What is Best, Decking Oil or Stain? Explaining the Difference
In this article, we'll break down the differences between decking oil and stain, guiding you to the best choice for your wood's needs. Let's dive in!
Keeping your outdoor wood looking great and standing strong against the elements can be a continuous chore! With the UK's unpredictable weather, it's crucial to pick the perfect product to protect your wooden surfaces. Enter the duo: decking oil and stain.
Understanding Decking Oil and Stain
Decking oil’s designed to penetrate deep into the wood, nourishing and protecting it from within. It helps enhance the natural grain of the wood, providing a more vibrant finish. Decking oils are generally made from natural oil blends and may include additives for UV protection and moisture resistance.
Decking stain, on the other hand, is more about providing a layer of colour on the surface of the wood. It creates a barrier on top of the wood, which can protect against moisture and wear but does not penetrate as deeply as oil. Stains can be either water-based or oil-based, with varying opacities from transparent to solid, which can significantly alter the appearance of the wood.
The Case for Decking Oil
Decking oil excels in its dual function: it enhances the wood’s appearance by deepening its natural colour and improving its longevity. The oil penetrates the wood, replenishing natural oils lost over time and providing protection from the inside out. This penetration allows the wood to retain flexibility and resist cracking, which is especially important in climates with frequent weather changes.
The variety of finishes available with decking oil is impressive. From natural and clear oils that celebrate the existing wood grain to tinted options that add a subtle hint of colour, there is an oil to suit every style preference. These finishes not only make decking look fantastic but also provide a durable protective layer that shields the wood from water ingress, UV damage, and fungal growth.
The Case for Stain
Stain’s primary advantage is its ability to alter the wood's appearance. Depending on the type of stain chosen, it can give wood a new lease of life with a variety of colours and finishes, from light tints that enhance the natural wood grain to solid, paint-like finishes that can completely transform the deck’s look. Stains form a protective film on the surface of the wood that can help fend off moisture and wear.
Because stain sits on the surface of the wood, it may need to be reapplied more frequently than oil, particularly in high-traffic areas.
Comparative Analysis: Oil vs. Stain
When comparing decking oil and stain, it helps to weigh up a few different factors to find the right solution for your needs. Some of the main things to compare and contrast between oil and stain include:
- Protection: Decking oil, like DuroGrit, provides superior protection against weather elements by penetrating the wood and preserving its natural structure. Stain offers good surface protection but lacks the deep wood integration of oil.
- Ease of Application and Maintenance: Oil requires more frequent reapplication for optimal protection but is easier to maintain over time, as it does not flake or peel as stain can. Luckily, DuroGrit only requires one single coat.
- Aesthetic Outcomes: Oil enhances the natural beauty of wood, while stain provides a wider variety of colour options.
- Cost-effectiveness: Initially, both products might seem comparably priced, but oil generally offers better long-term value through enhanced wood preservation.
Why Decking Oil Comes Out on Top
Decking oil is a standout winner in most cases as it enhances the aesthetic appeal of wood and also significantly extends its life. It does this by providing deep, penetrating protection that is simple to maintain over time. This dual function of colouring and preserving makes it an ideal choice for those looking to invest in the longevity and beauty of their decking.
Choosing the Right Decking Oil
When selecting a decking oil, it’s important to consider quality and ease of application. DuroGrit decking oil, for instance, is renowned for its robust formulation. It’s also kind to the environment as it contains zero volatile organic compounds.
If you would like any assistance in finding the right decking oil or stain for your needs, our team at Rubio Monocoat would love to help. Please contact us today if you have any questions or need further guidance.
