How to finish pre-oiled Merbau decking?

[JodieP]

Hi.  I have been trying to research as much as possible on how to finish our merbau deck.  According to the product description,  the merbau has been primed (pre oiled).

I am getting very confused on what product we should use for topcoating.   Can we use water based oil?    Some google searches say no, however the product description on the merbau saids we can use water-based or oil based.

Cheers jodie

[EricL]

Hello @JodieP (Jodie)

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. Its sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about Merbau decking panels.

The Merbau decking brochure clearly states that you can use either water or oil-based finishes. What is important is that the decking be properly seasoned/weathered for 12 weeks. During that time all the oils and tannins will leach out of the Merbau panel. Please note that these tannins can stain tiles, pavers and concrete so it's critical that it be hosed and brushed off any surface that it lands on as soon as possible.

I suggest having a quick look at this discussion - How soon should we oil a new Merbau deck? by @tremas. I also recommend reading this guide - How to stain and protect decking timber by @Adam_W. 

In regards to what stain or oil you want to use, I suggest visiting your local store and proceed to the paint department and look at the stain and oil displays. There you'll see how the stain and oil actually appear when applied to timber. I also recommend speaking to the paint specialist so that they can tell you how much stain or oil you'll need to cover your deck.

I also suggest looking at these handy step-by-step guides:

• How to clean a deck
   
• How to oil your deck
   
• How to maintain your deck

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[JodieP]

Thankyou for reply.    We will certainly be heading to Bunnings to pick a product.

We are slowly adding the merbau deck.   Prior to top coating, should we afford placing any ideas on deck and should we stay off it or can I cover it with plastic.  We have a dog who likes to run laps of house and my concern is if it is possible for her to do damage if I have not top coated or covered 

[JacobZ]

Hi @JodieP,

It's certainly possible that your dog could damage the timber, but any damage it could cause would happen whether the timber is oiled or not.

An oil-based topcoat will protect your timber from weathering, not physical damage. If your dog has particularly long claws or decides to gnaw on the timber, it will be damaged regardless of whether it is oiled or not.

If damage does occur, it will likely be superficial scratches that can be sanded out anyway.

Personally, I wouldn't worry, but if you would like to for some peace of mind, you could grab some GRUNT 2m x 20m Black 140um Multi Use Plastic Film to cover the deck.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob