Is your deck’s surface in need of a bit of a refresh but you’re not sure if you should use a decking oil or stain? Below, we list the difference between decking oil vs stain to help you determine what product is right for your deck.  

Haymes Paint was founded in Australia by the Haymes family almost 90 years ago. Each Haymes generation has taken care to hand on the commitment and passion for crafting quality products for the next generation. We offer a wide range of paints including interior & exterior paints, an artisan collection and paints for textured & timber finishes. If you’re not sure whether to use decking oil vs stain, here is some info that will help: 

Timber Oil Vs Stain: What Are The Differences? 

Ultimately, when choosing between decking oil vs stain - the product you choose will come down to the finish you’re after, what type of wood you’re coating and how much protection your decking requires.  

The main difference between decking oil vs stain is that stain changes the colour of your timber whereas oil imparts a wet look leaving you with a matt finish on the timber.

If the timber used for your decking is something like Merbau or Jarrah, you may be more inclined to use an oil to enhance the beauty of these timbers, whereas if your decking is made of treated pine, a stain may be a better way to go. 

Stains also require regular inspections and should be recoated at first observation. A stain will also last longer than an oil. A stain is ideal for timbers such as Treated Pine.

When deciding between timber oil vs stain, remember - if you’re looking for a matte or natural product, you’ll be wanting to use an oil. If you want to change the colour or tone - decking stain is what you’re after. 

Pros and Cons of Stain

Benefits of decking stain: 

• Changes the look or colour of your timber
• You have a wide range of colours or stains to choose from
• Offers higher protection from UV rays 
• Easy to apply using a deck brush
• Learn how to coat a deck for more information
• Quick drying
• Adds a protective layer between the wood and any debris that may cause damage to your deck
• To guard against the harsh Australian conditions
• Helps prevent mould and algae

Disadvantages of decking stain: 

• Decking stain can be more susceptible to cracking and peeling, especially if not applied correctly
• If you need to remove it, you’ll need to strip it off your deck which can take a lot of work
• Therefore you have to commit to maintaining a decking stain
• Decking stains can hide the features of natural timber 
• This is because decking stains can achieve a thick build-up over the years which can hide the natural features of the timber
• Eventually, it would need to be stripped and recoated

Pros and Cons of Oil

Benefits of decking oil: 

• A little goes a long way - you don’t need a lot to cover a large area
• Enhances the natural features of timber
• Helps to prevent your deck from warping, splitting and cracking
• Repels water and protects timber from mould, algae and UV damage 
• Helps to protect against water damage 
• Quick and easy to apply 

Disadvantages of decking oil: 

• Decking oil is not suitable for all types of timber so you’ll need to double check it’s suitable for the timber used on your deck 
• Need to reapply every 4-6 months in a fully exposed environment
• If you want to paint over the oil with a stain, you’ll need to strip it off as the oil will prevent the stain from adhering to the timber

As you can see, there are a few differences between timber oil vs stain. If you’re still unsure what to use your local Haymes paint stockists will be able to guide you in the right direction.

Talk To The Experts About Timber Oil Vs Stain

To find out more about decking oil vs stain, speak to your local Haymes Paint experts. They will be able to answer all your questions and help you choose the best product for your project. Use our Store Finder to find your nearest Haymes Paint stockist. 

Shop Haymes Deck Stain Today

Ready to start your deck staining project? Buy Woodcare Dexpress Deck & Timber Stain online with your preferred colour (choose from 20+ colour options). Enjoy click and collect in 2 hours from select Haymes Paint Shops, or free delivery for overs over $150.