Last Updated on February 20, 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 9 Best Wood Preservers
- Roxil Protection Cream (Editor’s choice)
- Cuprinol 5L Clear (Luxury choice)
- Cuprinol Ducksback (Best Value)
- Timbashield Primer (Best Water-based)
- Everbuild EVBLJCR05 (Best Clear)
- Ronseal Ultimate Protection (Best for Decks)
- Roxil Protection Liquid (Best Outdoor)
- Sikagard SKGDWPCL5 (Best Quick Drying)
- Ronseal RSLWPCL5L
Woodwork has been used as a hobby and as a full-time job by many. If you’re a seasoned woodworker or just getting started, you should consider what you use to preserve your wood. If you are a newbie, here is a simple explanation of what a wood preserver is and why it is important
A wood preserver is any material or solution used on wood to protect and prevent it from decomposition and deterioration.
It’s noteworthy to mention that wood preservers are quite different from wood oil, wax, paint or varnish. Remember that it’s always wise to preserve your wood using a preservative before adding any top-coat of paint or wood stain.
Furthermore, when shopping for the best wood preserver, ensure that you consider its longevity and ease of application. However, finding the best and effective wood preservatives outdoor and indoors can be daunting.
Since there is a wide variety of wood preservatives UK stores have to offer, you should be careful when shopping. If you’re in the market for one, here are the nine-best wood preserver reviews.
How we Compared Wood Preservers
To find the right wood preservers we considered multiple factors, including:
- Drying time
- Opaqueness
- Finish
- Ingredients
- Waterproof
Our team independently examined and compared hundreds of products to help satisfy different needs. We spent our time researching wood preservers 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.
Wood Preserver Reviews
Roxil Protection Cream (Editor’s choice)
Topping our list of the best wood preservers is the Roxil Wood Protection cream. It has an amazing formulation that is ideal for both newly sawn wood and old wooden surfaces.
This wood treatment can be used to stem the growth of algae and fungi growing on your wood surface before its application.
It’s noteworthy to mention that the effectiveness of this wood preservative can protect the wood from atmospheric elements for approximately ten years. It’s colourless in nature and doesn’t change the colour of your interior or exterior wood surfaces. Additionally, it makes wood surfaces more repellant to dust and dirt.
That being said, keep in mind that the Roxil Wood Protection Cream is the best wood preservative for fences, furniture, wooden garden, shed or wall.
Pros:
- Retains the colour of wood
- It prevents the growth of algae and fungi
- Easy to use
- Effective on softwoods and weathered hardwoods
- It reduces warping and cracking
Cons:
- You may require a few coats to get your desired effect
- It may not sit well with cedar cladding
- Some users may find it too thick and sticky
Cuprinol 5L Clear (Luxury choice)
If you’re looking for the best clear wood preserver, the Cuprinol 5L Wood Preserver is an excellent choice. This colourless wood preserver is ideal for all kinds of wood, regardless of the colour. Moreover, its low odour nature makes it suitable for both indoors and outdoor use.
With the Cuprinol 5L Wood Preserver, you can rest assured that your wooden surfaces will not only retain their natural beauty. But also, they will develop a tough, durable and weather-resistant coat on their exterior.
Furthermore, this clear wood preserver can be used as a basecoat before painting, staining or varnishing since it does not contain a UV filter. Bear in mind that the 5-litre container can cover up to 5m2 per litre with two coats. And it takes approximately three days for it to dry.
It’s noteworthy to mention that its low odour formula makes one unlikely to suffer from any allergic reactions while using it.
Pros:
- It helps in preventing decay and wood rot.
- Easy to use
- Suitable for interior wood and for exterior use
- It can be used as a base coat before varnishing, painting or staining
- It’s colourless
Cons:
- It contains sensitizing substances that may cause allergic reactions
- Some users may find it to be too runny
- This wood preserver may lack a UV filter
Cuprinol Ducksback (Best Value)
The Cuprinol Ducksback wood preserver is one of the best wood preservers with a low odour compared to its counterparts.
It boasts a waxy nature that enhances the wood’s waterproof ability and its resistance to dust. Moreover, this wood preserver makes wooden surfaces smooth and easy to clean.
This preservative is suitable for users looking for a coloured wood preserver that adds an aesthetic appeal to their woodwork.
Bear in mind that the product is not only available in various colourways- forest oak, forest green, autumn brown, harvest brown and rich cedar. But also, it dries very quickly and can be applied using a fence sprayer.
On the flip side, this wood preserver lacks a clear version, which may leave you torn between colours. Also, applying a waterproof finish on this preservative can be pretty tiresome if the shade doesn’t match your preference or style.
Pros:
- This wood preserver helps prevent rots and decay
- Low odour formula
- Easy to apply and quick to dry
- Can withstand the test of time
- It restores and enhances the appearance of fences, sheds and other woodworks.
Cons:
- Some users may find it to be too watery
- It may not be suitable for outdoors
- It might wash off in the rain
Timbashield Primer (Best Water-based)
The Timbashield Water Based Primer is an excellent water-based wood preservative that prevents the discolouration and destruction of wood caused by dampness and moulds.
