How long does deck sealer last?

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 is deck sealer good for?

Unopened cans of deck stain – just like regular paint – have a shelf-life of up to 5 or 6 years before they start to deteriorate. So if you didn't have time to start your project this year then there's no reason to worry.

Does sealing a deck make it last longer?

Additionally, a sealer can provide UV protection to slow the rate at which your deck's color fades. So while the pressure treatment process does provide a certain degree of protection, sealing your pressure-treated wood will help it to look better and last longer.

Is it better to stain or seal a deck?

Deck sealing will protect the wood from splitting, cracking, moisture, mildew, and rot while maintaining the color and grain of the wood. A stain will protect the wood and provides a more uniform tint or color to the wood to complement surrounding structures.

How long does Thompson's water seal last?

Water Seal can only be used on bare and uncoated brick, stone or concrete. How long will Water Seal last? If applied correctly, Water Seal will last up to 4 years. This is dependent on conditions such as orientation of the wall and local climate.

How To Protect Your Deck | Never Sand Again!

How often should a deck be sealed?

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.

What's better than Thompson's Water Seal?

How long does wood sealer last?

Sealers should last at least a year, with some lasting up to three years. You have a choice of either water-based or oil-based sealer; many professionals recommend oil-based products, which last longer.

How many coats sealer deck?

Overly thick sealant is prone to peeling and chipping, so avoid oversaturating the surface by applying only one coat of sealant at a time. In most cases all you'll need is one coat, but if you decide to apply a second coat, wait at least 24 hours.

What happens if you don't seal your deck?

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. If you choose to revitalize the natural color of the wood, we recommend our two-step maintenance clean.

What is the longest lasting deck sealer?

Q. What is the longest-lasting deck sealer? An oil-based deck sealer, such as Varathane Ultimate Spar Urethane Oil Based, will protect a deck for up to 5 years.

How much does it cost to seal a deck?

Cost to Seal a Deck

Sealing a deck costs $906 or typically between $551 and $1,293. 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.

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 is the best wood sealer for decks?

How long does a can of polyurethane last?

Usually, an unopened can of Polyurethane is estimated to last around three years, while an opened one should be usable for about a year. Polyurethane can last longer if stored in an airtight container and away from fluctuating temperatures.

What happens if it rains after you seal your 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.

Why is my decking peeling?

Because wood absorbs moisture from rain and snow, and when the sun comes out and dries the wood out, the moisture vapor from the wood needs to be able to pass through the stain and escape. If there is too much stain, it restricts the moisture from evaporating away, so peeling can occur.

What is 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 often should I clean and seal my deck?

DO clean the deck thoroughly once a year. Your deck needs an annual exfoliation so protective sealers can seep deeper into the wood. 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.

Do you need to apply a sealer after staining a deck?

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. Then you can apply a clear sealer if that is the look you are going for.

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.

Which deck stain lasts the longest?

In general, an oil-based deck stain will last the longest, but it also depends on the type of wood, the weather conditions, and how long the deck has gone unprotected before staining.

What is best to protect wood outside?

Varnish, a combination of resin, solvent, and drying oil, gives a hard-shell finish that resists scratches without yellowing. To waterproof wood that will be placed outdoors, choose marine varnish, which contains UV absorbers to resist sun damage.

Does Thompson water seal really work?

Thompson's WaterSeal Waterproofer Plus Clear Wood Protector is intended to protect wood, as the name would indicate, but our testing produced dismal results. It does a very poor job of preventing black mold and UV graying, two things that are very harmful to the wood.