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10 Best Decking Oils 2025 in the UK

#1

Winner

9.9 score

Cuprinol UV Guard Decking Oil Natural 5L

Oil Base: Oil Based
UV Protection: UV Resistant
Finish: Gloss
Drying Time: up to six hours
Coverage: up to 8m² per litre

Chosen by 1349 this week

DECKING OIL 20 litres (CLEAR)

Oil Base: Oil Based
UV Protection: UV Resistant
Finish: Matte
Coverage: 50 sq ft per liter
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Cuprinol UV Guard Decking Oil Natural 5L

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,349
Finish
Drying Time
Coverage
Finish
The product offers ease of use with a brush and isn't too messy, providing a nice finish.
Drying Time
The color truly comes to life after drying, making the decking look vibrant.
Coverage
It's easy to work with and covers well, though a second coat is recommended for best results.

The Cuprinol UV Guard Decking Oil Natural 5L is designed to nourish and protect wooden decking while offering a slightly tinted, gloss finish. It features a convenient oil base which aids in deep penetration into the wood to enhance durability. One of its standout features is UV protection, helping to preserve the wood's color and longevity even under prolonged sun exposure, which is ideal for outdoor decking.

Application is versatile, allowing for use with a brush or a Cuprinol sprayer, and it offers decent coverage of up to 8m² per litre with two coats when brushed on. However, coverage might vary with different application methods and surface conditions. The drying time is reasonable at up to six hours, though this can be influenced by weather and surface type, which might require careful planning around weather conditions to avoid extended drying periods.

Weighing 5.43 kg and coming in a 5-litre tin, it's a manageable option for DIY enthusiasts, although its weight might be a consideration for some users in terms of handling. Customer satisfaction is high, reflected in its 4.5-star average from a substantial number of reviews, indicating reliability and positive user experiences.

On the downside, the gloss finish might not appeal to those seeking a more matte appearance, and while the product offers good coverage, those with larger areas to treat might find it necessary to purchase multiple tins. Additionally, for individuals sensitive to chemical smells, ensuring adequate ventilation during application is advisable due to its oil-based composition. Despite these minor drawbacks, the product's protective qualities and ease of application make it a solid choice for anyone looking to maintain and enhance their decking.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,349
Finish
Drying Time
Coverage
Finish
The product offers ease of use with a brush and isn't too messy, providing a nice finish.
Drying Time
The color truly comes to life after drying, making the decking look vibrant.
Coverage
It's easy to work with and covers well, though a second coat is recommended for best results.
#2

Roxil Wood Waterproofing Liquid (5L Clear) Wood Preserver Outdoor, Wood Sealer for decking, Fence, Sheds and Furniture

Rating
9.8
UV Protection
Finish
Drying Time
UV Protection
With a promise of 10-year wood preservation, it offers both water repellency and UV protection, making it a reliable choice for long-term wood maintenance.
Finish
The clear formulation allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine through while forming a protective barrier that repels water and prevents moisture-related damage.
Drying Time
Application is straightforward; the liquid is easy to brush or spray onto the wood, drying quickly to a clear and unobtrusive finish.
Coverage
This product is perfect for large projects – it spreads quickly and dries fast, allowing extensive areas like a 29-foot fence to be completed in a day.

The Roxil Wood Waterproofing Liquid (5L Clear) is designed to protect and maintain the appearance of outdoor wood surfaces such as decking, fences, sheds, and furniture. Its key strengths include excellent waterproofing capabilities, which help to protect wood from warping and improve dimensional stability. The product also reduces organic growth, making it resistant to mould and algae, which is particularly beneficial for outdoor applications.

Additionally, it is non-biocidal and ready to use straight out of the container, simplifying the application process for users. The clear, matte finish preserves the natural look of the wood while providing a long-lasting protection layer. With a coverage of up to 2500 square feet, it offers substantial area coverage for a 5-litre container.

The product has received positive customer feedback, boasting a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from over 6,000 reviews, indicating general satisfaction with its performance. The Roxil Wood Waterproofing Liquid is ideal for individuals seeking to enhance the longevity and appearance of their outdoor wooden structures without altering their natural look.

