Table of Contents
Applying Deck Sealer to a Wood Deck Step 1: Check the forecast. Step 2: Clear the deck. Step 3: Sand (if needed) Step 4: Remove debris. Step 5: Stir sealer. Step 6: Apply sealer. Step 7: Repeat & fine tune. Step 8: Let it dry.
Does deck wood need to be sealed?
A backyard deck is the perfect platform for good times, but that wooden surface needs a proper sealant to protect it against the ravages of sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations.
What is the best thing to seal a deck with?
BEST OVERALL: SEAL-ONCE MARINE Wood Sealer, Waterproofer & Stain. BEST BUDGET: Rust-Oleum 9441 Ultimate Spar Urethane Oil Based. BEST FOR WATERPROOFING: Thompson’s WaterSeal Wood Protector. BEST WITH UV PROTECTION: DEFY Crystal Clear Composite Deck Waterproofing.
Is it better to stain or seal a deck?
Sealing a deck is best for cedar, teak, mahogany, or other quality woods as it enhances the wood grain and natural color. Staining a deck protects the wood from mold, mildew, moisture, and rot, and UV rays and sun damage.
How do you seal a deck for the first time?
Apply the deck sealer with a natural bristle brush. A roller is faster, but brushing helps force the sealer into open pores and grain. Make sure to get the sealer into joints where two boards butt together. Apply the deck sealer to three or four boards at once, working their entire length.
How long will an untreated deck last?
A deck made of untreated wood can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Decks made of treated wood and composite materials can last as long as 50 years.
Can you seal an old deck?
Depending on the desired look, you can spruce up a worn-out deck with a new stain or paint-based protective seal. You also need a clear weather forecast, as a paint-based sealant coating requires 48 hours to dry before being exposed to rain or extreme humidity.
Should I seal pressure treated wood?
Although the wood is resistant to rot and insect attacks because of the pressure treatment, it can warp, split and develop mildew if not protected from the effects of water. Jul 4, 1992.
How often should you seal your deck?
Applying a sealer and/or stain typically is recommended every one to three years, depending on the finishing product, deck use, weather conditions, and sun exposure.
What goes on first stain or sealer?
Once you’ve chosen a sealant strength, apply it to the end grain before you stain. Sand off any sealer that gets on the face of the board before you stain.
What happens if you don’t seal your deck?
The bad news is that if the wood is not sealed the lumber will begin to wear at a far faster rate than it would without that protective layer. But when it happens this wear will be evidenced by greying, as the top layers of the lumber oxidize from sun and rain, and also splintering, warping, rotting, and cracking.
Should you pressure wash your deck before staining?
There is a common misconception that just pressure washing a deck prior to staining is all you need to do in order to prep your deck for stain. Pressure washing can help, but if you want your stain to last, using a good deck cleaner and brightener on the deck prior to pressure washing will provide you the best result.
How much does it cost to seal a deck?
Cost to Seal a Deck Sealing a deck costs $895 or typically between $551 and $1,277. You’ll pay $0.75 to $4 per square foot for both materials and labor. Labor alone makes up 50% to 75% of the total price. Cost factors include regional worker rates, complexity, size, prep needs and accessibility.
How many coats of stain should you put on a deck?
The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much deck stain as the wood can absorb. Typically this will be 2 coats, unless your dealing with extremely dense hardwoods which may only be able to absorb 1 coat of wood stain.
How soon can you seal pressure treated wood?
A newly built deck that uses pressurized wood will need time to dry completely before a sealer can be applied. The chemicals used to treat the wood leave moisture behind, and depending on the climate, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months until it’s dry enough to seal.
What temperature can you stain a deck?
Apply stain only at the proper temperature. For most stains, 70 degrees Fahrenheit is the optimum, with the safety range from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Stains do vary, so check the label first. Avoid high humidity and staining on hot surfaces.
What is the longest lasting deck material?
Aluminum and Steel Aluminum decking is the most expensive out of the deck material and will last the longest with a lifespan of 30+ years. Steel decking can have a lifespan of 60+ years when correctly installed by a professional builder.
How can I tell if my deck is pressure treated wood?
How Can I Differentiate Treated Lumber? Most pressure treated lumber will have an end tag to identify what type of chemicals it was treated with and whether it is rated for “ground contact” or “above ground use” only.
What is the life expectancy of a wood deck?
While the average wooden deck has a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years, composite products far exceed wood decks due to the engineered nature of the product. Composite deck boards are made by molding real wood and synthetic fibers into boards and capping them with a vinyl shield.
Do I need to sand deck before sealing?
Once dry, these wood fibers can remain raised and may cause splinters. For this reason, light but thoroughly sanding your wood deck is a necessary step before staining or sealing. This crucial step will ensure that your refinishing job gives great results.
Should I pressure wash my deck?
A pressure washer can clean a wood deck much faster than you can scrub it by hand. That is a terrific advantage. However, a pressure washer will frequently destroy the surface of the wood. Those that are not eroded can be dislodged, leaving the wood fuzzy or rough after it dries.
