How Often Should I Water Seal My Deck

For most decks, sealing once each year is a good rule of thumb. Depending on the condition of your deck this can be adjusted, but keep in mind that you should never go beyond three years maximum before re-sealing and staining.

How often should I waterproof my deck?

The general rule of thumb is to get your deck waterproofed once a year, especially if you live in areas that see a lot of rainfall. Another thing to consider is whether or not you live in an area that gets a lot of direct sunlight year round.

How long does water seal last on a deck?

If applied correctly, Water Seal will last up to 4 years.

What time of year should you seal your deck?

The general rule of thumb is that, if a deck is installed after August, you wait to seal it until the spring. You’ll know when your deck is completely dry because it will actually change in color from a greenish hue to one that is closer to beige, and the boards will have more space between them.

How often should you stain and seal a deck?

Many homeowners wonder, “How often should I stain my deck?” To keep a deck looking great and prolong the life of the wood, a deck should be stained every two to three years. Other signs your deck needs staining are: The deck has mold or mildew buildup.

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 waterproof under a deck?

The best way to waterproof under your deck is with a deck drainage system installed during construction. A drainage system diverts water away from the joists and beams. An over-the-joist deck drainage system such as Trex RainEscape provides 100% protection from the damage caused by wood repeatedly getting wet.

Is Thompson’s water Seal any good?

– Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Clear did not alter or change the appearance of the wood. After full drying, we tested the ability to repel water. Water did bead on top of the finish and did not absorb into the wood. – As far as we can tell, Thompson’s® WaterSeal® does not prevent UV graying at all.

How many coats of Thompson’s water Seal do I need?

One coat is enough, but if more color is desired, a second coat can be applied within two hours before the first coat has dried. With Thompson’s^® WaterSeal^® Waterproofing Stains, you can clean your tools with soap and water.

Can you spray Thompson’s water Seal on a deck?

Overall, Thompson’s water seal necessitates a one-time use on your deck, and to accomplish a perfect application, the layer should be dry and clean. We’ll explore exactly what it takes to achieve a flawless application of Thompson’s water seal when using a pump sprayer or garden sprayer.

Do I need to seal my deck every year?

Can you waterproof your deck?

Apply a thin, even coat of high-quality, mold- and mildew-resistant, waterproof sealant with UV protection, such as Woodsman® Water Repellent or Woodsman® Wood-Toned UV Wood Sealer and Protector, using a stain brush, in the direction of the boards.

Should I seal my deck?

Sealing decks will extend their lives and improve their looks. Sealers with UV protection specifically can help keep the wood looking natural, rather than turning dark or gray, depending on the amount of sunlight on the deck. Semi-transparent offers protection against UV rays and adds color.

Can I leave my deck untreated?

You should be (more or less) okay leaving the framing of the deck untreated. It will be mostly protected from the elements. Keep in mind that even pressure treated lumber will eventually rot, if not top-coated regularly.

What is the best sealer for a wood deck?

BEST OVERALL: SEAL-ONCE MARINE Wood Sealer, Waterproofer & Stain. RUNNER UP: Rust-Oleum Ultimate Spar Urethane. BEST FOR WATERPROOFING: Thompson’s Water Seal VOC Wood Protector. EASIEST TO USE: Eco Advance Wood Siloxane Waterproofer Concentrate.

Is staining a deck worth it?

One of the main reasons the professionals don’t recommend staining wood decks is because of the amount of time and energy involved. Stains don’t generally last more than a year. Your professional deck builder will recommend that instead of staining your deck every year, you allow the wood to naturally gray over time.

Should I sand or power wash my deck?

Splintered, cracking, or just plain rough wood should be sanded first, then pressure washed to open the wood’s pores and allow penetration of the stain. Deeply grooved wood that has mold, moss and other growing things filling the cracks will need treatment with a deck and siding cleaner.

What’s the best way to apply deck sealer?

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 do you prepare a deck for sealing?

DO repair, wash, and sand your deck before sealing. Then, wash the deck using a power-washer to scrub the surface clean. Allow to dry for 24 hours, then sand the surface with between a 60 to 150 grit sandpaper or sanding disk.

What is the best material to put under a deck?

The best material to put under a lower deck is landscape fabric covered by non-organic material like gravel or rock. The landscape fabric to stop weeds from overtaking your deck, the gravel to hold down the fabric while allowing for drainage.

Should I put gravel under my deck?

Adding a layer of gravel prevents ponding and controls the flow of water to ensure proper drainage. This not only keeps bugs and mud at bay, but also reduces issues with soil erosion and mold under and around the deck.

How do I hide under my deck?

Material Options for Hiding the Area Under Your Deck Lattice. Fence boards. Vinyl siding. Composite fascia boards. Stone faux.