New Zealand’s Radiata Pine is a beautiful, medium-density softwood that’s grown in sustainable forests across the country. Treated Radiata Pine is popular for decking in New Zealand because of its durability, resistance to decay, fungi and wood-boring insects, and also for its warm, yellow tone.
But just like any other timber, pine needs regular care and maintenance to keep it looking its best. Dryden Woodcare products are made especially for NZ conditions and make pine maintenance easy and stress-free.
So, if you’re the proud owner of a home with a pine deck, bookmark this page to keep using it as your go-to guide for pine deck maintenance. You’ll discover everything from the best pine maintenance products in NZ to tips on cleaning and oiling your pine deck.
Treated Radiata Pine Decking
Radiata Pine is widely used for decking in New Zealand for its versatility, durability, dimensional stability and appearance. It has a creamy yellow tone with distinct growth rings that are enhanced when oiled with a clear coating.
New Zealand’s hot summers and wet, humid winters can be quite harsh on pine decks. So, if they aren’t properly sealed, coated and regularly maintained, pine decks will eventually show signs of;
Cupping
Weathering
Splitting
Discolouration
Silvering
Moisture retention
Dryden OilStain Exterior is a deeply penetrating oil that nourishes most exterior timber species, including Radiata Pine. It helps prevent all of the above issues and extends the lifespan of your deck.
Use Dryden Colourtone+ together with Dryden OilStain if you want to add more colour to your pine deck and an extra layer of UV protection.
Best Radiata Pine Maintenance Products For NZ Conditions
Dryden Colourtone+, when added to Dryden OilStain, provides UV protection to timber, helping prevent silvering when maintained correctly. Plus, it comes in 37 colours, so you can find the perfect shade to match the aesthetic of your outdoor living area!
If your pine deck is brand new or already coated with a deeply penetrating oil, Dryden OilStain will be a premium choice for maintenance.
If it’s got a traditional oil-based stain, use Cabot’s Natural Decking Oil
If it’s a water-based stain, then use Cabot’s Water-Based Deck & Exterior Stain or Intergrain Ultradeck Timber Stain.
Dryden’s timber care products make pine deck maintenance much easier – You can apply it with any fine bristled speed brush (just not lambskin ones!). Professionals can also use a roller or spray gun, but everyone gets a great-looking and long-lasting result.
- Do a solvent resistance test – The most common way to identify the type of coating on a deck is through solvent resistance tests. For example, if a water-based stain is treated with methylated spirits, it will quickly become gummy and sticky.
- Check appearance – To check if the coating is a film-forming stain, look at its appearance – if it looks shiny or plastic, or if it’s flaking, then it’s likely a film-forming stain.
- Do a burnish/dry rub test – For migrating oil stains, you can do a simple burnish/dry rub test with a clean rag to see how easily the pigment is removed. If the pigment comes off easily, this suggests a migrating stain was used.
However, please note that all these methods are indicative only and not foolproof. To accurately identify the coating on your decking, it’s best to consult a professional.
How To Choose A Pine Stain Product And Apply It
A semi-transparent wood stain is recommended for pine decking as it brings out pine’s creamy yellow tone and distinct growth rings with your preferred colour. This is exactly what Dryden OilStain Exterior and ColourTone+ are designed for!
Remember to use the same colour throughout the application so your pine deck maintains a consistent look.
Plan to use multiple cans? Mix all the cans together to keep the same tone throughout. One method to do this is ‘boxing’ – mixing half of bucket one and half of bucket two in a separate bucket.
Bear in mind that the final colour of the stain or clear finish might change depending on the quality of application, the type of pine (dressed or band-sawn), natural colour, texture, grain, and porosity.
How To Apply Dryden OilStain Exterior To Your Pine Deck
Dryden OilStain Exterior is the highest-calibre product for pine decking oil in New Zealand, as it’s incredibly easy to use. Here are three important tips to know before applying Dryden OilStain to your pine deck.
Apply with a wide bristle brush or a speed pad: For dressed pine, use a wide bristle brush or a speed pad – just avoid the lambswool types. A medium-nap roller or airless spray system can also be used to apply the oil to your decking.
Keep stirring the oil: Remember to regularly stir the oil throughout the application process to maintain consistency, especially when using Colourtone+. You don’t need to apply fresh oil to every part of the deck unless it needs it. But if you do start on any face, finish it off! This ensures a nice colour consistency across the deck
Don’t thin or dilute: Dryden OilStain should not be thinned or altered in any way – you simply apply it to the wood surface and wipe off any excess solution. After the initial 30-60 minute waiting period, allow the deck to dry before applying another coat – it’s as easy as that!
Common Questions About Pine Deck Maintenance
Yes, treated pine decking needs regular re-coating to stay strong and remain decay, fungi-free.
Start your pine maintenance journey with a coating of Dryden OilStain Exterior or a combination of OilStain and Colourtone+.
Give your pine deck a wash every six months. Clean off dirt and grime using a garden hose or soft brush (such as a car washing brush). A mild detergent solution can be used to remove stubborn contaminants.
Reapply the coating when the timber has lost its water resistance and water is soaking in. Conduct routine maintenance inspections every six months to ensure the timber is still protected from water or as frequently as necessary to retain the preferred appearance.
How Often Do I Need To Apply An Oil Or Stain To My Pine Deck?
New Zealand’s harsh sun and wet and humid climate means that your pine decking should be re-coated with 1-2 coats of Dryden OilStain or OilStain and Colourtone+ every few years. Your pine deck also needs an annual soft wash on top of this to keep it looking its best.
bear in mind that the above depends on the timber’s condition. If you see any signs of the common issues that pine suffers from – you should treat your deck sooner.
How Often Does New Pine Decking Need Oiling?
If you’re starting with new pine decking, apply two coats of Dryden OilStain Exterior as recommended.
After application, wash and inspect the decking every 12 months. Recoat when required based on the condition of the timber and coating.
Can You Stop Pine From Going Grey?
Pine can silver or turn grey naturally. Some people don’t mind this, as it gives the pine a weathered look. But, if you want to maintain the warm yellow tones of pine, use Dryden OilStain Exterior mixed with Colourtone+ – this will slow the pine from turning grey with its UV-blocking properties.
The closest shades you can find to pine’s natural colour are Dryden’s Autumn, Cypress, Elm and Lite Oak colours. Order a free sample here to see which one suits your pine deck the best.
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