When you started cleaning up this Spring, you probably noticed your backyard needed some care before the summer. Your wooden patio has lost its color and has even been damaged by climate changes. You need to apply something to protect it, but which is better on outdoor wood: stain or oil? The present article will answer this question.
STAIN ON WOODEN PATIOS: A SHORT-TERM SOLUTION
Outdoor wood stains are water repellant, so they make the wood waterproof, that is protecting it against water and, as a result, against mold. The only problem is that it is a short-term protection. As the stain wears out, the water easily finds a tiny crack to penetrate the wood. From that moment, mod sets in and damages your patio. There is not much you can do besides sanding and applying new coats of stain. When the surface protector cracks, water gets into the wood and makes it swell. The more swelling, the bigger the cracks, allowing the water to get in still more easily... This ends up in a real vicious circle!
To sum up, the main disadvantage of stain is the time and efforts required.To freshen up your patio, you actually have to sand the wood planks and stain again. You then lose a whole week of your summer vacations maintaining your wooden patio.
Still, stain has some positive aspects, particularly its low price. It is not as expensive as oil. However, you will waste a lot of time maintaining your patio if you choose to use stain.
OUTDOOR WOOD OIL: A PROFITABLE NATURAL OPTION
If you choose to use an oil-based stain, you will realize that maintenance has been reduced. The oil will protect your wooden patio for a longer period of time. Why? Simply because it is impregnating. Unlike synthetic stains which lie on the surface, oil penetrates the wood pores, making it impossible for water to seep in. And when the protection beautifully and evenly wears away after two or three years, you do not have to sand and do it all over. All you have to do is clean the surface and apply a new coat of oil to soak the wood. A single coat is enough to restore the protection since it only aims to replace the oil that has been burned by a prolonged exposure to UV rays.
The downside of oil-based products is their higher cost if we compare them to synthetic stains. On the other hand, oil covers better. Only a small amount of oil is required to cover a broad surface. Moreover, since it is easy to apply, you can do it yourself! Why not take advantage of a nice Spring day to restore the beauty of your patio? If you think the colour range of oil-based stain is limited, you should know that it comes in 20 different colours. You can even ask your dealer to mix some colours to create customized shades.
The great advantage of oil is its ingredients. Unlike synthetic stains, oil-based products are made of safe ingredients for both your health and the environment. Natural vegetable substances, such as linseed and tung oil, are used to design this organic finishing oil.
If you choose to use an oiled-based product to protect your wooden patio, you will get stunning long-lasting results! Oil will certainly offer a deeper-rooted and healthier protection than synthetic stains. To know more about the properties of outdoor wood oils, and their application, you can download our practical guide for free.
