In Singapore, oil an exposed timber deck every 6–12 months and a covered balcony every 12–18 months. Here is how to tell when it is due.
Signs it needs oil
- Water no longer beads on the surface
- Colour has gone dull or starts to silver at the edges
- Boards feel dry or slightly rough
Which oil?
Use a penetrating exterior deck oil with UV protection. Avoid varnish, lacquer and indoor furniture oil: they either peel outdoors or give no UV protection.
By timber
- Chengal: very durable, but greys quickly. Oil every 6–12 months.
- Balau: similar to chengal, can bleed tannin when new.
- Merbau: rich red-brown, needs regular oil to avoid surface checking.
- Teak: naturally oily, can go 12–18 months on covered balconies.