Table of Contents
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.
What’s the best thing to treat a deck with?
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.
How do you treat a new wood deck?
Clean the deck with Clean & Brite, rinse well well and let it dry for a minimum of five days. Once dry, apply two coats of Internal Wood Stabilizer (IWS). IWS is a clear, watery solution that can be applied to newer wood and is a non toxic, permanent waterproofer.
How do I keep my deck in good condition?
DO clean the deck thoroughly once a year. When it’s dry and moderately warm—60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit—apply an appropriate deck-cleaning solution with a roller or sprayer to kill mold and bacteria. Use a utility brush to scrub the deck where it’s especially dirty and where mold or mildew might lurk.
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 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.
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.
What is the best protection for a wood deck?
Best Deck Sealers Thompsons Waterseal Advanced Natural Wood Protector. ECO-SAFE Wood Treatment – Stain & Preservation by Tall Earth. Rust-Oleum Coppercoat Wood Preservative. CabotStain Australian Timber Oil Penetrating Oil. Thompsons Waterseal – Transparent Stain.
Do I need to sand my deck before staining?
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.
Can you put a clear coat over deck stain?
Applying a clear sealer over a deck stain is never a good idea. Applying a clear sealer or polyurethane over a deck stain will cause more problems than it is worth. If you want a clear finish then you can strip off any old stain and start fresh with bare wood.
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.
Should you pressure wash your 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.
Is it better to sand or power wash a 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.
How can I make my old deck last longer?
Restore an old wood deck, even if it’s worn, cracked and splintery. Simply paint it with a thick, acrylic deck restoration coating, which will create a smooth surface that lasts for years.
What happens if you don’t clean deck before staining?
Before you apply stain, make sure the surface is clean (no dust, dirt, wood fibers or grease), dry and free from mildew. When a surface is not clean, stains and other finishes have trouble sticking and may end up peeling.
How long should I wait to stain my deck after washing it?
After a deck has been power washed it will have some retained moisture within the wood. It’s important to let the wood dry thoroughly so none of the water that soaked into the wood gets trapped under the stain. In perfect drying conditions, 48 hours is enough for the wood to get to where it needs to be before staining.
Is deck Cleaner necessary?
In short, yes. It is highly recommended to use a deck cleaner when prepping your deck for a new coat of deck stain. Also, recommended but not required is the use of a deck brightener before staining your deck. You can then rinse off the deck with your hose.
Should I use a brush or roller to stain my deck?
You should use a roller brush or sprayer to apply a steady coat of quality stain, such as Olympic Elite stains or Olympic MAXIMUM stains. If you see that too much wood stain has been used in an area, use a roller or brush to fix the imperfections.
What if it rains after I stain my deck?
If it rains within 48 hours after you apply the stain, the water will soak into the wood pores and try to displace the stain. This will result in a splotchy surface rather than an even tone. If it rains right after you apply the stain, the stain will peel and flake off.
How do I know if my deck needs a second coat of stain?
A good rule of thumb is to lightly touch the portion that has been stained. If it feels tacky to the touch (a little sticky and not wet) then you can apply the second coat.
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 do you fill in deck gaps?
While you might be tempted to fill in gaps in your decking with wood filler or caulk, the natural movement of the boards can eventually cause the materials to break loose and make the gaps even worse. However, you can use rope to easily fill the gaps.
How do you waterproof a new deck?
The Dos and Don’ts of Sealing the Deck DO wait 30 days before sealing a new deck. DON’T confuse paint, stain, and sealant. DO repair, wash, and sand your deck before sealing. DON’T apply sealant to damp or frosty surfaces. DO use proper tools and technique for sealing a deck. DON’T disregard temperature and time of day.
