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Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @AlanGUO. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about varnishing a deck.
Varnishing a deck is not a common practise. See Stain, oil or varnish a 6-month-old deck and Should I oil or varnish a new deck?
Oiling a deck is often a better choice than varnishing due to the ease of maintenance and long-term benefits. When a varnish breaks down, it tends to crack and peel, requiring the entire surface to be sanded back before reapplication, which can be a tedious and time-consuming task. In contrast, decking oils penetrate the wood, allowing for a simple yearly recoat to keep the deck protected and looking its best. Oils nourish the timber from within, preventing the surface from becoming brittle or peeling, and can be applied directly over the previous layer with minimal preparation.
Another key advantage is that varnished decks can become quite slippery when wet, posing a safety hazard, especially in outdoor environments where rain or damp conditions are common.
Additionally, varnish tends to highlight scratches and wear, which can detract from the overall appearance of the deck. Oils, by comparison, are more forgiving, as they absorb into the timber, making scratches and minor damage less noticeable. This not only preserves the aesthetic but also reduces the need for frequent touch-ups.
Overall, oiling provides a more practical and durable solution for maintaining a deck.
Regarding your question, since there isn't a large market for decking varnishes, I am not aware of any suitable products. All our exterior varnishes are for non-trafficked areas, like doors, window frames and handrails. They are not durable enough to be used on decking.
If you can let me know a little more about why you would like to or need to use a varnish I can assist further.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Hi @AlanGUO,
If you'd like to retain the timber's natural colour, I recommend Natural Cabot's Aquadeck oil.
Is this a new Merbau deck? If so, you need to clean it first with New Timber Prep and then Deck Clean.
Here's a handy step-by-step guide: How to oil your deck.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
非常感謝您的推薦！米切爾。我想保持木材的自然顏色。我的牌組是舊的，不是新的。
Hello @AlanGUO
I suggest following MitchellMc's recommendation as it will work on your deck. I still recommend using the Deck Clean to prepare the surface of the deck.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
