How often should you seal a pressure treated deck?

However, most pressure-treated wood should have periodic sealing against moisture, preferably every year or so. Although the wood is resistant to rot and insect attacks because of the pressure treatment, it can warp, split and develop mildew if not protected from the effects of water.

When should you seal a pressure treated deck?

Although treated wood is protected against decay and termite attack, the application of a water-repellent sealer to all exposed wood surfaces is recommended upon completion of construction. This sealer will help control surface checking (splitting or cracking) and provide an attractive appearance.

Do you need to water seal your deck every year?

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 do you maintain a pressure treated wood deck?

To keep a pressure treated wood deck looking great, it will need to be cleaned periodically using mild soap or deck cleaner and a pressure washer set on a low pressure setting. Next, inspect the deck, drive in any protruding nails or screws, and replace any warped boards.

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.

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.

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.

How many years does a pressure treated deck last?

Wooden Decks Made from Pressure-Treated Lumber

So while it will resist a lot of the environmental changes that the weather brings, it might not be the ideal material for everyone. If you maintain and seal your pressure-treated deck, it can last you around 50 years.

What happens if you don't seal pressure treated wood?

However, most pressure-treated wood should have periodic sealing against moisture, preferably every year or so. Although the wood is resistant to rot and insect attacks because of the pressure treatment, it can warp, split and develop mildew if not protected from the effects of water.

What should never be done with pressure treated wood?

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.

Is it better to stain or water seal a deck?

The advantage of this, they say, is the sealer provides additional protection against water and weather damage, while the stain helps reduce fading from UV rays. Sealers should last at least a year, with some lasting up to three years.

What happens if you don't seal deck?

But when it happens this wear will be evidenced by greying, as the top layers of the lumber oxidize from sun and rain, and also splintering, warping, rotting, and cracking.

What destroys pressure treated wood?

When you drive nails or screws through the decking into the joists, you can cause cracks to develop on top of the joists. These cracks allow water to enter. If the treatment process was inferior for whatever reason, then the water enters the wood and fuels the growth of wood-destroying fungi.

Is it better to stain or seal pressure treated wood?

Pressure-treated wood is as susceptible to damage from the sun, rain, and other outdoor elements as non-treated wood. But you can prevent that from happening. Staining pressure-treated lumber prevents cracks and splits caused by seasonal changes, prolongs its life, and preserves its natural beauty.

How do I know if my deck needs to be sealed?

A water test is the easiest way to ensure that the wood can absorb sealer or finish. Sprinkle water on the deck. If it soaks in immediately, you can seal the deck. If the water beads up or stands on the deck, you may need to wait to seal it.

Is it ever too late to seal 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.

How long will an unsealed deck last?

Which material lasts longer? 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. Many composite decks come with a 20-year warranty – and often a lifetime guarantee.

Can you put Thompsons water Seal on pressure treated wood?

On new pressure treated lumber, please allow 30 days before applying Thompson's WaterSeal Wood Sealers. Always perform the splash test before sealing wood. If water absorbs within 5 seconds after you've sprinkled it on the surface, the wood is porous and considered ready to be sealed.

Why is my pressure treated deck rotting?

In certain conditions, even pressure-treated wood can rot and decay. Moisture and pooling water on decks can lead to rot and decay. Because dry rot is a fungus, it can spread like a cancer throughout a deck. Dry rot is caused by microorganisms that eat the cellulose from the wood leaving it brittle.

Should you wait a year to stain pressure treated wood?

How long do you have to wait to stain pressure treated wood? Wait until the wood is completely dry. Depending on climate conditions, pressure-treated wood can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

How often do you have to paint pressure treated wood?

Just beware that painting before the pressure-treated wood is ready can lead to poor adhesion and peeling. It is likely that the surface will need repainting every 2 to 3 years. Preventing stains from forming makes the project prep easier each time, however.

How much does it cost to reseal a deck?

Hiring a handyman, contractor, or deck company to clean and seal a deck average about $2-$3.50 sq. ft. ($300-$525 for a 10'x15′ deck or $640-$1,120 for 16'x20′), depending on local rates, deck condition, the height and location of the deck, and the number of levels, railing, stairs, and other components.

How many coats of deck sealer should I use?

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.

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.