The Difference Between Decking Oil and Water-Based Deck Coatings

There is a clear difference between decking oils and water-based deck coatings – a decking oil works by penetrating the surface of the timber, whereas a water-based coating will form a protective film on the surface.

Why choose a timber oil?

Many traditional wood coatings work by forming a protective film to block moisture from entering the timber substrate. The finish can be stunning, with rich colour and gloss or sheen finishes available. Maintenance coats will add another film layer over the timber, which will hide the natural texture, grain and colour of the wood. Over time, weather exposure will breakdown this film and, if regular maintenance is neglected, the coating will flake, peel or crack allowing damaging moisture to enter the wood.

Most timber decking oils work by penetrating into the timber to repel moisture from the inside out and will generally take longer to dry than water-based products. This is because, instead of drying when exposed to air, like paint, timber oils ‘dry’ by penetrating and absorbing into the wood. Penetration times can vary depending on the density, condition and species of the timber as well as environmental factors. Timber oil also offers a more natural matte finish that does not mask the grain, texture and colour. Maintenance is generally easy; simply clean and recoat.

Not all oils are the same, and not all oils will penetrate deeply into timber. Water-based oils will form a film on the surface, and some timber oils will contain plant-based oils, such as linseed or tung, which are drying oils; they will soak into the surface of the timber and then harden to form a barrier. Very few oils actually penetrate deeply into the timber, as CUTEK® does.

The CUTEK® solution

Designed for and proven to work in the harshest of Australian environments, CUTEK® exterior timber oils truly penetrate and diffuse deeply into the wood core to protect it against liquid and gas-phase moisture. A core design feature of CUTEK® oil is its ability to stay mobile within the timber, actively working to displace and control moisture from the inside out, significantly improving dimensional stability and providing exceptional long-term protection. Additional maintenance coats throughout the timber’s life will have an accumulative effect, increasing the efficacy of the protection.

CUTEK® oils also celebrate timber. The natural grain and texture of the wood is maintained and highlighted, not masked over, making timber the hero of your home project. Applied as a clear oil, CUTEK® will allow your timber to naturally lighten and silver when exposed to the sun’s UV rays. If you would like to retain the natural, freshly oiled look of your timber, or you would like to alter the colour to meet design requirements, a CUTEK® Colourtone can be added to CUTEK® oils. Because CUTEK® diffuses deeply into the wood, it will continue to provide moisture protection and improve dimensional stability even if the timber is allowed to weather and grey off.  

Which CUTEK® exterior decking oil is right for your project?

CUTEK® offers two market leading solutions to protect exterior timber and decks:  

CUTEK® Extreme CD50

A high-performance penetrating oil-based wood stabiliser with a unique self-healing effect that highlights the natural beauty of wood and controls moisture to improve dimensional stability and minimise cupping, warping and splitting.

CUTEK® Wood Preservative (APVMA Approval No 83026/107340)

An oil-based wood stabiliser used for the pre-treatment and remedial treatment of exterior wood in industrial and domestic situations. CUTEK® Wood Preservative coated wood resists damage caused by fungal decay, mould, termites and controls moisture to improve dimensional stability and minimise cupping, warping and splitting.

Maintenance with CUTEK® exterior timber oils is simple, easy and cost effective. Simply clean and recoat – no need to sand or strip.

If you would like to find out more about how CUTEK® oils are the best option for your timber deck, we’d love to talk to you, your architect or builder about how CUTEK^® can be used to maintain the beauty of your timber and powerfully protect it. Call 1300 CUTEK or send us a message to find out more.

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Factors to consider in choosing a timber species include appearance, where the deck is to be located, ongoing maintenance requirements, budget and availability.

Appearance

Timber is often chosen for its natural beauty and good looks. Exposing the grain can have a dramatic and aesthetically pleasing effect.

When choosing a timber species, consider what colour you would like for your deck. Enhancing the natural hue of the timber can be achieved by using a Colourtone.  By choosing a shade that matches the natural colour of the wood, the knots and grains will shine through. Building up the colour will make a style statement.

