If you’re not sure how to maintain your timber deck in the best conditions possible, then keep reading. You might have heard about applying oil to your deck for maintenance, but you don’t know the reason why. Well, let us explain to you all the benefits that regularly oiling your deck will give to your timber. It doesn’t matter if you have the best Australian wood in your deck, if you don’t take care of it, then it will get damaged.
So, stay away from unnecessary deck restorations by constantly applying a coat of oil. Maintenance will make your deck last longer and will ensure the quality of the wood for a longer period.
- Water, Dust & Dirt Out of Your Timber
Oil will act as a protective layer between your timber and the natural elements. When you apply the oil, the timber will soak it, leaving no space for water, dust and dirt to penetrate the wood. As a result of the oil coating, your deck will be in outstanding conditions for a longer period. The natural ageing of the wood will slow down.
Take into account that new decks don’t need to get oiled as soon as you get them. Some types of timbers need to weather a couple of weeks before applying the oil coating. So, talk with the professionals if you have a new deck before applying oil to it.
- Resistant to Heavy Foot Traffic
Decks are meant to be used by people. Therefore, we can assure you that your friends, family and other beloved ones will be walking on your timber. However, heavy foot traffic can damage your wood in the long term. But telling your guests that they can't walk on your deck to keep it in good condition would be crazy.
Oil will create a thin protective layer that will help you to maintain your timber flexibility. Hence, it will be less prone to get damaged due to foot traffic.
- Avoid Mould & Fungus
Doing a deck sealing with oil would be the best possible way to prevent the development of mould and fungus in your timber. Mould and fungus appear when they have a suitable environment where to grow. They need moisture, oxygen, humidity and a place to develop like timber. Removing mould can be a hard and tedious task that you will not like at all, so prevention would be your best friend.
Applying oil to your timber will prevent it becoming the perfect host for mould and fungus. Oil will avoid moisture and humidity to get into the wood and will ensure the lifespan of your deck.
- Avoid Costly Repairs
Decks that haven’t been maintained can be restored to make them look like new. Still, it will be an expensive thing to do because professionals will have to take care of the matter. For instance, they will need to sand it to get your timber smooth and ready for a sealing coat.
Oiling your deck is not expensive, compared to all the money that you can spend on restoration. Better keep your timber well-maintained before it’s too late and you need to invest money on repairs.
- Keep Your Home Appealing to Buyers
A nice outdoor space that includes a deck where potential buyers can spend time will increase the value of your property. But if you don’t keep your deck well-maintained, then it will be something that the buyers will need to take care of instead of just enjoying it. Apply oil to your deck’s timber every six or twelve months to maintain this space at its best.
Whenever you want to sell the property, your deck will be ready to be a highlight of your outdoor space. The chances to sell your home at a higher price will increase with a nice feature like this.
If you haven’t thought about oiling your deck - a must-do maintenance task, then you are committing a huge mistake. As now you know, a protective layer is needed to ensure that your timber won’t age prematurely due to the weather and natural elements. With simple oil maintenance once or twice a year, you’ll be keeping your timber amazing.
So, don’t hesitate anymore; it’s never too late to start taking proper care of your deck. You’ll love the result that a coat of oil will provide to your timber.