Bear in mind that this wood preserver helps maintain the colour of any wooden surface it’s applied on. It also acts as an excellent pre-treatment for non-resistance wood.
Not only does this wood preserver makes wood repellant against destructive insects that feed on wood grain. But also it penetrates inside the wood, making it waterproof.
This water-based wood preserver can also act as an undercoat as it provides a robust adhesive top-coat surface that allows one to paint wood. It’s noteworthy to mention that this wood preserver is compatible with almost all types of paints.
Furthermore, the Timbashield Water Based Primer can give your wooden surfaces long-lasting protection if the coating is applied well. It also has a quick-drying time.
Pros:
- Ideal as an undercoat for all types of paint
- Dries-quickly
- It’s a water-based wood preserver
- Protects wood from wood boring insects
- Can protect, preserve and improve adhesion of paint on any wooden surface
Cons:
- It might not be suitable for treated wood
- This wood preserver may not sit well with damp wood
- It may not be suitable for driftwood
Everbuild EVBLJCR05 (Best Clear)
If you’re looking for the best solvent-based wood preserver that can be used around plants or your greenhouse, the Everbuild EVBLJCR05 is a solid choice.
This low odour clear liquid uses micro-fine active technology to penetrate deep into the wood and spread evenly. This, in turn, gives wooden surfaces long-lasting protection, and it also makes them cladding-fade resistant.
The Everbuild EVBLJCR05 wood treatment contains fungicides and algicides that help restrict any organic growth on your wood surface or structure. Furthermore, it dries quickly, and it’s non-flammable. Bear in mind that it will still maintain its high performance even when applied on wet wood.
Last but not least, this wood preserver is available in a wide variety of colours-dark oak, fir green, and red cedar. And it can be easily applied using a garden sprayer. Once it has dried up, one can apply wood paint or varnish over it.
Pros:
- It can be used on damp timber
- Ideal for both internal and external use
- Available in different colourways for different woods
- It comes with micro-fine active technology
- It can be used to treat both dry and wet rots
Cons:
- It might cause allergic reactions
- Some users may find opening it to be quite a challenge
- It may not be water-repellant
Ronseal Ultimate Protection (Best for Decks)
The Ronseal RSLUDONC5L Ultimate Protection Decking Oil is the best wood preserver specifically manufactured for wooden decks. Not only does this wood protective treatment fortify the deck against foot traffic. It also helps in the prevention of decay while increasing the deck’s durability.
This wood preserver is made with a unique formula that ensures it penetrates easily into the wood and enhances its waterproof ability. Moreover, it also dries quickly and leaves behind a slightly tinted finish that makes the deck more appealing.
It’s important to mention that the Ronseal RSLUDONC5L Ultimate Protection Decking Oil can be applied as a top-coat for a more detailed and colourful appearance, so if you’re looking for the best wood preserver for your deck, settle for this!
Pros:
- Prevents wood rot and decay
- Increases the durability of the wood
- Works well on pre-treated decking
- Water repellent
- Deep penetrating formula
Cons:
- It may not be suitable for a spray gun
- The coat may peel off after sometime
- Its application may not be suitable in damp conditions
Roxil Protection Liquid (Best Outdoor)
If you’re looking for the best wood treatment for sheds, the Roxil Wood Protection Liquid is an excellent choice.
This wood preservative contains water repellant resins that protect the exterior of the wood from woodworm infestation, fungal attacks, dry rot and wet rot. It can also be used on softwood and weather timbers like red-cedar trees, forest oak or dark oak wood.
As one of the best exterior wood preservatives, Roxil Wood Protection Liquid not only makes your wood water repellant but will also prevent it from discolouration from the sun.
This wood protection liquid also prevents your wood from wrapping. It’s noteworthy to mention that the full water repellency of this product can take up to one month to build up.
The Roxil Wood Protection Liquid is easy to use as it can be applied using a brush or sprayer. Bear in mind that two coatings of this wood preserver can guarantee long-lasting protection for the preserved wood. Furthermore, this wood preserver does not affect the colour of any coated wood.
Pros:
- Easy brush or spray application
- It can be used to enhance the natural beauty of wood
- Durable and water-resistant
- It improves the wood’s dimensional stability and protects it from wrapping
- Reduced organic growth of algae and mould
Cons:
- Some users may not sit well with its non-smooth finish
- Its waterproof quality might not build over time
- Some users may find it to be too watery
Sikagard SKGDWPCL5 (Best Quick Drying)
Compared to a standard spirit based wood preserver, the Sikagard SKGDWPCL5 wood preserver provides long last protection from dry rot, wet rot, fungi and decay.
This fast-drying wood preserver can be applied on planned wood or rough sawn timber. It is also suitable for wet timber and can be applied in wet conditions without losing its performance.
This wood preserver can be applied to garden furniture, window frame, wooden door, and a wooden fence. It is suitable for interior and exterior use.
The Sikagard SKGDWPCL5 wood preserver boasts micro-emulsion technology that allows it to penetrate deeper into the wood grains.
It’s noteworthy to mention that this wood preserver should be used before any additional treatment such as wood stain or paint is applied to the wooden surface. Furthermore, it is suitable for all kinds of wood, and it has a longevity of about three to five years.
