A regular client of mine recently decided to get his builders to treat his hardwood deck.
They used a tinted water-based stain, and although it did look presentable for a few months, within a year it now looks bad and doesn't clean up well.
The builders now say they used a water-based stain after they were advised (apparently by some other gardeners) not to use a oil based product for decks 'because oils are a slip-hazard'.
Personally I wouldn't have stained the deck in the first place - I probably would have used something oil based like Textrol.
Is there anything to what they are saying? Does anyone else stain hardwood decks? If so what products? Or, is this another example of builders messing up exterior works (any examples of your builder cock-ups are welcome).
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Its possible that the builders used fence paint meant for rough sawn fencing for cheapness or simply ignorance of correct product needed. Who would ask builders to stain a decking anyway? surely a decorator would have more idea than builders? I would have thought an oil based treatment would soak in overnight anyway, its not like engine oil is it!
we use decking oil on hardwood decks when customers request it, only a decent brand and only clear. never had a problem with it, and it literally soaks in as you watch it. There are decking wax based oils which can cause problems