Can someone recommend me a good oil for my new deck??

[Lipsmacker01]

Hubby finished building a deck two weeks ago and now hes letting it dry a apparently u need to give them 3 months for all the oils to come up. Now we're just stuck on which to buy, an oil based product or our deck or water based?? Ive heard with an oil base u need to buy turps as well but he is going to be doing this regularly isnt he, sealing the deck so I guess it will be an on going cost.

Most of the deck is under cover, he's used merbau. I have a brother in the floor boarding business who says that all those uv additives that they have on the ads are all just gimmicks?? Is he right? Can anyone recommend which brands are good?
Also I think before the timber arrived at our house, it was stored outside so it got a bit wet, so it kind of looks like it has spots where its bled?? hope this make sense. hes tried cleaning the deck just with a mop and some sugar soap. I wonder if he will have to sand these stains out to get rid of them?

[Tung tied]

There's a number of options (either fortunately or unfortunately). The traditional deck oils give a good level of protection from the weather and depending on how exposed the deck is the finish may have to be repeated every 12-18 months. Use plenty, don't skimp.

The stuff with the UV stabilisers are typically to stop the finish from breaking down too quickly so there's merit in something that lasts longer. If you can get something that will last 3-4 years between recoat it's certainly worth it. I've used Cabot's Aquadeck on a merbau fence and should get 3 years between coats out of it but a deck will probably wear and weather harder being horizontal and having foot traffic, water, dust and stuff on it.

I think you'll find that whatever you use, the more work you put in to preparation and the initial coats will make your deck and the finish last longer.

Cheers

Bryan