Last Updated on February 15, 2022
Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.
Top 10 Best Decking Oils
- Ronseal Ultimate Protection (Editor’s Choice)
- Rustins 5L Danish (Luxury Choice)
- Roxil Wood Protection Liquid (Best Value)
- Liberon DOMO5L 5L (Best with UV Filters)
- Cuprinol Exterior Woodcare (Best for Spray Application)
- Ronseal Nourishing 5l (Best Mould Resistant)
- Rye 25L Softwood Treatment (Best Large Capacity)
- Osmo Colourless Teak (Best Clear)
- Furniture Clinic Clear (Best Nourishing)
- Manns Premier UV (Best for all Woods)
If you have been gazing out of your window at your faded and cracking decking, then you are probably at the point when it is time to spruce up the appearance of your garden without having to spend a great deal of money by treating your decks to a lick of oil or stain!
It’s a job that you can do without needing to bring in the professionals and is as straightforward as choosing a colour, picking up your paintbrush, and off you go! Well, nearly. Many DIY mishaps happen because the right product isn’t selected at the start of the project.
Preparing your decking and then painting it isn’t a 5-minute task, and it would be highly exasperating to spend all that time and effort, let alone money, and then find out that you need to redo it all because you didn’t select the right decking oil for the job!
But we are here to help, so we have set out our top 10 desking oils along with our buyer’s guide’s tips and considerations for you to understand the different types of deck oil on the market and what the pros and cons are to each.
How We Compared Decking Oils
To find the right decking oils we considered multiple factors including:
- Water-based or solvent
- Type of wood
- Application
- Durability
Our team independently examined and compared hundreds of products to help satisfy different needs. We spent our time researching decking oils and consulting customer reviews to ultimately bring you what, in our opinion, are the best options on the market right now.
To find out more about our editorial process, take a look here.
Decking Oil Reviews
Ronseal Ultimate Protection (Editor’s Choice)
The clue is in the name of this product. It really is the ultimate protection for your wood decking. The decking oil provides decking protection and replenishes natural oils lost through ageing and the effects of the weather to prevent your decking from greying and cracking.
The decking oil gives a natural-looking finish to enhance the natural beauty of your wood and can be applied with the wood grain with either a brush or roller. Once applied, the drying time is 4 hours before another coat can be applied. Two coats are recommended to achieve optimum protection against weathering and foot traffic. Although this Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Oil takes 4 hours to fully dry, it is rainproof within 90 minutes.
One litre of the decking oil will cover 8 m², and it is a water-based Linseed Oil, so environmentally sound. In addition, the decking treatment is said to last twice as long as the competitor’s finish!
This is not a clear decking oil but is described as having a natural finish, so it may not be the product for you if you are looking for a completely clear oil.
Pros:
- Flexible application with either brush or roller
- Water-based linseed oil
- Rainproof within 90 minutes
- UV protection maintains colour for a long time
- Nourishes as well as protects
Cons:
- Coverage may not be as good as described
- It has a slight colouring and is not clear
Rustins 5L Danish (Luxury Choice)
The Rustins 5 litre Danish Oil is a high-grade decking oil that is also suitable for your shed. It can be used internally on kitchen worktops, for instance, as well as outside on decking or outdoor furniture. In addition, this quality decking oil forms a waterproof layer on the decking’s surface, preventing water penetration.
Once applied, it brings out the beautiful colours and patterns of the wood grain and leaves a perfect low lustre finish to your wood, rather than drying to a gloss finish. Its durability is worth mentioning, as well as its resilience against bad weather.
One litre of oil should provide 14 m² of coverage, and a minimum of three coats are required for use on exterior wood.
One thing to note is that it has a drying time of 6 hours which is longer than some other products in this review.
Pros:
- Easy application
- It gives a lustre finish
- Compatible for all types of wood
- It can be used on internal and external woods
Cons:
- May cause irritation
- Toxic to aquatic life
- Minimum of three coats required
Roxil Wood Protection Liquid (Best Value)
The Roxil decking treatment is suitable for softwood decking and weathered hardwoods. It is made from a water-based silicone emulsion that protects the surface of the wood from water ingress and prevents it from warping or splitting.
The wood protection liquid has an impressive 10 year effectiveness period, making it an incredibly good value for money! In addition, the decking paint prevents the growth of rot or mould but is a non-biocidal product, so it is not harmful to the environment.
It can be applied using a brush, roller or spray gun and requires two coats. Unlike many other decking oils or stains, the second coat should be applied while the first one is still wet, if possible, within 30 minutes of doing the first coat.
Something to note is that this decking protector develops its water repellence over the course of a month and should not be applied when rain is forecast.
Pros:
- It prevents wood from warping
- Silicone emulsion
- Strong waterproof ability
- It prevents the growth of algae and mould
- It lasts for 10 years or more
Cons:
- Full waterproofing develops over the course of a month
- It can be difficult to apply with a brush; a sprayer may be preferable.
