Decking paint / stain / renewer etc

[Thinkle]

We need to smarten up the decking that was put down by the previous owners. Have a power washer to clean it so that bit is sorted but I every product I look at that’s a paint or a stain has really mixed reviews. Has anyone done this maybe last summer and can you recommend a product that survived that last 12 months please

I’m going to be brutally honest - we are just about to take up our decking. It wasn’t cheap but it’s rotted from underneath. If you can afford it, get rid. Put down a longer term solution.

For what it’s worth, I would try Ronseal Rescue Decking paint but if the timber isn’t great, you are fighting a losing battle!

Petrol and matches. I laid some and 3 years later burned it all after making some raised beds.

I have given up hoping to find a product that stays put, I am told it is because they are mainly water based products now. We have treated ours 3 years running trying different products, but still nothing that doesn't wear and we end up with different colour patches everywhere. I too was tempted to take it up, and don't get me started on rats! Probably best advice I would give, is to go for a light colour, it doesn't show as much as a darker one when it comes to wear. Also, if the decking comes out from doorway/walkway think about something non slip. I thought I had broken my hip last year after slipping on it one frosty morning.

IME decking oil is more durable, and looks better, than the usual water-based stains.

your jetwasher will strip the old coatings off ready to treat.

I moved in when the decking was relatively new and applied wax based sealer twice a year.

7 years on, going to have it all ripped up and wish I hadn't bothered.

Sidolins is oil based and lasts a bit longer. The teak one is quite a nice colour.

Thank you all! The oil based vs. Water based advice has been very very helpful.
We inherited the deck when we moved in and have longer term plans that involve removing it so this is just to get us to that point. I’ve never been a fan as it’s high maintenance and dangerous in wet weather but it’s what we have (and quite big relative to the garden).
I’ll check out Sadolin as I’ve haven’t investigated that one yet.

I just stained mine with Ronseal decking stain, medium oak.Also inherited the decking and not a fan, but I am pleased with how this has turned out.It isn’t sloppy when wet either.

Don't use a paint use an oil. Ours has been down for years and years without any problems (although it is hardwood not softwood). It gets oiled twice a year.

we use liberon decking oil

We’ve just powerhosed and stained decking with a paleish stain, and it still looks really shabby. Debating paint versus a darker stain. It’s such a shame as the fences look great. I agree op about the mixed reviews... any advice welcome