Paint my decking….yes or no? Share yours

[Silverbook55]

I’ve got a raised decking area which we use a lot on the summer. It comes off the back of the house and has steps going down to the garden. Being 6 years old and in a garden with mature trees, it’s starting to show wear and I’ve been tempted to paint it. What do you think? I’ve also seen tiled decking but worry about that being slippery (I’ve got elderly parents/young kids and a wobbly dog).

No. You will be painting it twice a year forever.

Jetwash and oil.

The problem with paint is that some areas where they may be sitting water at times over winter will quickly see the paint peel off whereas others areas will stick fine.

Perhaps other posters have experience of a long lasting decking paint that looks good over a couple of years?

Another option would get a coloured wood stain which soaked into the wood itself?

Wear was my concern. You you think I’d be better with a good jet wash/scrub and wood stain?

Agree completely.

Oil doesn't last at all. Needs twice yearly treatment at minimum. The only advantage of oil is it doesn't necessarily need sanding. Paint lasts longer but needs thorough sanding. The best choice is a wood stain. It doesn't need sanding and lasts a couple of years.