Liberon DOMO5L 5L (Best with UV Filters)
This decking oil by Liberon has UV filters to protect and prevent the wood from fading. It is versatile and can be used on wooden decking, garden furniture, sheds, hot tub surrounds or gates. It provides protection against the elements, making the wood water resistant whilst also accentuating its natural colour and appearance.
You apply decking oil using a brush, spray or a roller and can reapply with just 15 minutes between the coats of oil. You can continue to apply coats to the decking surface until it no longer absorbs the oil. Additionally, it will fully dry within 24 hours once you stop applying coats.
The Liberon decking oil comes as clear or in three different tinted oil shades if you prefer coloured decking oils. One litre of this decking oil will cover between 8 and 10 m² depending on how thickly it is applied. Once you have completed applying decking oil, brushes need to be cleaned down with white spirit as this is not a water-based product.
Please note that this should only be used in well-ventilated areas and not inside a shed. For instance, the decking oil may cause irritation if it comes into contact with the skin.
Pros:
- Easy to apply
- UV filters to prevent the wood from fading
- Can apply another coat within 15 minutes
- Suitable for use on lots of different wood surfaces
- Water-resistant
Cons:
- Not water-based, so it requires white spirit to clean brushes
- May darken the appearance of wood even when using the clear version
- Recommended to reapply every year
Cuprinol Exterior Woodcare (Best for Spray Application)
This decking oil by Cuprinol works brilliantly with any of their sprayers to apply a thin and even layer onto your garden decking. The oil then works to enhance the wood’s natural colour and give UV protection, preventing the wood from fading in colour over time.
The decking oil is also manufactured to nourish wood by replenishing oils lost to the effects of wind and rain. It can be applied to hard or softwood and is perfect for wooden garden furniture as well as decking and fencing.
This UV guard decking oil can be applied with a brush or sprayer and requires two coats for the perfect finish. You need to allow 4 to 6 hours between decking treatments to enable it to dry. One litre of the decking oil should do up to 10 m².
This water-based oil has a low VOC content, making it environmentally friendly and easy to clean brushes off after use.
It is worth that it is not a completely clear oil but has some added pigment which offers UV protection.
Pros:
- UV protection to prevent fading
- Easy to apply with a sprayer
- Enhances the natural look of wood
- Water-based decking oil
- Replenishes wood
Cons:
- Requires 4 to 6 hours to dry
- Two coats are needed for best results
- May darken your wood as it is not a clear oil
Ronseal Nourishing 5l (Best Mould Resistant)
This Ronseal decking oil works well to protect the decking from mould, fungus and mildew growth and also from the sun’s UV rays which can fade wood to a grey colour.
The decking oil comes in a tin with a pouring handle and a re-sealable lid, making it so much easier to handle than many comparison decking oils on the market. Additionally, it is easily applied using either a brush or a roller, making sure the oil permeates the wood before moving on. Two coats are recommended for a finish that protects decking from foot traffic and natural environmental elements.
The decking oil works to replenish the lost oils from the wood, enhancing its natural appearance. This is not a clear oil, and its finish is called natural, having some colour pigments in the liquid.
One thing to note is that the drying time between applications is 6 hours and then another 24 hours after the final coat before any furniture can be moved back onto the decking. It is also a solvent-based decking oil and has a high VOC level. You will need white spirit to clean off brushes and any spills.
Pros:
- Pro 1
- Pro 2
- Pro 3
Cons:
- Con 1
- Con 2
- Con 3
Rye 25L Softwood Treatment (Best Large Capacity)
This is one of the best decking oils to buy if you have a large area of decking or fence to treat. It comes in a large 25 l bottle, and 1 litre will cover 4 m². You can apply this decking oil to your wood boards with a brush, roller or sprayer. If it is too thick for a sprayer, it can be thinned with white spirit.
It is suitable for softwood decking on woods such as pine, yew, cedar, redwood and larch, but please note that it will not work so well for hardwood decking such as oak due to its high level of tannins. This decking oil protects the wood against algae and fungus and against UV rays from the sun, which can make it fade to a grey colour.
It works to penetrate the wood’s surface and extend the lifespan of your decking by keeping it supple and preventing it from splitting, peeling or flaking.
Another great benefit of this decking oil is that it only requires one coat and should last for between 3 and 4 years before another application is needed.
Pros:
- Large 25 l bottle
- Easy application
- It will last between 3 and 4 years
- Ideal for softwood
- Protects against fungus and algae
Cons:
- Not suitable for hardwood decking
- May give wood a wet look
- May smell for quite a period of time after application
Osmo Colourless Teak (Best Clear)
This really is a clear decking oil that will only enhance and protect the natural beauty of your decking. Unlike other coloured decking oil, this will not darken or make your wood change to a yellow or orange hue.
It has great coverage at 24 m² per litre, so it will really go far if you have a large decking area to tackle! If it is raw wood you are treating, you will need to do two coats, but on already treated wood that you are resealing, then one coat is sufficient.
The decking oil offers protection against fungal, mould or algae growth on your deck surface. This product by Osmo has a high VOC level, and white spirit should be used to clean up any spillages and your brushes after applying the decking oil.
