Timber is a timeless, natural material — but like any natural product, it needs a little help to look its best and last the distance.

At Ironbark Timber, we always recommend pre-oiling your timber before it goes anywhere near a job site. Whether you're building a deck, cladding a façade, or creating a statement feature, pre-oiling is a small upfront step that offers massive long-term benefits.

Here’s why it matters.

1. Protection From Day One

Pre-oiling creates an immediate barrier against moisture, UV, and dirt — the three biggest threats to fresh timber.

Once timber is exposed to the elements, it can start absorbing water, which leads to swelling, warping, mould, and staining. Pre-oiling acts like a raincoat, giving your boards a protective layer before they're installed.

2. Better Colour Retention

Australian hardwoods are known for their rich, natural tones — but without oil, they quickly fade to a dull grey.

By pre-oiling, you help lock in the timber’s colour and grain, keeping it looking vibrant for longer. This is especially important for high-exposure areas like decks, screens, and exterior cladding.

3. Even Coverage in Hard-to-Reach Places

Once timber is fixed in place, it’s almost impossible to coat the underside, edges, and end grain properly — especially on things like decking boards or battens.

Pre-oiling ensures every surface gets protected, not just the visible ones. This helps prevent cupping, rot, and end-splitting, especially in exposed or coastal environments.

4. Faster, Cleaner Installation

Pre-oiled timber is ready to install. You don’t need to worry about messy on-site oiling, overspray, or weather delays.

It also means less downtime between install and final finish, and a neater, more professional result. For builders and landscapers, that’s a win-win.

5. It’s Cost-Effective in the Long Run

Yes, pre-oiling adds a small upfront cost — but it saves you far more down the track.

You’ll get longer life from your timber, fewer issues with warping or weather damage, and less maintenance over time. That means fewer callbacks and happier clients.

How We Can Help

At Ironbark Timber, we offer professional pre-oiling services using high-quality, penetrating exterior oils, tailored to your species and project.

Whether you need just a few lengths or a full truckload, we can pre-oil your timber right here in our yard and deliver it to site, ready to install.

Want to learn more?

‍Call us today or speak to your rep about adding pre-oiling to your next order. It’s a simple step — but it makes a big difference.

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