Cedar really does get better with age—totally agree there. I used to be all about keeping it that fresh-cut color, but now I actually like the deeper tones. For finishes, I’ve found that prepping the wood (quick sand, wipe down) before applying anything makes a huge difference in how long it lasts, even with eco oils. And yeah, less is definitely more... learned that the sticky way too. If your back’s giving you grief, try breaking up the work over a couple days—makes it way less brutal. At the end of the day, a few imperfections just add to the charm.
Funny you mention the sticky finish—been there, done that, and regretted it for days. Ever tried using a wood conditioner before oiling? I’ve had mixed results, sometimes it helps, sometimes it just feels like an extra step. Curious if you’ve noticed a difference with different brands of eco oils? I swear some soak in way better than others. And yeah, splitting up the work is a lifesaver... my back’s not what it used to be either.
That sticky finish is the worst—nothing like thinking you’re done, then realizing you’ve basically glued yourself to the deck boards. I’ve actually gone back and forth on wood conditioners too. Sometimes I feel like they help the oil go on smoother, but other times it’s just another thing to buy and wait for. I’ve had better luck with the Osmo eco oil than with some of the cheaper “green” brands—seems to soak in deeper and doesn’t leave that tacky feeling. But even then, humidity can mess things up. Ever had a finish that felt fine one day, then sticky the next after a rain? Drives me nuts.
Breaking up the work is key, especially if you’re dealing with a big area. My knees have definitely seen better days. I try to do a section at a time and just accept it’s not all getting done in one weekend anymore. Curious if you’ve found any eco oil that actually holds up for more than a season? I’m still searching...
Sticky finish is basically my nemesis at this point. I swear, every time I think I’ve nailed it, I end up tiptoeing around like I’m in some weird modern art performance, trying not to leave sock prints behind. I totally get what you mean about wood conditioner—sometimes it feels like it helps, other times it’s just another step (and another $20) for not much payoff. I’ve tried skipping it and honestly, didn’t notice a huge difference except for maybe a little more blotchiness, but that’s probably just me being impatient.
I haven’t tried Osmo yet, but I keep hearing about it. I’ve mostly stuck with Rubio Monocoat Pure because it’s supposed to be eco-friendly and all that, but I feel like it fades out by the time the leaves start falling. The “green” brands at the big box stores are hit or miss—some of them are basically just expensive salad dressing. One time I used this no-name “natural oil” and the next morning, it was like walking on flypaper. Never again.
Humidity is the real wild card. I did a section last summer that felt fine, then after a storm rolled through, it got sticky for days. I ended up sanding it back and redoing it, which was a whole saga. Now I just try to time it when the weather looks clear, but you know how that goes.
Breaking up the work is survival mode for me too. My knees are shot from years of DIY projects and questionable life choices. I use one of those rolling garden stools now—makes me look ridiculous, but hey, it works. I’ve just accepted that my deck is a “work in progress” and probably always will be.
If you ever stumble on an eco oil that actually lasts more than a season, let me know. Until then, I’m just embracing the rustic, “lived-in” look... and hoping nobody inspects too closely.
Sticky finishes are the bane of my existence too, honestly. I’ve had projects where I followed every instruction to the letter, and still ended up with that tacky feel for days. I’m convinced humidity is half the battle—no matter what product you use, if the weather turns, it’s like rolling the dice. Have you ever tried using a dehumidifier or even just running fans overnight? It’s not a perfect fix, but it’s helped me a couple times when I was desperate to get things to cure.
I’m with you on wood conditioner being hit or miss. Sometimes it seems like it helps with absorption, but other times I can’t tell any difference except for lighter spots where I didn’t blend well enough. As for eco oils, I’ve had slightly better luck with Osmo than Rubio in terms of longevity, but it’s still not magic—especially on high-traffic decks. The “salad dressing” comparison is spot on... some of those green brands just don’t hold up.
I do wonder if layering a hardwax oil over an oil stain would help with durability, or if that’s just asking for more stickiness. Anyone else tried that?
