How and when to oil new Merbau deck?

DIYdeck

Gday, we built Marabu deck, finished on 26 Nov 2025. Now Deck is looking faded. Should we oil it now? do we need cleaning? I have bought  Cabot’s Natural Than oil based decking oil and Cabot’s Deck clean. Is this the right product? what’s the process ? please see the photos for reference. 

EricL

Hello @DIYdeck 

Your Merbau deck has started to fade, which is completely normal as the tannins leach out and it weathers. Yes, it’s a good time to oil it, but before doing so, you’ll need to clean it properly to remove dirt, tannins, and any surface buildup. The Cabot’s Deck Clean you purchased is the right product for this. Start by wetting the deck, then apply the cleaner and scrub it in with a stiff brush or broom. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before rinsing it off thoroughly. 

Once the deck is completely dry, which usually takes at least 24 hours, you can move on to oiling. Stir your Cabot’s Natural Decking Oil well and apply a thin, even coat using a decking applicator, brush, or lambswool pad. Let it dry and, if needed, apply a second coat for better protection. Avoid heavy foot traffic until it has fully cured. Regular maintenance oiling every 6–12 months will help keep your deck looking great and protected from further weathering. Let me know if you need any extra tips!

Here are some handy step-by-step guides:

• How to clean a deck
   
• How To Oil Your Deck

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric