Terrace renovation - when and how often?

The more we take care of our terrace, the longer it serves us. Even the most durable and high-quality wood requires maintenance and protection. The frequency of these treatments is already an individual matter, depending on the type of wood our boards are made of. However, there are universal rules that are worth following.

Oiling the terrace wood.
It is worth remembering about oiling. This is a process that should be carried out twice a year, preferably just before the beginning of spring and in winter. The time of day we choose to perform this treatment is also important. The terrace must have time to dry, so giving it time free from use is necessary. It is also important to avoid rainy and windy days. Even a slight breeze can cause contaminants to get on the freshly oiled terrace, diminishing the decorative effect of the boards. Days with strong sunlight are also not recommended. In such cases, the oil may not penetrate adequately.

The selection of appropriate products is also extremely important. There are many products available on the market for painting terrace boards. However, not all of them perfectly and uniformly protect the wood, both on the outside and inside. Some recommended and reputable products include semi-professional products from the brands DEVA and OSMO.  

The oiling process can be carried out independently. It is not complicated, although it is very important whether we oil the boards on a previously used terrace or on a newly installed one.

Oiling the boards - step by step.
If we are dealing with the latter situation, we must remember to oil all 4 sides of the wood, and then leave them to dry. When we are sure that our board is dry, it should be oiled again once more, but this time after installation.
The situation is slightly different for an already used terrace. In this case, it is necessary to first thoroughly clean and wash the surface. The most recommended method is to use a rice brush and an appropriate cleaning and graying removal agent (OSMO). Of course, everything is then rinsed with clean water. The next step is oiling, but before we proceed with this treatment, we must let the wood dry, waiting for about 1 day. We apply the oil with a brush with thick bristles. A thin layer of oil is applied in a uniform motion (excess is collected, for example, with a terry cloth or brush), we wait for it to dry, and repeat the same process again.