Decking dilemma

[pinktaxi]

We have relaid our decking (which was rotting) using reclaimed decking boards. They were free.

The colour was a manky brown, grey weathered colour. I've jet washed them and they've come up pretty clean and a natural wood colour.

I want a natural look, not dark or diarrhoea colour.

Do I use a decking stain or decking oil? What is my best option for having a natural light coloured wood decking at the best price as I am on a tight budget. Main concern is it not becoming a nasty grey/brown colour again.
Tia.

I’m having new decking laid on Thursday - so had a conversation with the fitter about this very thing ! I am going for a clear deck oil - this nourishes the wood as well as bring waterproof. I think it needs to be redone yearly, which is fine for me as the decking is relatively small. I priced up a 5ltr pack of the oil for £25 from screw fix and then £5 for a wood brush.

We are redoing ours too and I’ve heard the oil is better

I’ve used decking oil.
Though you can get that in natural, light and such ‘shades’.

I’ve used Ronseal Natural. Did look orangey as it goes on but lightens when it dries.

@LeoTimmyandVi
I thought I’d read you DONT oil decking when it’s brand new, something to do with it having natural oils still in the wood. You wait 6 months or some such period first. Happy to be completely wrong on that one!

Thank you guys! Decking oil it is. I don't mind doing it every year, I'm used to a major all day clean up every year with the Karcher, so hopefully I can get cracking today :-)

What sort of decking are you getting- hardwood or softwood?

@tanstaafl - that rings a bell now you mention it - I’ll double check with the fitter tomorrow !

We replaced our decking with UPVC decking
It’s brilliant. No slipping and no nasty splinters and no need to oil it just hose it down
Looks just as good as wood as well and will last forever (I hope )

Oh thank God tanstaafl. I've just finished the first coat of Ronseal Natural and it is definitely of an orangey/yellow hue. I really don't want to spend three days of half term slaving away only to end up with an orange deck!

Dh made ours from decent pallets!!
Dc have been off school 10 weeks now and the temptation to shove a few under is great...

Am paint shopping tomorrow but haven't decided as yet!!

@AlwaysCheddar Just regular decking. Presumably softwood? It's reclaimed aka free!

@tanstaafl I've ordered Ronseal natural too. 😊. Will be aware of the orange affect 🤣

@IBlametheTeachers

Oh thank God tanstaafl. I've just finished the first coat of Ronseal Natural and it is definitely of an orangey/yellow hue. I really don't want to spend three days of half term slaving away only to end up with an orange deck!

How is it looking IBlame?

The other advice I’d give is never jet wash decking or if you do , don’t let the nozzle get too close.

If you get too close with the jet, you can rough up the surface of the decking.

Not a problem Itsjustmee will have though.