Decking oils come in clear and coloured formulations and often offer UV protection and slip resistance. Relatively easy to apply, these oils deeply penetrate the surface of wooden decks where they work to protect the timber from the inside out. Decking oils are highly resistant to water and dirt, making them an ideal protective finish for all kinds of wooden decks.
A range of decking oil formulations and brands are available, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Below is our pick for the best decking oils available in Australia to protect your deck from sun damage, water damage, and more. We’ve also included a helpful buyer’s guide so that you can choose the best decking oil for a beautiful and long-lasting finish.
1. Feast Watson Matt Decking Oil (Top Pick)
Feast Watson Decking Oil has a hard-wearing semi-transparent finish with a lower sheen for a natural look that protects timber from the elements. This matt look deck formula contains a water-based mould-resistant oil that can penetrate timber deeply as it seals and protects the surface.
Additionally, this decking oil is UV resistant so it weathers naturally without peeling or flaking. Other key features include a hybrid formula technology, fast dry properties, water wash-up capability, and a lower sheen for an all-natural look. Keep in mind that while this decking oil is easy to apply, it must be layered evenly to avoid pooling or streaking.
What We Like:
- UV and mould resistant
- Hybrid formula technology
- Less sheen for a natural look
- Fast drying
What We Don’t Like:
- Must be layered carefully
2. Intergrain UltraDeck Water Based Decking Oil
This water-based Intergrain UltraDeck Timber Oil is an extremely long-lasting option that offers you deep penetrating protection. A high-performance formula, this water-based coating has been designed to naturally enhance the colour of any timber deck surface. It gives your wood a natural-looking finish and does a great job of guarding against weather and wear.
This decking oil is also resistant to abrasive foot traffic, meaning that even heavily trodden areas will be well protected. It’s easy to apply and comes at a good price as well. If you’re looking for a long-lasting natural-looking decking oil, this is a great option to consider. It’s important to note that this oil may deposit warm colour tones to very dry wood. To prevent this, test a small area before coating your deck. That way, you can avoid any unwanted colouration.
What We Like:
- Abrasion resistant
- Long-lasting
- Natural-looking
- All-season formula
What We Don’t Like:
- May impart warm colour tones
3. Organoil Tung Oil Decking Oil
Organoil Tung Oil Decking Oil works to preserve and rejuvenate timber decks. It’s easy to apply using either a brush or lambswool. This decking oil will work to protect, nourish, and waterproof your deck as it deeply absorbs starting at the grain surface and working its way downward. Plus, it’s suitable for all exterior timber applications. There are many advantages to using Tung oil, especially if you have older wood to treat.
This decking oil is totally natural. Since it’s made of all-natural ingredients, it makes an eco-friendly and safe oil treatment solution. In summary, this decking oil is best for anyone looking for not only a natural look, but true all-natural protection and waterproofing. Additionally, if you have an older deck, this is a great choice to consider.
What We Like:
- Ideal for older wood
- All-natural Tung oil
- Waterproofs and protects
- Fully absorbs and nourishes
What We Don’t Like:
- Must be reapplied intermittently
4. Spa-N-Deck Acrylic Wood Finish
Spa-N-Deck Acrylic Wood Finish implements an advanced coating formula that can be applied to wet wood. As such, you can move from cleaning your deck to coating it without wasting any time in-between. It’s also made with 100% Acrylic ingredients for extreme durability. To give you an idea, this is the same acrylic used in aircraft windshields.
Spa-N-Deck won’t crack, peel, flake, or fade even under harsh climate conditions. On vertical surfaces, it lasts for two years while on horizontal surfaces it can last for up to 4. This means that it’s a great option for weatherboards and fences. Additionally, this coating lasts 3 to 5 times longer than traditional decking oils. Finally, Spa-N-Deck Acrylic finishes come in 7 pre-mixed colours with custom mixes available as well.
With that in mind, this wood finish must be applied in three coats. This process can require specific timing to avoid blotches and unevenly coated areas. However, if you carefully follow the instructions, Spa-N-Deck makes an attractive and durable wood finish option.
What We Like:
- Extremely durable
- Works for decks, weatherboards, and fences
- Comes in pre-mixed and customizable colours
- Can be applied to wet wood
What We Don’t Like:
- Time-consuming application process
5. Cutek CD50 Decking Oil
Cutek CD50 wood oil can be applied as a clear oil or mixed with 10 colour tones. It works to protect your timber from moisture damage and minimises warping, cupping, and splitting. This is an efficient and cost-effective option for most pre-treated timber and does a great job of preserving wood for up to two years.
