How can I protect my deck without staining it?

Sealants are primarily used to protect against moisture damage. They contain waterproof or water-repellant properties and have a thicker viscosity than stains.

Can I seal my deck without staining?

Applying a transparent finish to the deck helps to protect it from the elements, and allows the wood to resist stains and dirt from setting in. It is highly unlikely that the deck will rot, splinter or decay if you choose not to have it finished and you can always choose to stain and protect the deck at a later date.

Is it better to stain or water seal a deck?

Stain offers little to no moisture protection, while sealant offers tremendous moisture protection. Conversely, clear sealants offer little to no UV resistance, while the pigment in many stains can act as a UV barrier for the wood.

Is it OK not to stain a deck?

Staining a deck will lead to less work in the future. 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. This means yearly cleaning, staining and, if necessary, sanding of your deck every year.

What is the best way to protect deck wood?

The best preventative measure you can take to protect your wooden deck is to use wood sealant. Clear wood sealants are a great way to maintain the natural beauty and wood grain while still preventing damage from rot, mold, and other weathering.

How To Protect Your Deck | Never Sand Again!

How do I protect my wooden deck naturally?

How do you protect outdoor wood untreated?

Use an outdoor-rated finish like polyurethane, epoxy, lacquer, or varnish. Make a natural oil finish with one part tung or linseed oil, one part mineral spirits, and one part polyurethane. Use a stain sealant combo that gives your wood some color and a durable finish all in one.

How long can a deck go without staining?

Experts recommend re-staining your deck every 2-3 years – this is just a rule of thumb, and failing to adhere to it won't immediately put your deck in dire straits. That said, getting loose with your deck maintenance routine can contribute to larger problems down the road.

How long can you leave decking untreated?

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.

What time of year should you stain a deck?

Because you want to wait for days that aren't excessively hot or humid, the best times to apply deck stains are in the late spring and early fall, when the weather is moderately warm and dry. Check the weather and find a time when it's not expected to rain for two days before and following the deck treatment.

What is the best deck protection?

How long does Thompson's water Seal last on a deck?

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

What kind of deck sealer is best?

Is Thompson's water Seal better than stain?

Both are products that are designed to protect your wood, so either choice is better than nothing at all.

What can I use instead of deck stain?

How do you seal wood without staining it?

Water down white paint and lightly whitewash the wood.

This isn't 100% necessary, but I recommend it and would do it myself. The sealant will (very, very slightly) darken the wood, but if you whitewash your piece it will help maintain the natural and original color.

What happens if you don't stain a pressure treated deck?

Without stain, any type of paint or sealant, rainwater, dew or snow can easily penetrate the decking. The wood will then swell until it dries when it will shrink again. This pattern of swelling and shrinking can cause damage to the wood such as splits, checks, splinters, cracks, and other blemishes.

What is the average lifespan of a deck?

Traditional wood deck: Typically 10 to 15 years. Capped composite: Industry experts agree these boards can last 25 to 30+ years. Capped polymer (the best of the best): Because of its superior material composition, capped polymer boards can last much longer, potentially 50 years or more.

Should you oil decking every year?

We recommend thoroughly cleaning and oiling the decking once a year. This is best done in spring so you have the decking looking its best for use in the summer months. However, if the decking looks like it needs another coat of oil, it can be re-applied at anytime and as frequently as you think necessary.

Is it better to oil or stain a deck?

If the deck is Merbau, Teak or Jarrah for example, you will most likely want to use an oil to enhance the natural beauty of the timber. Alternatively, if your deck is Treated Pine, you may want to use a stain to change the colour and achieve a more rich, solid look.

Is it better to brush or roll stain on a deck?

The first and most obvious reason to roll on deck stain as opposed to brushing it on is that the former allows you to cover a much larger surface area in less time. Rollers are wider, more efficient, and easier to operate. Additionally, using a roller helps you achieve a smoother finish.

Can you seal a deck without cleaning it?

You Will Need to Wash, Repair, and Sand First

You'll want to start with a clean slate, so your first step is to clean your deck thoroughly before sealing. Brush away dust and debris and use a utility brush to get at any problem areas. If you have an old layer of sealant or paint, you'll want to lightly sand this away.

What product protects outdoor wood?

Products such as polyurethane, varnish and lacquer are most commonly used for the protection of outdoor wood furniture.

How do you weatherproof wood naturally?

How do you make wood waterproof naturally? Polymerized linseed oil, tung oil, refined hemp, and walnut oil are all natural oils that can be used to seal and protect wood on their own. They are known as drying oils. Drying oils penetrate, harden, and preserve wood, resulting in a long-lasting, non-rancid finish.

Can you leave untreated wood outside?

Untreated Wood

Left in their natural, unfinished state, most woods deteriorate quickly when exposed to outdoor environments. However, there are several species that have naturally occurring chemicals that help them shrug off harsh weather and insects.