Deck Stain vs Deck Oil
Whether it's a new deck or your family's old favorite outdoor space; preparing your home's backyard area for another year should also include a solid cleaning and a fresh protective layer or deck stain, oil, or exterior paint.
But with so many wood products promising the same benefits and strengths on their labels, it can be hard to know what to choose to shield your deck space. Here's a helpful little breakdown in the differences between standard deck stain and penetrating deck wood oils.
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Deck Stain vs Deck Wood Oil
Oil-based deck products penetrate the wood and protects it from the fibers within. When applying penetrating wood oils you will have to clean up your tools and spots using mineral spirits or paint thinner. Penetating wood oils, such as those by Penofin or Messmer's will slowly fade away and evaporate over time, this means that decks with Deck Wood Oil treatments don't require any stripping or sanding to have a new coat applied. Penetrating Wood Oils will require clean lumber in order to sink into the wood fibers and be properly absorbed.
Acrylic stains settle along top face of wood, cure until dry, and protect it from the outside elements. Deck stains are generally water-based products which will allow you to clean your tools or any mistakes simply using water and some elbow grease. Acrylic deck stains will eventually chip and break away, therefore outdoor spaces with stained features require the top layer to be removed via power washing, stripping, or sanding.
Main Differences Between Deck Stain and Deck Wood Oil
- Deck wood oils penetrate into the wood and standard deck stains lay on top of the wood like a shell.
- Wood oils will fade away as they age and common deck stains will chip away.
- Deck wood oils require clear, raw wood to apply and stains require the top layer of the lumber to be sanded or stripped off.
- Oils can last for 2-3 years without a reapplication and standard acrylic deck stains are generally less expensive, however, need to be refreshed each year.
