Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Stain 2.5L Slate, Deck Stain, Decking Colour, Wood Stain, Exterior Decking Treatment, Timber Protector

Decking finishes protect timber decks from the weather and bring back their colour. Despite the name, this category covers more than oil: decking oils, decking stains, quick-drying stains, decking paints for an opaque colour, and decking and patio cleaners for preparing the surface.

Oil, stain or paint

• Decking oil: soaks into the wood and feeds it, leaving a natural, lightly tinted finish. Top it up with a fresh coat as needed to keep the deck protected.
• Decking stain: gives a richer colour and a little more protection than oil.
• Decking paint: an opaque colour that hides the grain, useful for reviving tired or patchy decking. Some are made with a slip-resistant finish.

A stain will not take properly over a deck that has been oiled or painted before; it may need stripping back to bare wood first, so check the tin before changing products.

Preparation and application

Sweep the deck, scrub off algae, moss and mildew with a decking cleaner, and leave it to dry thoroughly. New decking can resist finishes at first: let it weather for a period, or clean it and check that water soaks in, before you treat it; new hardwood decking usually needs to weather too, so follow the decking maker's advice. Try the colour on a small, hidden area first. Choose a dry day within the temperature range on the tin, with no rain forecast. Start in the far corner and brush along the full length of the boards, working on a few boards at a time to avoid overlap marks. Most products need two coats; allow the drying time between them and before you put furniture back. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety data.

For other exterior wood finishes, see wood care; for brushes and rollers, see decorating tools and sundries.