Choosing Between the Different Types of Timber Oil

There are several types of timber oils available, each with its own unique properties. Understanding the differences between them will help you select the right oil for your project, especially when working with Australian timbers and climate conditions.

1. Linseed Oil

Linseed oil is one of the most traditional and widely used wood oils. Derived from flax seeds, it penetrates deeply into the wood and provides a protective, nourishing finish. Linseed oil enhances the natural colour of the timber and leaves a slightly glossy finish, making it a solid choice for certain applications in Australia. However, it's more commonly used for indoor or heritage projects, as it’s not as resilient to Australia's intense UV exposure.

Pros:

• Penetrates deeply into the wood, offering long-lasting protection.
• Enhances the natural beauty of the wood grain.
• Ideal for indoor furniture and restoration projects.

Cons:

• Slow drying time (often requiring 24-48 hours between coats).
• May yellow over time, particularly on lighter timbers like pine.
• Not ideal for outdoor use under harsh Australian sun exposure.

Best Uses: Linseed oil is best for indoor furniture, heritage restoration, and timber that will not be frequently exposed to moisture or direct sunlight.

2. Tung Oil

Tung oil, derived from the nuts of the tung tree, is a highly durable wood oil that offers excellent water resistance. It penetrates the wood to provide a hard, protective finish that is ideal for surfaces exposed to moisture or high traffic. Tung oil dries to a natural, matte finish, making it popular in Australia for both indoor and outdoor use, particularly on native Australian hardwoods.

Pros:

• Provides excellent water resistance.
• Dries to a hard, durable finish.
• Enhances the natural look of timber with a non-glossy, matte finish.

Cons:

• Requires multiple coats (typically 3-5) for optimal durability.
• Slower drying time compared to synthetic oils.
• Can be more expensive than other oils.

Best Uses: Tung oil is ideal for outdoor furniture, decks, and high-traffic areas such as flooring. It is especially good for Australian hardwoods like jarrah, spotted gum, and blackbutt due to its durability and resistance to moisture.

3. Danish Oil

Danish oil is a blend of natural oils, often including linseed or tung oil, combined with synthetic resins. This mixture creates a finish that penetrates deeply into the wood while also leaving a hard, durable surface layer. Danish oil provides a satin finish and is easy to apply, making it a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts.

Pros:

• Easy to apply and quick to dry.
• Provides a water-resistant finish suitable for indoor use.
• Leaves a smooth, satin sheen.

Cons:

• Requires reapplication more frequently than tung or linseed oil.
• May not provide as deep a finish as pure oils.

Best Uses: Danish oil is commonly used for interior woodwork, such as furniture, joinery, and kitchen benchtops. It’s also suitable for smaller outdoor projects like garden furniture, particularly when working with lighter Australian timbers such as Tasmanian oak or Victorian ash.

4. Teak Oil

Teak oil is specifically designed for dense hardwoods, such as teak, mahogany, and rosewood, but is also effective on Australian hardwoods like jarrah and blackbutt It contains a blend of natural oils and varnish, which provides a hard-wearing finish while enhancing the timber’s natural colour. Teak oil is especially good for outdoor furniture, as it provides excellent protection against water and UV rays.

Pros:

• Designed for dense, hardwood timbers.
• Provides UV protection and water resistance.
• Dries to a smooth, matte finish.

Cons:

• Requires regular maintenance to prevent drying out.
• Can darken the timber over time with repeated applications.

Best Uses: Teak oil is best for hardwood outdoor furniture, decking, and any project involving high-quality hardwood timber that requires robust protection from the Australian sun and weather.

5. Decking Oil

Decking oil is specially formulated to protect outdoor decks from the elements. It typically contains a combination of oils, waxes, and resins that penetrate the wood to provide moisture resistance and UV protection. Decking oil enhances the natural colour of the timber while creating a protective layer that prevents cracking, splitting, and greying.

Pros:

• Specifically designed for outdoor decking.
• Provides long-lasting protection against moisture and UV damage.
• Enhances the natural grain and colour of Australian hardwoods like merbau, jarrah, and spotted gum.

Cons:

• Requires regular maintenance (usually reapplication every 6-12 months).
• Some decking oils may be less suitable for very dense hardwoods.

Best Uses: Decking oil is the ideal choice for outdoor decking, fences, and large timber structures exposed to Australian weather.

6. Hardwax Oils

Hardwax oils are becoming increasingly popular in Australia due to their blend of natural oils and waxes. These oils penetrate deeply into the timber while also forming a durable, hard surface layer, providing a matte or satin finish. Hardwax oils are particularly favoured for interior timber floors and furniture, as they offer a more natural, breathable finish while still being durable.

Pros:

• Provides a long-lasting, durable finish.
• Enhances the natural look of the wood with a matte or satin sheen.
• Resistant to water and spills, making it ideal for flooring and benchtops.

Cons:

• Can be more expensive compared to other oils.
• Requires careful application in thin layers to avoid streaking.

Best Uses: Hardwax oils are perfect for high-traffic areas such as timber flooring, indoor furniture, and benchtops. It works especially well on Australian timbers like Tasmanian oak and blackbutt due to its durability.

7. Polymerised Oils

Polymerised oils are modified versions of natural oils like linseed or tung oil. These oils have been chemically treated to speed up drying times and enhance durability. Polymerised oils are particularly useful in Australia’s high-UV conditions, where quick drying and long-lasting protection are needed.

Pros:

• Faster drying time compared to traditional oils.
• Provides enhanced durability and protection.
• Works well for both indoor and outdoor projects.

Cons:

• Can be harder to find pure, as many are blended with synthetic resins.
• May not be as natural as pure linseed or tung oil.

