Timber decking and garden furniture can be oiled or sealed. We prefer to oil as it brings out the natural texture of the timber. First it will be necessary to clean the timber and the easiest way to do this is with a power washer for decks (and some larger items of furniture) or a bucket of soapy water, a stiff brush and some elbow grease! A mop and bucket is a great way to clean timber decking. See our power washing project for more information.
First treat the timber with some kind of universal wood preserver as shown below. This will make sure the timber is unaffected by rot and wood boring insects etc. Please be careful if using preserver near ponds as it is not good for fish!
Most diy stores these days have proprietary treatment products for decking and furniture and they are almost all derivatives of the following products. All can be used to treat and preserve the timber. The linseed oil is particularly good for hardwoods. Click on any of the images to visit the toolstore and buy the oil you need for the deck. Oil should be applied regularly, about 3 times per year, to get the very best out of your decking.
There is also information regarding the treatment of timber in our treatment of wooden worktops project.
