Treating a deck, pier, or wooden terrace 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 gray patina over time, but most people want to remove algae and dirt.
• Wood oil gives the wood a darker color and a temporary water-repellent oil film, but it requires regular maintenance, and the effects of the chemicals in the oil should be taken into account.
• Soap scrubbing cleans the wood surface while preserving its natural appearance and is an option for those who want to avoid a coating oil film. Soap is a natural and 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 sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations.

Over time, the color changes from the original wood tone to a silver-gray patina. At the same time, dirt, algae, and other organic deposits may accumulate on the surface, making the wood feel drier and rougher.

For many, this is a deliberate aesthetic choice, especially on façades and piers, where natural aging is appreciated.

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Wood oil – protects but requires maintenance

Wood oil is used to give the wood a water-repellent surface while enhancing its grain and color.

The oil forms a thin film that reduces water absorption for a period. However, this film is gradually broken down by:

• UV radiation
• rain
• temperature fluctuations
• mechanical wear

Therefore, oiled wood surfaces 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 an oil film.

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 texture 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 apparent 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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