Location

Choosing a timber that will withstand the weather conditions it will be exposed to is critical.

A high level of exposure to rain, sunshine and even wind will require a hardy species. Using CUTEK®’s wood protection system will guard against the elements and ensure a good looking deck for years to come.

Ongoing maintenance

Whichever material you choose, your deck will need regular maintenance to keep it looking great. Keep in mind that some decking timbers are quicker and easier to maintain than others.

Using a CUTEK® protection oil will help, in extreme conditions choose CUTEK® Extreme CD50, specifically formulated for the toughest climates.

Budget and availability

Decking timbers vary in price, from more expensive hardwoods to lower-cost treated pine.

If you are working to a budget, ensure that you plan for the space that needs to be covered and bear in mind the qualities you require to suit the purpose of your decking. More widely available timbers tend to be less expensive and easier to source, especially if you’re on a tight timeframe.

Hardwoods

There are many hardwoods to choose from that are suited to decking projects.

Pros of hardwood

• Can produce striking installations
• High quality, durable timber
• Tend to cost less than composite decking

Cons of hardwood

• Some species prone to extractive bleedout or ironstain
• Likely to cost more than treated pine decks
• Can be difficult to drill or nail

Hardwood Species

There are many hardwood species to choose from. Merbau’s warm red-brown tones make a striking deck that invites year-round use. The species is durable yet can be less expensive than other hardwoods.

Ironbark is the most durable hardwood for decking and offers longevity. It is extremely fire, termite and rot resistant. On the flip side, its high density can make it hard to work with. On account of its strength, Ironbark is without doubt one to consider for installations that will be highly trafficked or for poolside decks.

The rich brown of Jarrah makes it a popular choice. Jarrah can be expensive but is also fire resistant. If left unsealed Jarrah will turn a lovely grey colour over time. Blackbutt is another timber with high resistance to fire, but is more prone to ironstains.

Spotted Gum is widely used for decking on account of its durability and strength. It is sustainably harvested in Australia making it an environmentally sound native choice.

The species is also fire retardant and is very dense with low levels of shrinkage. Spotted Gum tends to bleed less than some other hardwoods, and it has a broad colour range making for unique applications.

Yellow and red stringybark are durable enough for outdoor use. Yellow stringybark is usually cheaper than red. Both hardwoods can exhibit borer holes, something to bear in mind aesthetically before choosing it for your deck.

Using a high performing protection oil such as CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Wood Preservative will ensure your hardwood deck endures harsh climatic conditions to look stunning all year round.

Treated Pine

Treated pine is a cost-effective choice but won’t have the same durability of a hardwood.

Pros of treated pine

• Lightweight and versatile to work with
• Affordable
• Pressure-treated to withstand decay, fungi or termites
• Can be stained or painted to change its appearance

Cons of treated pine

• Not as aesthetically pleasing as a hardwood
• Can be restrictive in that it has already been treated
• Needs regular oiling to protect against the elements

CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Wood Preservative can be used straight on pre-treated pine without using a preparation treatment first.

CUTEK® Restore is a professional grade wood restoration product that will prepare the timber for the protection oil. CUTEK® Wood Stripper will also prepare the timber and allow the treatment oil to penetrate and do its job.

If you are working to a tight budget, treated pine certainly has its advantages but these are traded off against its looks. Before purchasing treated pine for your decking project, check whether it is suitable for outdoor use.

The critical factors in choosing a timber species are desired appearance, location, ongoing maintenance, budget and availability. Working through each element will help you to arrive at the right solution for your project.

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Here’s our top five!

1. Create warmth

During the winter months, adding a source of heat such as an outdoor heater, heater panel or firepit will certainly add comfort and extend the use of the deck.

Add a touch of style with a decorative heater or portable fire pit that makes a statement. If space allows, a built-in fire can be designed to fit the space and complement the exterior fittings.

Tip: Keep heat sources off the decking to prevent burns or marks.

