Boiled Linseed Oil and Boric Acid Treatment for Decks???

[Jbird560]

I think I read on here somewhere that you could mix Boric Acid and Lindseed oil to treat
deck boards to protect them against insects and rot. Does anyone know if this is true and if so, what ratios do you mix it and and how is it applied?
Thanks,
Jbird

 

[shawneyboy]

I have used oil on decking but no boaric acid. We applied it by hand. old school, but that is what the client wanted.

shawn

 

[Jbird560]

Does anyone have any info on this?

 

[EatenByLimestone]

I don't think I'd use BLO in an outdoor application. It isn't durable enough. It will work well on tool handles, but they generally aren't out in the rain. I don't know how much UV protection it has either.

Boric acid is extremely effective against insects, but it is hydroscopic which means it absorbs water easily. Once it absorbs water it's not very effective against insects. I wouldn't use it on a deck.

What did you use when you made your deck and what look do you want?

If you want a clear finish that will give you UV protection I'd look into a quality spar varnish. Spar varnishes are a clear finish made to expand and contract with wood movement plus it gives UV protection. The best insect protection I know of is air movement to dry the structure out.

Matt