Pros:
- It can be used indoors and outdoors
- Suitable for both rough sawn or planed timbers
- It prevents rots and decays
- Works well with both damp and dry wood
- Prevents timber from wood boring insects
Cons:
- It may take more time to dry up compared to other wood preservers
- Some users may find it to be too thin
- An additional top-coat may be required
Ronseal RSLWPCL5L
Are you looking for the best oil-based wood preserver that not only kills woodworms but also prevents rot and decay on your wood? The Ronseal RSLUDONC5L is your go-to solution. Not only is it suitable for non-smooth and smooth timber, but also it can be used as a pre-treatment for untreated wood.
The clear nature of this wood preserver makes it suitable to be used on both interior and exterior wood. This wood treatment penetrates deep into the wood and repairs damage. It also prolongs the wood’s shelf life. Furthermore, it can be used as a primer for the exterior of any wooden surface before painting.
The Ronseal RSLUDONC5L clear wood preserver can be applied using a brush or sprayed depending on the user’s preference. Bear in mind that the correct application will make your wood durable, hence providing you with several years of service.
Pros:
- It can be used to prevent wood stains
- It kills woodworms
- Prevents the decomposition and deterioration of sheds, fences, window frames and other woodworks
- It retains the colour of wood
- Works well with both smooth and rough timber
Cons:
- It might not be ultimately weather repellant
- Its spout might be pretty messy
- It contains chemicals that may cause allergic reactions
Benefits of Wood Preservatives
Here are some of the most important benefits of using wood protectors on furniture, woodworks or architectural exterior.
Acts as a Repellent to Wood Boring Insects
From carpenter ants to powder ants, wood is known to attract bugs. However, with a good wood preserver, you can repel these tiny destructive insects from nibbling into your precious furniture, decks and walls.
Prevent Rot and Growth of Mould and Algae
Bear in mind that the rotting of wood is contributed by various factors, such as seeping water into the crevices of wood. However, the best wood preserver will not only prevent your wood from rotting but also it will increase its longevity.
Not only can algae and mould damage one’s health severely, but they also cause a house to have an unpleasant odour. Keep in mind that wood with a higher propensity to absorb moisture can lead to algae and mould growth.
However, the best wood preservatives come with added algaecide that helps prevent your wood from growing algae and mould.
What to Consider When Buying a Wood Preserver
Here are some of the essential factors that you should consider when shopping for the best wood preservatives UK stores have to offer.
Drying Time
Whether you’re shopping for a wood preservative for a DIY project or something professional, it’s always wise to consider its drying time.
In addition, people who reside in humid climate areas should always settle for products that have a shorter or quick drying time. Keep in mind that most wood protectors take approximately two days to achieve that final finished look.
Opaqueness
While the number of coatings is just as crucial as the drying time, ensure that you settle for a wood preservative that doesn’t require you to apply several coats to achieve your desired results.
Finish
Apart from choosing between a matte or a satin finish, always consider checking the product’s longevity. Bear in mind that wood preservers aren’t like paints and varnish.
Wood treatments can plunge the aesthetic of your wooden works or items. So it’s always advisable to settle for a wood preservative with a sturdy finish that looks and feels smooth.
Ingredients
While the idea of checking the ingredients of wood preservatives might not cross your mind, going through the ingredients list allows you to settle for the ideal product that sits well with your needs.
It’s noteworthy to mention that most manufacturers add algaecide to the formula of wood preservatives. However, this is not the case for all brands.
Always ensure that you give the products label a thorough scan before settling for it since you don’t want to end up with a preservative that lacks any essential ingredient.
Waterproof
When shopping for a wood preserver, it’s always essential to consider its waterproof properties. Bear in mind that not all wood preserves come with water repellent properties. However, settling for wood treatment with waterproof properties prevents your wood from rotting and decaying.
Treating Untreated Wood for Outdoor Use
Before you begin treating your wood, ensure that it’s clean and dry. This will ease up the application process and ensure that you get the best results.
Procced to read out detailed manufacturers guidelines and adhere to the instructions outlined in the instruction manual since different wood preservers have different instructions.
In some instances, you might find there are various time intervals in which the coats should be applied, whereas some may only require a one or two-coat application.
So whether you are looking forward to treating your wooden furniture, garden furniture, or decks, ensure that you preserve them during summer or spring. On the flip side, wood preservers that can be used on damp timber and are rain repellant can be used on winter or rainy days.
Conclusion
That is it for the best wood preserver reviews. Each of these wood preserves makes an excellent choice. But if you’ve read through our reviews on the best wood preservers and you would like to know our overall winner-we recommend settling for our editors choice- the Roxil Wood Protection Cream.
It boasts of retaining your wood’s colour, and its effect allows it to protect the wood from atmospheric elements for approximately ten years. It also makes your wooden surfaces more resistant to dust and dirt.
The Roxil Wood Protection Cream works well with both newly sawn wood, old wood surfaces and structures. Lastly, due to its thickness, a single coating is fairly enough to provide maximum wood protection.
Additional Resources
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.
