How to Treat a Wooden Deck

Many of us love using our wooden deck during the warm summer months. But to keep enjoying it year after year, the wood needs regular care. Without proper treatment, deck boards can become discoloured, warped, or even start to crack. On this page, we’ll explain how to care for your wooden deck — with a focus on cleaning, oiling using our effective exterior oil DuroGrit, and ongoing maintenance.

Prepare Your Deck with Thorough Cleaning

Before you can treat your deck, it’s essential to start with a deep clean. Over time, decks collect algae, dirt, and grime — not only affecting appearance, but also the long-term condition of the wood. We recommend starting by sweeping the surface to remove dust, leaves, and loose debris. This helps your chosen wood cleaner reach the wood more effectively.

At Rubio Monocoat, we offer a range of exterior cleaning products designed to dissolve dirt and algae efficiently. Scrub the deck with a brush to activate the cleaner, then rinse thoroughly with water. Once the deck is completely dry, you’re ready to start the treatment.

Protect & Refresh Your Deck with Oiling

Oiling a wooden deck is an essential part of maintenance. A quality oil protects the wood from moisture, UV exposure, and dirt — while enhancing the wood’s natural grain and colour. Our exterior wood oil DuroGrit is the ideal choice for treating wooden decks. It’s a universal oil suitable for all exterior wood surfaces and only requires one single coat for effective, long-lasting protection.

How Often Should You Oil a Wooden Deck?

Depending on your deck’s exposure to weather, we recommend oiling once per year — for example in spring or autumn, when the weather is stable and temperatures are moderate. After winter, it’s always a good idea to inspect the deck and check how it has held up, so you can decide if additional maintenance is needed.

How to Oil Your Wooden Deck

To get the best results when treating deck boards, we recommend using our exterior oil DuroGrit. It is enriched with environmentally friendly ingredients and an effective UV stabiliser to help protect wood against sun damage — while maintaining the deck through changing weather conditions.

Once the wood is thoroughly cleaned and fully dry, it’s time to oil your deck. Apply DuroGrit evenly with a wide brush, working in manageable sections. Remember: our exterior oil only needs one coat for optimal performance — helping you avoid uneven overlaps.

After application, allow the surface to dry for around 3 hours. Full curing takes place after 3 days, at which point the oil is completely sealed into the wood.

Keep Your Deck Looking Great Year-Round

In addition to cleaning and oiling, ongoing maintenance helps preserve your deck’s beauty and performance. We recommend removing debris regularly and using an exterior wood cleaner whenever needed — depending on your environment and how quickly algae or dirt builds up.

It’s also important to inspect the deck for damage, cracks, or other issues that could worsen over time. This is especially recommended after winter, when wood may be affected by harsher and more unpredictable weather.

Why Is Treating a Wooden Deck Important?

Investing time in deck maintenance isn’t just about appearance — it also ensures the wood remains durable and resistant to weather, so you can enjoy your deck for many years to come. With regular cleaning, correct oiling, and consistent upkeep, your wooden deck will stay inviting and functional in every season. Is it time to refresh your deck? Then take a look at our range of wood cleaners and oils — your deck will thank you for it!