Rating
9.8
UV Protection
Finish
Drying Time
UV Protection
With a promise of 10-year wood preservation, it offers both water repellency and UV protection, making it a reliable choice for long-term wood maintenance.
Finish
The clear formulation allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine through while forming a protective barrier that repels water and prevents moisture-related damage.
Drying Time
Application is straightforward; the liquid is easy to brush or spray onto the wood, drying quickly to a clear and unobtrusive finish.
Coverage
This product is perfect for large projects – it spreads quickly and dries fast, allowing extensive areas like a 29-foot fence to be completed in a day.
#3

Ultimate Decking Oil Natural 5L [37297]

Rating
9.6
Oil Base
UV Protection
Finish
Oil Base
Despite a confusing array of decking products, this water-based oil with linseed technology offers greater protection and UV resistance.
UV Protection
Despite a confusing array of decking products, this water-based oil with linseed technology offers greater protection and UV resistance.
Finish
Brushes on easily and dries quickly, providing a nice light golden color that enhances the natural look of the wood.
Drying Time
Brushes on easily and dries quickly, providing a nice light golden color that enhances the natural look of the wood.
Coverage
Achieves excellent results with good coverage and value for money.

The Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Oil Natural 5L is designed with a water-based linseed oil formula that penetrates deeply into wood, providing robust protection. One of the significant strengths of this decking oil is its weather resistance, ensuring that outdoor decks can withstand various environmental elements. It is also formulated to restore the natural look of wood, making it appealing for those who prefer a natural aesthetic.

Additionally, the product boasts a glossy finish, which can give your decking a polished appearance. Each litre of oil covers approximately 8 square meters, making it relatively efficient for larger areas. However, the drying time of water-based oils can be longer compared to solvent-based oils, which might be a consideration if you need a quick turnaround time.

The product does not explicitly mention UV protection, which is essential for preventing wood from fading due to sun exposure. This decking oil is best suited for both professional and amateur use, making it versatile for various levels of expertise. Its application method is straightforward, requiring only a brush, and it comes in a sizeable 5-litre tin, sufficient for extensive decking projects.

Rating
9.6
Oil Base
UV Protection
Finish
Oil Base
Despite a confusing array of decking products, this water-based oil with linseed technology offers greater protection and UV resistance.
UV Protection
Despite a confusing array of decking products, this water-based oil with linseed technology offers greater protection and UV resistance.
Finish
Brushes on easily and dries quickly, providing a nice light golden color that enhances the natural look of the wood.
Drying Time
Brushes on easily and dries quickly, providing a nice light golden color that enhances the natural look of the wood.
Coverage
Achieves excellent results with good coverage and value for money.

Buying Guide for the Best Decking Oils

Choosing the right decking oil is crucial for maintaining the beauty and longevity of your deck. Decking oils penetrate the wood to protect it from the elements, enhance its natural appearance, and prevent issues like cracking, warping, and fading. When selecting a decking oil, consider the type of wood your deck is made from, the climate you live in, and the look you want to achieve. Understanding the key specifications of decking oils will help you make an informed decision that suits your specific needs.
Oil BaseDecking oils can be either water-based or oil-based. Oil-based decking oils penetrate deeper into the wood, providing a more durable finish and better protection against moisture. They are ideal for hardwoods and decks exposed to harsh weather conditions. Water-based oils, on the other hand, dry faster and are easier to clean up, making them suitable for softwoods and decks in milder climates. Consider the type of wood and the environmental conditions your deck will face when choosing between these two options.
UV ProtectionUV protection in decking oils helps prevent the wood from fading and losing its natural color due to sun exposure. This is particularly important for decks in sunny areas. Decking oils with high UV protection will maintain the appearance of your deck for longer periods. If your deck is in a shaded area, you might not need as much UV protection, but for sun-exposed decks, opt for oils with strong UV-blocking properties.
FinishThe finish of a decking oil can range from matte to glossy. A matte finish provides a more natural look, while a glossy finish can enhance the wood's color and grain, giving it a more polished appearance. Consider the aesthetic you want for your deck. If you prefer a natural look, go for a matte or semi-matte finish. For a more vibrant and shiny appearance, choose a glossy finish.
Drying TimeDrying time is the period it takes for the decking oil to dry and cure completely. Faster drying oils are convenient if you need to use your deck soon after application, but they may require more frequent reapplication. Slower drying oils often penetrate deeper and provide longer-lasting protection. Consider how quickly you need the deck to be usable and how often you are willing to reapply the oil when choosing the drying time.
CoverageCoverage refers to the area that a certain amount of decking oil will cover. This is usually measured in square meters or feet per liter or gallon. Higher coverage means you will need less product to cover your deck, which can be more economical. However, the type of wood and its condition can affect coverage. Rough or porous wood may absorb more oil, reducing coverage. Assess the size of your deck and the condition of the wood to determine the amount of oil you will need.