One thing to be mindful of with this product is that it does have a long drying time of 12 hours. On most wood, unless it is untreated, you will only need one coat, so it is just one wait of 12 hours, but it is still longer than many other decking oils in our review.
Pros:
- Prevents mould and fungus
- Clear with no colour pigment
- One coat on previously treated wood
- Large coverage area
- Suitable for decking and garden furniture
Cons:
- Long drying time of 12 hours
- Does darken wood by giving it a slight wet look
- It may have a strong smell at first
Furniture Clinic Clear (Best Nourishing)
This is the best decking oil for providing nourishment to your deck surface. It soaks in deeply and helps protect against splitting, warping and cracking. It dries to a hard satin texture and won’t flake or peel. Additionally, it is suitable for hardwood decking as well as softwood and will bring out the natural grain in your wood.
The decking oil contains UV protective filters to prevent the wood from fading and greying in the sun’s rays and also provides a barrier to mildew, mould and fungus. It is a great decking oil to protect against wear and tear from foot traffic as well as the elements.
Your decking should be showerproof within 2 hours of applying the oil, fully dry, and ready for a second coat after 4 hours. The oil is applied using a cloth or brush, and the brush will need to be cleaned with white spirit as it is not water-based.
This product is poisonous if ingested, and cloths should be disposed of carefully.
Pros:
- Provides UV protection
- Nourishes wood to prevent splitting
- Impedes mould and mildew growth
- Showerproof in 2 hours
- Suitable for hard and softwoods
Cons:
- It may cause an allergic reaction and is poisonous if ingested
- Four hours between coats
- Need white spirit to clean brushes
Manns Premier UV (Best for all Woods)
With this particular oil, you don’t need to check what kind of wood your decking or fences are made of, as it is suitable for any outdoor wood, hard or soft. It can cover up to 10 m² per litre and is applied using a suitable brush. Two coats are recommended to achieve the perfect finish and give the best decking protection.
This product comes in a clear finish, or there are three oil colours to select from. It provides protection from the weather, from frost and rain to UV rays which can cause wood to be grey in colour. In addition, it permeates deep into the wood and prevents it from splitting or warping by restoring the wood’s natural oils.
One downside to this decking oil is that it can take up to 12 hours to dry, and that is the recommended wait time between applications. Because it is solvent-based rather than water, they do tend to take longer to dry.
Pros:
- Suitable for all types of wood
- Protects against UV rays
- It prevents wood from warping
- The oil comes in three different colours or clear
- Good coverage per litre
Cons:
- Drying time of up to 12 hours between coats and once completed
- High VOC content Two coats required
Buyer’s Guide
There are a number of things to consider when purchasing the best decking oil for you out there on the market. It is not quite as simple as finding a colour that you like and getting started. Factors such as the type of wood you want to treat, the condition of the wood, the finish you are looking to achieve and how long you want it to last are all things to consider. Below, we have set out some of the key questions to answer to help you choose the right deck oil for you:
Water-Based or Solvent
Decking stain comes in two main types, water-based or solvent. Water-based are more environmentally friendly and tend to be easy to apply as they are easily cleaned if splashes occur, and brushes can be washed in water and washing liquid. Solvent-based decking oils require white spirits to clean and tend to have a high VOC level, which can be harmful to the environment.
Solvent-based deck oils tend to take longer to fully dry but may give longer-lasting protection to the wood.
Type of Wood
Some of the best decking oils are only suitable for certain types of wood, hardwood or soft, so it is always worth checking what wood your decking is made of before you start on your decking renovation project.
Additionally, some of the best decking oils are suitable for use on fence panels, sheds and other types of exterior wood, such as furniture, so you can get a lot for your money by purchasing one of these oils.
Application
How large is the decking area that you want to stain? Why? Because not all oils and stains are suitable for spray application, and if they are not, you will be painting by brush or roller, which will be time-consuming if you have a large area to do.
Long-Lasting?
Are you someone who likes to freshen up your decking every spring, or is this a maintenance job that you hate and want to do it as infrequently as possible? Well, some of our top 10 oils will last for just 1 year, and some are good for up to 10 years before you have to redo them! So just choose the one that works for you.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this review has helped provide the information and advice you need to find the best decking oil UK stores have to offer. However, if you’re still struggling to choose the right one out of the many fence paints on offer, you can try our Editor’s Choice – the Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Oil.
This is water-based and made with linseed oil technology that is environmentally kind and easy to apply with either a brush or a roller. It has a really quick drying time, being waterproof within 90 minutes.
The oil protects your deck wood, nourishing it by replenishing lost oils, and prevents the suns rays from causing the colour of your natural wood to fade. The decking oil contains a colour pigment and is not completely clear, but this is what gives it its UV protective qualities. One glance at the decking oil review will convince you about this product!
We hope your decking will be the envy of all of your neighbours!
Additional Resources
- Best Wood Preserver
- Best Patio Cleaner
- Best Solar Decking Light
- Best Fence Sprayer
- Best Knapsack Sprayer
Nicole has a passion for everything about the home – especially decor. She loves to add new touches and style to every part of the house. Join her as she documents her ideas at Home & Style.
