oil typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to soak into the timber surface. Get rid of any excess product after application, and then wait 24 hours before recoating for best results.
Dryden OilStain is a deeply penetrating decking oil that nourishes and protects from within to help timber last longer. This time between coats allows the oil to penetrate deep into the wood, enhancing its natural beauty and weather resistance.
What types of timber are suitable for Dryden products?
Dryden OilStain is compatible with most native and imported timber species used in New Zealand for decking, including Radiata pine, Kwila and Jarrah. Our decking oil enhances the natural beauty of the wood, showing it’s natural grain.
If you apply OilStain on its own, your timber deck will naturally weather and turn a beautiful silvery grey. But if you want the deck to maintain colour, add Dryden Colourstone+ to OilStain – there are over 37 colours to choose from, so you may be able to find a shade that closely matches the timber’s original colour.
Dryden OilStain can also be used on outdoor wooden furniture; this guide to protecting timber exteriors, including furniture, will have detailed instructions on this.