Best Uses: Polymerised oils are ideal for outdoor furniture, decking, and surfaces that need faster application times. They work well with both hardwood and softwood timbers, making them suitable for a range of Australian timber types.

8. Eucalyptus-Based Oils

In some cases, oils derived from eucalyptus trees or incorporating eucalyptus extracts are used in Australia. These oils provide a natural solution for timber care, though they are less common as standalone timber oils. They may be used more frequently in products formulated for Australian conditions to provide protection from moisture and pests.

Pros:

• Natural and eco-friendly.
• Provides resistance to moisture and some pests.

Cons:

• Not as widely available or durable as tung or hardwax oils.
• May require frequent reapplication.

Best Uses: Eucalyptus-based oils are better suited for smaller, interior projects where natural ingredients are prioritised. They can also be used in combination with other oils for a more robust finish.

9. Synthetic Blends

While not a natural oil, synthetic oil blends are often used in Australia for heavy-duty protection, especially on exterior timber. These blends usually contain synthetic resins and UV inhibitors, providing superior durability in Australia’s harsh weather conditions. These oils may also contain some natural oil content but are designed for longer-lasting protection.

Pros:

• Superior durability and UV protection.
• Faster drying time and longer intervals between reapplications.
• Ideal for outdoor timber exposed to extreme weather conditions.

Cons:

• Not as natural or eco-friendly as pure oils.
• Can alter the natural appearance of the timber over time.

Best Uses: Synthetic blends are commonly used on outdoor decking, fences, and timber exposed to the elements. They are particularly useful for Australian hardwoods like spotted gum and ironbark, which require extra protection in outdoor environments.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options, here’s a quick guide:

• Outdoor Decking & Large Structures: Go for decking oil. It’s designed for Australia’s harsh climate, protecting against UV and moisture.
• Outdoor Furniture & Hardwood: Tung oil or teak oil will provide the best long-lasting protection and a beautiful matte finish.
• Indoor Furniture: For a smooth satin finish with easy application, try Danish oil. For a more durable, long-lasting finish, consider hardwax oil.
• Indoor Flooring & High Traffic Areas: Choose hardwax oil for maximum durability and a beautiful natural look.
• Low-Maintenance Option: Opt for polymerised oils or synthetic blends if you want to minimise reapplication and still maintain strong protection, especially for outdoor timber or high-traffic areas.
• Veneers & Plywood: Use Danish oil or hardwax oil for veneers and plywood, as these oils provide a protective finish without excessive absorption, which is important for thinner wood surfaces.

Once you've selected the type of timber oil best suited to your project, the next step is to choose the right colour and finish. Timber oils are available in a range of natural wood tones, from clear oils that allow the natural timber grain to show through, to tinted oils that add depth and warmth to the wood.

1. Clear Timber Oils

Clear timber oils provide protection without altering the natural colour of the wood. They are ideal if you want to maintain the original appearance of the timber while enhancing the grain and providing moisture resistance.

Best for: Projects where the natural beauty of the wood is a primary focus, such as hardwood decking, outdoor furniture, and interior timber.

2. Tinted Timber Oils

Tinted oils add a subtle colour to the wood while still allowing the grain to show through. Popular tints include shades of brown, cedar, jarrah, and grey, which can enhance the natural timber colour or match it to the surrounding environment.

Best for: Adding warmth and depth to lighter timbers or providing a consistent look across different wood types. Tinted oils are ideal for enhancing the appearance of timber in outdoor applications, such as decking and cladding.

3. Matte vs. Satin Finish

The finish of the oil—whether matte or satin—can significantly impact the overall look of the timber. Matte finishes offer a natural, non-reflective appearance, ideal for rustic or modern settings. Satin finishes provide a subtle sheen, giving the wood a polished, elegant look.

Best for: Choose a matte finish for projects that require a natural, understated look, and a satin finish for more refined or decorative projects.

When selecting timber oil for your residential or commercial building project, consider the following factors:

Type of Timber: The type of wood you’re working with plays a significant role in determining which oil to use. Australian hardwoods like jarrah, spotted gum, or blackbutt benefit from oils such as tung oil or decking oil, which offer deep penetration and durability. Softer woods, such as pine or cedar, and veneers or plywood, are better suited for Danish oil or hardwax oil, which provide a protective finish without over-saturating the surface.

Exposure to Elements: Outdoor timber projects, such as decking or cladding, require oils with UV protection and moisture resistance to handle Australia’s tough climate. Decking oil or tung oil is ideal for these applications. For indoor projects, Danish oil or hardwax oil may be more suitable, as water resistance and UV protection are less critical.

Desired Finish: Consider whether you want a natural or tinted finish and the level of sheen (e.g., matte or satin). Hardwax oils are popular for a durable matte finish, while Danish oil offers a soft satin sheen, which works well for furniture, veneers, and plywood.

Maintenance Requirements: Some oils require more frequent maintenance than others. Decking oil, for instance, will need reapplication every 6-12 months, while tung oil provides longer-lasting protection with less frequent upkeep, making them ideal for high-traffic indoor areas or veneers and plywood in interior spaces

Choosing the right timber oil is crucial for protecting and enhancing the longevity of your timber, whether for residential or commercial projects. From traditional oils like linseed and tung to modern decking oils, each type offers unique benefits that cater to specific needs. By understanding the properties of different timber oils, you can make an informed choice that aligns with the timber you’re using and the demands of the environment in which it will be placed.

At Bord Products, we provide a wide range of timber oils and wood finishes to suit every project. Explore our selection on the timber oil page, or contact us here to learn more about how we can help you choose the right timber oil for your next project.

Let’s protect and enhance your timber the right way.