2. Build your deck in

Consider adding a roof to your deck to keep the warmth in and make the space cosier. If using timber, select a species that complements the existing deck and give thought to a warming CUTEK® Colourtone that makes a style statement.

If adding a fixed roof isn’t an option, an awning or weatherproof panels could be a simple way of achieving the same outcome.

Tip: Winter sun can provide warmth during daylight hours. A flexible solution, such as an operable roof, will let light in when required.

3. Decorate and refresh the space

Consider your deck another room, have some fun styling it to create a familiar atmosphere in keeping with your home. Add some creature comforts such as cushions and candles to create warmth. Choose pieces that are weatherproof and can be left outside all year round and introduce evergreen plants that flourish whatever the season to bring some natural colour.

Tip: When decorating take the time to assess maintenance requirements and apply a coat of deck oil. CUTEK®’s Extreme CD50 Oil will work to control moisture from the inside out, minimise warping, cupping and splitting to provide protection through the Winter months well into Summer when the sun’s rays become stronger.

4. Let there be light

With the nights closing in earlier in Winter, lighting is essential. Outdoor lights can often be very stark. Decorate with string lights or ambient lighting to create an inviting space.

5. Add a hot tub

Hot tubs are the perfect tonic for the winter months. If layout and structure allow, installing one can create a fantastic feature that really opens up the opportunity to get outdoors and use the space in the cooler months.

Cooler weather can make it challenging to utilise outdoor areas that are in constant use during the summer months.

By taking some simple steps to open up outdoor living spaces for year-round use will make the most of your deck and improve your home’s liveability.

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Exposure to sun, wind, salt, sand and ocean moisture can cause significant damage and result in premature failure of wooden decking boards.

With a close proximity to the sea, decking will need a high level of protection from the harsh elements to ensure longevity.

Removal of salt from the wood

Moist salt air can be a challenge for oceanside decking. Once salt finds its way into timber via cracks, salt crystals can form and grow. Over time they push the fibres of the timber out making it appear fuzzy.

Prevention includes frequent power rinsing to wash the salt off. Using CUTEK® Restore will ensure that all traces of salt are removed.

Seal regularly for longevity

After removing salt particles from the wood, the next step is to apply a protective coating.

Most coatings, deck stains and oils trap moisture and can be the cause of premature wood failure through rot and decay. CUTEK® Extreme CD50 penetrates the wood to protect from within and keep moisture out, including the salt air and sea-spray of a beachside location.

CUTEK® coatings never peel or flake but will need more regular recoats in a marine setting.

The professional’s choice

Architects, designers and engineers continue to use timber for coastal structures, including resorts and beachside clubs. They turn to CUTEK® Extreme CD50 for professional hard-wearing protection of installations against the elements.

Deck care is important. Regular cleaning, staining and coating with quality products will give oceanside decks the protection they need to withstand their harsh environment.

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With any type of hospitality, frequent use spills and accidents are inevitable and can stain or damage your deck or timber furniture. Now is a great time to learn how to clean decking and furniture in preparation for the entertaining season ahead.

1. Removing stains caused by food or drink spills

Food or drink spills can cause discolouration and stains that are hard to remove.

CUTEK® Quickclean is an industrial grade general purpose cleaner. It cuts through grease and stains and will generally be tough enough to clean up food and drink spills on tables, chairs or decking boards.

Apply the product liberally and leave it on the surface for 10 to 20 minutes. If the stain is stubborn it may be necessary to scrub it with a stiff fibre brush. If it still refuses to budge, try CUTEK® Restore  for a deeper cleanse.

When all traces of the stain are removed, the wood is ready for coating with CUTEK® Extreme CD50.

2. Restoring timber with black or grey discolouration

Greyness can be caused by significant weathering if a deck is particularly exposed. Metal objects left sitting on the deck for a prolonged period, such as nails or metal furniture can also cause grey or black stains.

An application of CUTEK® Restore will keep working for 24 hours to restore oxidized, grey timber while enhancing the grain.

