Can I seal deck myself?

Sealing a wooden deck isn't a difficult DIY project for a homeowner. Choosing the appropriate sealant for your deck (our researched guide to the best deck sealers is a good place to start) is the first step to ensuring quality results.

Can you just seal a deck and not stain it?

A: It's really up to you. Just staining the deck will give you the color you want, although in high-traffic areas the stain could wear away quickly. Many deck companies recommend using a combination stain/sealer product, which is basically a sealer with pigment added.

How much does it cost to seal a deck yourself?

DIYNetwork.com estimates that cleaning and sealing a deck is a relatively easy DIY project that takes about two days and costs between $100 and $250.

What is the best way to apply sealer on a deck?

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.

Should I use a brush or roller to seal my deck?

Use Rollers, Brushes, and Sprayers for Full Coverage

But you also need to make sure that the sealant is thin and even, so it dries correctly. Rollers are great for wide-area coverage, whereas brushes should be used for smaller spots. You can also opt for a paint sprayer for a more even, light coverage.

When to Seal or Stain a New Wood Deck

Should I pressure wash my deck before I seal it?

Pressure washing is the best way to prepare your deck for sealing. After you've pressure washed your deck, you'll need to wait for it to completely dry. Sometimes, this can take as long as 48-hours. Once it's dry, you'll want to sand your deck lightly.

Should I seal the underside of my deck?

If you stain the underside of your deck you create a barrier to moisture; however, this can actually trap moisture into your boards and cause them to rot at an alarming rate. This is because when you stain the underside of your deck, water can still get in from the nail or screw heads on the surface.

Do I need two coats of deck sealer?

The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much as the wood can absorb. Typically this will be 2 coats, unless you are dealing with extremely dense hardwoods which may only be able to absorb 1 coat of wood stain.

What time of year should I seal my deck?

The ideal outside temperatures for deck sealing are between 50 and 90 degrees. Usually, late summer and early fall are the best times for deck restoration and sealing.

Can you put too much sealer on a deck?

If too much sealer is applied, it cannot be absorbed into the wood. Wood is a fiber, and just like any other fiber it is capable of absorbing only so much. If you wet a sponge, and keep wetting it, eventually it will become oversaturated and the water will just pool on top until you squeeze it out.

Is it better to paint or water seal a deck?

Because sealers offer temporary protection from the elements, you should apply the sealer seasonally. If you prefer less maintenance, a stain or paint is a better choice.

How long will deck sealer last?

When Should I Reseal My Deck? You should reapply wood sealer at least every three years. In many cases, you need to seal a wood deck once a year. The more foot traffic and sun exposure your deck gets, the more often you need to apply deck sealant.

How long after sealing deck can you walk on it?

In most cases a full body stain or aryllic deck finish will be dry to touch within an hour in dry, hot weather. After two hours you could take a chance and walk on it with shoes, though I'd recommend barefoot. After about 4 hours you should be able to safely walk on your deck.

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.

What happens if it rains after sealing deck?

If it rains within 48 hours of applying a treatment, the water will soak into the wood, and try and displace the stain. This can cause a blotchy, flaky look, rather than a smooth, even, coat. If it rains immediately after you've stained the wood, the stain will peel and flake off.

Is it ever too late to stain a deck?

Is It Too Late to Restore Your Deck? If it's been much longer than the recommended three years since you last stained your deck, you might wonder if it's even worth getting back on track. Fortunately, unless your deck is in a total state of disrepair, it's virtually never too late to provide it with a fresh coating.

Is there a permanent deck sealer?

The Only Permanent Wood and Concrete Sealer

PermaSeal® will restore and keep your deck protected for 25 years after just ONE treatment.

Do you need to reseal deck after pressure washing?

If your deck is already sealed and still in good condition then you won't have to seal it after your pressure wash it. If your deck is not coated then you should seal it after you pressure clean it.

How long does deck sealer take to dry?

Depending on temperature and humidity, allow 24-48 hours of dry time before using your beautifully restored deck or porch.

Is it better to seal a deck in the spring or fall?

Fall Weather Keeps Your Deck Dry for Applying a Stain

Because stain requires a dry deck for a secure application, a week of dry fall weather is ideal for staining your deck than in summer or spring humidity.

How do you waterproof under an existing deck?

Under-Deck Drainage Systems

Installing a deck drainage system during construction is the best way to waterproof under your entire deck. A deck drainage system diverts water away from the joists and beams.

Does the underside of a deck need to breathe?

This is why proper deck ventilation becomes essential. There should be a good flow of air across all the four sides so that the wood can move evenly. If there is a restriction of airflow even on just one side, the board or boards will contract or expand unevenly. This will then lead to twisting, warping, and buckling.

What happens if you dont wash your deck before staining it?

But don't just slap a coat of stain on in a hurry — you'll need to clean your deck before staining it. If you stain a deck without cleaning and prepping it first, the results will look blotchy, uneven, and, well, amateur. Any time you save skipping the cleaning stage, you'll spend twice over repairing the botched job.

Why did my deck turn white after pressure washing?

When cleaning a cedar deck with just about any sort of cleaner, it's possible to end up with a white film often called "wood fuzzies" or furring. Furring can occur any time cedar is cleaned but is most seen in two scenarios: in new cedar or with heavily oxidized wood.