Treating a patio, jetty or wooden deck is not just about appearance. The choice of treatment also affects how the wood ages, how much maintenance is required and how the surface feels over time.

In this article, we compare three common options – untreated wood, wood oil and soap scrubbing – and describe how they work, what properties they have and when they are best suited.

Short answer

There is no treatment that is right for everyone.

• Untreated wood ages naturally and develops a grey patina over time, but most people want to remove algae and dirt.
• Wood oil gives the wood a darker colour and a temporary water-repellent oil film, but it requires regular maintenance, and the effects of the chemicals in the oil should also be taken into consideration.
• Soap scrubbing cleans the wood surface while preserving its natural appearance, making it an alternative for those who want to avoid an opaque oil film. Soap is a natural, harmless product that does not harm people or the environment.

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Untreated wood – let nature take its course

When wood is left untreated, it is gradually affected by the sun, rain and fluctuations in temperature.

Over time, the colour changes from the wood’s original shade to a silver-grey patina. At the same time, dirt, algae and other organic deposits can accumulate on the surface, making the wood feel drier and rougher.

For many people, this is a deliberate aesthetic choice, especially for façades and jetties where natural ageing is appreciated.

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Wood oil – protects but requires maintenance

Wood oil is used to give wood a water-repellent surface while also enhancing its natural grain and colour.

The oil forms a thin film that reduces water absorption for a period. However, this film gradually breaks down due to:

• UV radiation
• rain
• temperature fluctuations
• mechanical wear

Oiled wood surfaces therefore normally need to be maintained with new oil to preserve their protection and appearance.

Many wood oils also contain various chemical components, such as solvents, drying agents, and binders. The exact content varies between products and manufacturers.

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Soap-scrubbed wood – cleans and preserves the character of the wood

Soap scrubbing is a traditional method in which the wood surface is cleaned with soap instead of being covered with a film of oil.

Superfatting soap cleans the wood surface while leaving behind a small amount of natural fatty acids after cleaning.

The result is a clean wood surface that preserves the wood's natural structure and color.

For those who appreciate the wood's original appearance, soap scrubbing can be an alternative to oiling.

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Practical comparison

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What does the laboratory say?

In a previous independent laboratory test of superfatting soap, the cleaning effect on old impregnated wood was examined.

The laboratory observed, among other things, that:

• The cleaning effect became more noticeable after the second treatment,
• Old wood was perceived as significantly softer after treatment,
• The assessment was based on a panel test with five people.

These results apply to the laboratory test and should not be confused with the practical comparison between untreated, oiled, and soap-scrubbed wood.

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