After cleaning, the deck or furniture can be treated with CUTEK® Extreme CD50 to protect it from further moisture damage.

Adding a CUTEK® Colourtone  will enhance and maintain the freshly oiled natural look of your timber.

3. Removing and treating mould or fungus stains

Decks that are shaded are pre-disposed to issues with mould or fungus.  The problem often covers a large surface area.

Sweep the deck thoroughly with a stiff fibre brush, taking care to work into the corners where mould and fungus often build up.

CUTEK® Restore is a professional grade deck cleaning product that will eradicate traces of mould and fungus. It keeps working for up to 24 hours. Be sure to complete a patch test first to determine how long to leave it on.

Although CUTEK® Restore is not considered a strong defoliant, take care to protect adjacent vegetation before you begin.

Using the right products is an essential component for cleaning up and treating timber stains or damaged wood. All traces of the issues can be removed from decking and furniture resulting in a fresh, as-new look to your outdoor entertaining space.

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The timber needs proper preparation before finishing with a heavy-duty product that will withstand ongoing exposure.

Common reasons for peeling:

• The deck wasn’t properly prepared; poor preparation can stop the oil from penetrating and means that it fails to protect the wood.
• The wrong type of stain or sealer was used; a heavy duty exterior deck oil is required to withstand exposure to the elements.
• An inferior quality decking stain was used.
• Too much stain was applied, or the coats were too thick and not allowed to dry between applications.

How to fix and prevent future peeling

In just 3 steps you’ll have the job done and ensure that your timber deck is protected for years to come.

1. Remove the weathered, peeling layers

The first step is to remove all traces of the peeling deck coating and take the timber back to bare wood by stripping or sanding it.

After stripping or sanding the wood, CUTEK® Wood Stripper will remove the final traces of its previous coating.

Depending on the state of the wood, it may be possible to use CUTEK® Wood Stripper without sanding.

Tip: As you scrape the wood, reset any nails or screws that stick out from the surface.

2. Clean and rinse the wood

Once stripped, the wood will need a good restoring scrub. CUTEK® Restore restoration agent will remove the residue from the stripping process. Once applied, a power rinse with a high-pressure washer will be necessary.

Tip: Use a lower setting to avoid damaging the wood fibre.

3. Seal the wood

The final step is to finish with two coats of a hard wearing timber deck oil that will excel in the most challenging of environments, such as CUTEK® Extreme CD50. Each coat must be applied evenly with brush, paintpad or roller.

When using a CUTEK® Colourtone, it is essential that the oil is stirred frequently and applied in thin coats. The wood must feel completely dry and non-greasy before application of the second coat.

Tip: After stripping and cleaning the wood, apply the finish as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary exposure to the elements.

The CUTEK® difference

Treating timber upon installation can prevent the occurrence of peeling deck stain. CUTEK® oil penetrates the timber to protect it from the inside out. Where other coatings envelope the wood, CUTEK® Extreme CD50 deeply diffuses into the timber. It lasts longer in tougher climates and won’t peel like other products.

Contact us for more advice on how to seal wood utilising CUTEK®’s wood finishing range.

The post Why is my deck stain peeling? How to fix and prevent it appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

If your deck is in disrepair, follow these simple steps to restoring it to be enjoyed for years to come. For best results, choose a warm, dry spell to undergo your timber restoration.

1. Assess the deck

First, check that the deck is structurally sound. Look out for loose, damaged, split, warped or rotten boards and make a list of what needs replacing before heading to your local hardware.

Top tip: Be sure to include balustrades and steps in your pre-timber repair assessment.

2. Replace damaged boards

When replacing boards, it is important to use the same wood profile. Directly replacing old decking boards with the odd new one can look unsightly, so it might make sense to move the boards around. Replacing visible boards with existing boards on the outside of the deck and laying new boards at the edge can make a difference to the finished effect.

Top tip: Remember to use decking-specific nails to avoid timber splitting in wood repair.

3. Clean the decking

Give the deck a good once over with a broom then follow up with a clean.