The clear coat offers a natural silver patina and the colour toned coats keep your wood looking freshly oiled. Keep in mind that Cutek CD50 should not be used on bamboo or acetylated wood. However, for most other woods, it’s a great choice to consider. Plus, it comes at a good overall price.
What We Like:
- Cost-effective
- Clear and coloured coat variants available
- Protects from water damage
What We Don’t Like:
- Does not work for all wood
6. British Paints Timber Protect Decking Oil
With an oil-based formula that has minimal odour, this fast-drying decking oil is suitable for the timber decking of patios, porches, and more. It does a great job of highlighting your timber’s natural aesthetic and provides plenty of long-lasting protection. It also helps with UV protection and reduces the chance of your wood cracking, peeling, splitting, or blistering.
This formula is dirt and mould resistant and penetrates deeply and effectively. All in all, this is one of the best decking oils for flat surfaces that get a lot of sun exposure. While one coating will help to protect your deck, after the allotted drying time, we recommend applying a second and even third coat for more effective protection. As long as you don’t mind adding a few coats, this is a great option to consider.
What We Like:
- UV and mould resistant
- Deep penetrating
- Low odour
- Fast drying
What We Don’t Like:
- Might require a few coats
7. Wattyl Weatherguard Water Based Decking Oil
Wattyl is a top brand of exterior oils in Australia. This particular water-based oil from Wattyl has a low odour output and is easy to apply and clean up. It works very well for both brand new wood or previously treated timber. So, if your old deck has a few coats of something else on it, you can still use Wattyl Weathergaurd Decking Oil.
This weatherproofing oil protects timber from the elements and provides deep penetrating and long-lasting performance. It also provides excellent UV protection and actively resists and repels mould and fungus. If you want to go with something trusted and user-approved, this is a good option to think about. However, like many other deep penetrating products, when oiling decking, it’s wise to test a small area first. That way, you can make sure you’ll like the colour tones this oil creates.
What We Like:
- Trusted brand
- UV, mould, and fungus protection
What We Don’t Like:
- Users have reported mixed results on some types of wood
8. Intergrain Nature’s Timber Exterior Deck Oil
Intergrain Nature’s Timber Oil is a fantastic option for anyone who wants a natural-looking semi-transparent finish. It implements a deep penetrating oil formula that’s great for timber decking and can even be used on garden furniture. It’s fast-drying and works to prevent cracking, peeling, and blistering as well.
Plus, this natural formula contains Tung oil. Tung oil naturally penetrates deeply into timber, providing excellent durability and absorption. This timber deck oil consists of 95% naturally-derived raw ingredients made from renewable resources. So, if you want something environmentally friendly, this is one of the best options.
What We Like:
- Natural looking finish
- Natural ingredients
What We Don’t Like:
- Care must be taken making sure excess is wiped off the surface
Decking Oil Buyer’s Guide
Now that you’ve seen some of the best decking oil options, here’s a buyer’s guide to answer some of your questions.
Water-Based vs Oil Based Products
Decking oils can be either water-based or oil-based. While water-based oil formulas are newer, they seem to be just as effective as traditional oil-based formulas. Oil-based products are known to penetrate deeply and provide moisture resistance, whereas water-based formulas are usually fungus and mould resistant.
Both options will work well, depending on your deck type, the age of your wood, and what properties matter most to you personally.
Deck Oiling Coats
Most decking oil should be applied in at least two coats. Even though there are a few one coat products available, we highly recommend opting for at least two coats.
As always, read the instructions on any product you buy and follow them. Generally, though, you can expect to apply two coats to achieve fresh and well-oiled looking results.
Application and Drying Time
To apply decking oil, you will need to use a brush or lambswool applicator. It’s best to have an applicator with a long sturdy handle accessible so that you can evenly coat those hard to reach areas. You’ll paint each coat onto wood using smooth and even strokes. Just like with paint, it’s important to wait for each layer to dry completely before applying a new one.
Unlike paint, decking oil gets absorbed deeply into the surface of the wood. So, after the first coat dries, it’s best to wait twice as long before adding the second coat. The same goes for adding a third coat. This is very important, as applying a second or third coat too quickly can cause blotches, streaks, and pooling. To get the best possible results, you might even consider waiting a couple days after the second coat before applying a third.
