How long to allow new larch decking boards to weather before treating?

[Mountaindreamer]

Hi I'm currently laying some larch deck boards, some I installed last week are already turning a lightly tan colour. The supplier of the preservative and decking oil, says to leave timber to weather for 2 - 4 weeks....does that seem right or is there harm in doing it sooner?

 

[RegB]

Have you tried asking them?

 

[Mark DM]

Can't really see there will be much in the way of weathering within 2 weeks. You may get some slight movement within a couple of weeks as the boards acclimatise. The drier the timber, the more it will take the preservative up.

 

[Mountaindreamer]

Have you tried asking them?

No I haven't yet, I'm keen to seek other opinions about what the lead time is before applying a preservative.

 

[Astramax]

Larch is naturally rot resistant due to being a heartwood and is often left a natural look which weathers to a silver/grey with age.

 

[mr moose]

I Agree with Astramax, in fact you don't actually need to treat it at all (as long as your not getting pooling of water on one area of the deck).

 

[Mountaindreamer]

I Agree with Astramax, in fact you don't actually need to treat it at all (as long as your not getting pooling of water on one area of the deck).

My previous deck was western red cedar, which eventually deteriorated at the edges where water was running off adjacent stone paving and pooling, hence the concern about protecting the larch. I agree seems a shame to add perservative and 'larch' coloured oil but it seemed a good idea to protect the life of the deck, against similar decay.