To remove grease and grime use powerful outdoor cleaner CUTEK® Quickclean.  A deep clean may also be necessary in preparation for oiling. CUTEK® Restore is a professional grade wood restoration product that will remove stubborn stains and address oxidization to restore wood to look like new.

Top tip: Visit cutek.com.au to identify the right cleaning solution for your project using the Project Planner.

4. Strip the decking

It may also be necessary to sand or strip the deck to remove all existing wood coatings to allow the deep penetration of CUTEK® to ensure that the wood is prepared right back to the raw material.

CUTEK® Wood Stripper is a safe, mild and effective coating and paint stripper. It is suitable for removing multiple layers of wood coatings such as latex paints, stains, varnishes, linseed oils, acrylics and other film forming coatings.

It’s the smart alternative to conventional strippers that use dangerous chemicals.

5. Apply deck oil

High quality oil will ensure that your deck is fully restored to its former glory. What’s is best is the CUTEK® oil will also protect the deck from the inside and out. Your tired deck may need up to 3 coats to achieve the desired look.

You may consider adding a Colourtone to clear oil. There are 16 different tones available from CUTEK®, each has been specifically developed to closely match popular wood species. Adding a Colourtone is highly recommended for decks that were in bad disrepair with several boards replaced.

Top tip: Where possible, each coat is best applied at the same time to allow it to dry evenly.

How long it takes for timber deck restoration depends on its initial state. Once you’ve assessed the work involved and sourced your materials it could be possible to get the majority of your makeover finished in a day. However, you may find you need to apply second or third coats of deck oil on subsequent days.

Talk to us about how CUTEK®’s range of cleaning products and protective oils can help you to revive your tired deck in time for Summer.

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1. Inspect and rectify

Replace any loose boards and fix protruding nails. If you have potplants on your deck, check the wood underneath – and make sure they’re placed on top of blocks so they don’t trap dirt or moisture on the deck’s surface.

2. Time for a clean slate

Summer sun, spills, barbecues, and foot traffic all leave their mark on your deck. And soon it will face winter chills and rain. (Not to mention year-round bird droppings, which look terrible as well as being acidic: bad news for your timber deck surface.)

It’s important to give your deck a deep clean once a year – and winter is a great window. CUTEK®’s range of powerful wood cleaning products will restore timber to look like new, while being incredibly easy to use for swimming pool areas, timber cladding, fences and verandas. Safe and easy to use, CUTEK® cleaners and strippers work magic on stains, oxidisation, grime and grey timber.

3. A winter coat (or recoat)

Decks are particularly vulnerable to the elements – and the dreaded splitting and warping of boards. A vital ingredient for deck care, high-quality oil protection helps your timber decking maintain its great looks, stability and longevity.

CUTEK® oils penetrate deep into the wood core upon application, protecting it from the damaging effects of water and significantly increasing the life of your deck. You can allow the wood to age gracefully into a beautiful silver patina on exposure to sunlight. Or you can add a Colourtone to the clear oil, choosing from 16 options. A winter deck makeover perhaps?

4. Know your stuff

Before cleaning and oiling your deck, do your homework so you do it right. While it can be tempting to launch right in, making sure you use the right products for your wood – and follow the right process – can save time and heartache while getting the best results. The CUTEK® website makes it easy with ‘how to’ videos to guide you every step of the way.

Talk to us more about how CUTEK® oil can protect and revive your deck this winter.

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While traditional coatings may look shiny and impressive, the unfortunate truth is their beauty is often only skin deep. And that means high maintenance and big disappointments for design, building and construction professionals and their clients.

CUTEK® is different. Unlike other oils and coatings, CUTEK® diffuses deeply into the wood, to repel moisture and maintain the structural integrity of timber. It’s the professional’s choice for long-term dimensional stability.

Do you want to see why water is timber’s natural enemy, why timber is so prone to cracking, splitting, warping and rotting, and how CUTEK® products can dramatically reduce moisture’s ability to do so much damage?

It takes just over two minutes to discover this and more – watch our new video to see how it works.

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