Decking stain vs. Oil

[The Funktopus]

Gents,

I’m looking to do something with my decking, just to tide it over until next year when I’ll be getting it replaced with a patio. Which would be better to use, oil or staining? The deck was previously stained before, but big patches of it had cracked and flaked off, while most of what was left of it has lifted off while I’ve been brushing, scrubbing and pressure washing the deck (I used my Karcher K2 with the control nozzle on the soft setting).

So, should I oil it, or stain it again? And is there a particular oil or stain anyone would recommend?

Thanks.

 

[200sols]

Oil. Stain flakes like you experienced. I use barrettine.

https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/product/barrettine-decking-oil

Sure you can find it cheaper as well.

 

[Raymond Lin]

stain is just a colour, it doesn't protect. Use oil if you want protection.

 

[uchuff]

Oil for me too. I’ve found Screwfix own brand to be good. I used some pine tinted oil last time, clear before. The clear does bring out some nice natural colour in the wood.

 

[Mercenary Keyboard Warrior]

The screwfix one is very good, it is however very wiffy for 24-48 hours after as its vaping off the volatiles

When you see how it soaks in however its clearly penetrating very deep into the wood rather than the water based ons that seem to just float on top of the wood