Yes, you can oil pressure treated wood.
Oiling Pressure Treated Wood: What to Know
Adding oil to pressure treated wood is indeed an option for maintenance and aesthetic enhancement. As highlighted by experts, "You may also choose to oil wood, which is fine and will give wood a glossy glow, but that doesn't mean you can skip the preservative stage".
This means that while oiling is a viable choice that can improve the look of your wood by giving it a glossy glow, it serves a different purpose than the crucial preservation process.
Understanding the Role of Oiling vs. Preservation
Oiling primarily focuses on the surface appearance and feel of the wood. It can help replenish some natural oils, potentially add a layer of water repellency depending on the specific oil product, and enhance its visual appeal. The "glossy glow" mentioned indicates an aesthetic benefit many homeowners appreciate.
However, the most critical function for pressure treated wood is its resistance to rot, fungal decay, and insect infestation. This resistance comes from the chemical preservatives forced deep into the wood fibers during the pressure treatment process.
The reference makes it clear: applying oil does not replace this essential preservation. You cannot rely solely on oiling to protect the wood's long-term structural integrity against biological threats.
Maintenance Options for Pressure Treated Wood
According to the reference, you have several basic options for caring for and maintaining your pressure treated wood:
- Stains: Can add color while also providing protection (often include sealants/preservatives).
- Sealants: Provide a barrier against moisture, preventing warping, cracking, and UV damage. Many also contain preservatives.
- Paints: Offer maximum color choice and a protective layer, hiding the wood grain.
- Oil: Provides aesthetic enhancement (glossy glow) and some surface protection, but is not a substitute for core preservation.
Choosing the right care product depends on your desired look, the level of protection needed, and whether the product contains the necessary preservatives if the original treatment needs supplementing over time. Oiling is a fine option, particularly for its visual benefits, but always ensure the underlying wood is adequately preserved.
