Cedar Solutions are applicators and work with many different oils. Over the years we have had the opportunity to revisit properties to see how each oil performs and accordingly we are in a position to recommend two brands of penetrating wood oil. The best oils for cedar in our opinion is Dryden’s Wood oil and Wood-x Wood oil, as they provide good protection and enhance the wood’s appearance.
Does cedar need oiling?
Yes, cedar benefits from the reapplication of oil as the coating is designed to break down over time. While cedar is naturally resistant to decay and insects, it can still be vulnerable to weathering, moisture, and UV damage over time. Oiling or finishing cedar can help enhance its longevity, maintain its appearance, and provide extra protection against the elements. Regular maintenance and reapplication of oil or finish is necessary to keep cedar wood in good condition.
Recommended Cedar Timber Treatments
Cedar weatherboards or cladding can enhance your home’s aesthetics and provide acoustic and thermodynamic benefits. However, without proper care, cedar can deteriorate and lose its value. Here are our recommendations for protecting your cedar timber:
Avoid Thick Film and Paint: We don’t recommend urethanes, thicker film-forming treatments, or paint for cedar. They tend to crack, peel, and are challenging to maintain or remove.
Exercise Caution with Unproven Treatments: Be cautious of wood oil or stain treatments that haven’t been tested in New Zealand conditions or promise extremely low maintenance. If it sounds too good to be true, it often is.
Consider Wood Oils: Whenever possible, opt for wood oils like Dryden WoodOil or Resene’s Wood-X. Wood oil replenishes natural timber oils, offers anti-fungal properties, doesn’t form a film, and typically requires only one coat for re-treatment. This simplifies maintenance and cost. Both come in various colours.
Be Wary of ‘Natural’ Oils: Avoid ‘natural’ oils like linseed that lack necessary anti-fungal or stabilizing elements for timber protection.
Choose Trusted Timber Stains: For timber stains, trust established brands like Resene Woodsman, Wattyl Forestwood and Dryden WoodMaster. Oil-based or waterborne stains both provide good protection.
Consider Prior Treatment: The choice of stain depends on previous treatments, the cladding’s condition, and environmental factors.
Consider Retreatment Times: Each product has its recommended re-application schedule, and most manufacturers will recommend annual or biannual recoats. Wood oils usually need a maintenance re-oil within 12 – 18 months of the initial application, followed by re-treatment every 3-5 years. Stains may require re-treatment after every two summers, which may extend to 3-5 years based on exposure to the elements. Properly maintaining your cedar cladding enhances its longevity and value, ensuring it remains a beautiful feature of your home.