Softwood deck treatment

[Chicken Chaser]

So after going around all the options for composite, I've gone for a softwood deck again. I've picked the 150x38 boards as I wanted a wider finish, but after looking at our options for composite, I prefer the natural washed out look (not the dirty grey look)

I'm going to use Ronseal decking protector but wondered when it was best to apply? Should I wait for the green tanalith treatment to wear off first? Its going down this week so probably need to apply before winter for some protection. I've got Netrol deck cleaner if it gets dirty beforehand.

I always lay it smooth side up, had the last one down for about 5 years and cleaning it off with Netrol brought it up brilliantly. Ronseal protector did the job of putting some protection on it but I didnt do it for about 2 years from when it was first down. Just wondering if I can protect it a bit sooner and hopefully it'll keep looking good.

Edited by Chicken Chaser on Tuesday 30th June 23:34

[Chicken Chaser]

P155flaps said:

What sort of softwood is it? Its it pressure treated or raw?

Only reason I ask is I am just replacing some 12 year old softwood (pressure treated crap) with some Siberian Larch which is raw softwood.

Last house we used Yellow Balau but its a large area at this house so board alone would have been £6k us so opted for that as it looks ok and untreated it lasts 50 years +. Green pressure treated is best left a few years to go less green.

I am just comparing decking Oils on the wood before its laid, Ronseal, Liberon and Barrentine just to see which I like best and if you but from Toolstation Barrentine £20 for 5l seems best bang per ££ in terms of look and protection.

Where did you get your Larch from? I've had absolutely no luck in sourcing decking boards up here in North Yorkshire, everywhere is out of stock. I'm tempted to source Siberian Larch after seeing that its generally a much better quality product for not a great deal more.