Protecting And Staining A New Pine Deck

Grown right here in New Zealand, Radiata pine is a beautiful softwood used widely for decks and outdoor structures like decks and pergolas because of its durability and natural resistance to decay, fungi and borers.

The ease of pine deck maintenance is another reason it’s so popular – with the right timber care products and a solid maintenance regime, your Radiata pine decking can last for ages.

The key to keeping your pine deck in top condition is to seal and protect it at the right time. This comprehensive guide explains in detail how to oil or stain a new pine wood deck and when and why you should do it, with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions.

Here’s what we’ve covered:

Why Seal And Protect Your New Pine Deck?
What Is The Best Protection For New Pine Decking?

Should I Stain Or Oil My New Pine Decking?
When Should I Stain Or Oil My New Pine Deck?

Wrap-Up: Key Points On Protecting And Staining A New Pine Deck

 

Why Seal And Protect Your New Pine Deck?

Radiata pine is a softwood known for its durability and resistance to decay, fungi and borers.

But, even with these innate characteristics, pine still needs additional protection to stand against NZ’s challenging weather. Oiling or staining pine is necessary because, without it, your pine decking will eventually show signs of:

  • Cupping
  • Weathering
  • Splitting
  • Discolouration
  • Silvering
  • Moisture retention

Featured: Your Ultimate Visual Guide to Pine Deck Problems in NZ

What Is The Best Protection For New Pine Decking?

One of the best protection methods for a new pine decking is a deeply penetrating decking oil, like Dryden OilStain, which nourishes the pine from within to extend its lifespan.

What sets Dryden OilStain apart is its transparency and superb interaction with the timber surface. Not only does it work exceptionally well with the pine, but it also highlights and enhances its beautiful, natural grain and characteristics.

Plus, Dryden OilStain helps fight against pine’s biggest enemy – moisture. It’s a water-resistant coating that helps minimise warping, cupping, and splitting, all of which occur from water getting into the timber.

OilStain

OilStain

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What Is The Best Stain For A New Pine Deck?

A semi-transparent wood stain is ideal for new pine decking as its light colour and distinct growth rings can be highlighted with your preferred colour. This is exactly what Dryden OilStain and Dryden Colourtone+ are designed for!

Dryden Colourtone+ added to OilStain gives your pine deck a beautiful stained effect and enhanced UV protection.

ColourTone+

ColourTone+

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Should I Stain Or Oil My New Pine Decking?

The answer to the question “Stain or oil for new pine deck?” depends on your desired aesthetic effect and how much maintenance you’re prepared to do.

  • When used as a clear, Dryden OilStain offers deep penetrative protection that allows the pine to weather with a silvery-grey look and requires less maintenance.
  • On the other hand, Dryden OilStain with added Dryden Colourtone+ stain provides enhanced UV protection. It comes in over 37 colours, so you can get a colour that’s close to pine’s natural yellow colour or go for something completely new.

So, ultimately, it’s your personal preference. For a more detailed explanation, check out this guide – Pine Decking Oil or Stain: Which Finish Is Right for You?

When Should I Stain Or Oil My New Pine Deck?

You can get started on oiling and staining your pine deck straightway; unlike Kwila, pine doesn’t need to weather for six weeks. First, clean the deck with Dryden LiquidTimberClean, and then apply Dryden OilStain or OilStain and Dryden Colourtone+

Step-By-Step Instructions For Oiling and Staining A New Pine Deck

Step 1: Clean And Prepare The New Pine Deck For Staining Or Oiling

Before applying deck oil or stain, you need to first clean and prep with Dryden LiquidTimberClean.

How to use:

  • Dilute Dryden LiquidTimberClean with water – use a ratio of 50/50
  • Wet the deck and apply using a bristle brush
  • Scrub and use a high-pressure hose with just enough pressure to remove the excess solution. Keep wet and active until any stains and cosmetic marks are acceptable or gone.
  • Allow to dry before coating

Step 2: Oiling And Staining A New Pine Deck

Oiling A New Pine Deck With Dryden OilStain:

  • Use any wide bristle brush or a speed pad – just avoid the lambswool types – to apply Dryden OilStain thoroughly. An airless spray system can also be used to apply the oil to your decking.
  • Regularly stir the wood oil throughout the application to maintain a consistent colour.
  • Dryden OilStain should not be thinned or altered in any way – you simply apply it to the pine’s surface, wait for about 30 to 60 minutes and remove any excess solution. Recoat after 24 hours – it’s as easy as that!

 

Staining A New Pine Deck With Dryden Colourtone+:

Dryden Colourtone+ comes in over 37 colours. Add your selected stain to Dryden OilStain. Then, carry out the same application method as above.

Step 3: Regularly Maintain Your Pine Deck

Give your pine deck an annual soft wash – use a garden hose to gently wash off any dirt, grime, or dust. Do not use a water blaster, especially if you have added Colourtone+, because this may strip some of the colour from your deck and make it difficult to get it even again. Dry completely before coating.

  • Recoating a pine deck that’s in good condition

If your deck is in good condition and the colour is uniform and even throughout, apply two coats of Dryden OilStain or a combo of OilStain and Colourtone+.

  • Recoating a pine deck that needs restoration

If your pine deck needs restoration, there are two options to try:

#1 Remediate or patch up the affected areas (this can be quite difficult and time-consuming)

#2 Remove all existing coating and start again!

Our guide to pine deck restoration provides in-depth instructions and shows examples of the six most common issues pine decks face so you can effectively address and restore your deck.

Wrap-Up: Key Points On Protecting And Staining A New Pine Deck

 

  • Oiling or staining a new pine deck is important to protect it from weathering, cupping, splitting and discolouration.
  • A deeply penetrating decking oil like Dryden OilStain is one of the best protections as it nourishes the timber and protects against moisture.
  • Use Dryden Colourtone+ together with OilStain for added UV protection and a stained effect.
  • Clean and prepare your deck with Dryden LiquidTimberClean.
  • Apply Dryden OilStain or OilStain and Colourtone+ using a wide bristle brush or an airless spray system.
  • Regularly maintain your pine deck by giving it an annual soft wash and recoat with two coats of Dryden OilStain or OilStain and Colourtone+.

And that’s it! If you follow these steps, you’ll have a beautiful pine deck that will last between 10 to 15 years. Explore all our timber care products here and find them at your local Dryden reseller. Visit our pine deck maintenance guide for more helpful information and tips on caring for your new pine deck.

Clear

*Will silver as product weathers overtime

Clear

*Will silver as product weathers overtime

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