How often should you seal your deck?

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 often should you water seal a 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.

What time of year should I seal my deck?

Summer is generally the best time to waterproof your deck because it gives you the opportunity to clean it thoroughly and seal it properly without worrying about rain. It takes about two to three days for a deck to completely dry out after sealing and you'll need up to six days for it to be fully functional again.

What happens if you dont 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.

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.

When to Seal or Stain a New Wood Deck

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.

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.

How long will an untreated deck last?

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.

Does power washing damage a deck?

If you have timber deck boards, a power washer's pressure may cause splintering and damage to the timber fibers. If the timber surface already has some splintering, pressure washing will only exacerbate the issue.

How long after power washing can you seal a deck?

Sand Your Deck Before 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. This is necessary to remove any splinters or fuzzy patches that pressure washing can cause.

How long does seal once last?

Born of innovation in 2003, SEAL-ONCE is the leading brand of Eco-friendly, non-toxic, high-performance waterproofing wood sealers & deck stains. Our products are warranted to prevent long-standing water accumulation for up to 10 years on vertical surfaces and 6 years on horizontal surfaces.

How often should you seal a pressure treated deck?

Over time, reapplication of a sealer is recommended, perhaps every year or two; follow the manufacturer's instructions. Over several months, pressure-treated Southern Pine lumber will weather naturally to an appealing silver-gray color. Treated Southern Pine lumber will accept a finish similar to untreated material.

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.

Is Thompsons water seal good for decks?

Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Maximum Strength Deck Stripper is the strongest option and will remove any coating - even a solid stain. If your deck is made of redwood or cedar,Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® 3 in 1^™ Wood Cleaner will help restore those wood's natural color.

Why do I have to stain my deck every year?

Typically, homeowners should restain horizontal surfaces such as decks every two to three years. Poor deck upkeep will decrease the time you have to enjoy the deck before restaining it, while good deck upkeep may give you another year or two before you need to restain the deck.

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.

Should I sand or pressure wash my deck?

DO sand your deck before sealing. It can take up to 48 hours for the deck to fully dry. At that point, lightly sand the surface to remove splintery or fuzzy patches caused by pressure-washing the deck. A pole sander with 80-grit sandpaper will suffice; a power sander is overkill.

How long do wood decks last?

THE AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF A WOOD DECK: Typically 10 to 15 years. The actual lifespan of your wood deck will depend on the type of wood you've chosen and how well you keep up with wood's rigorous maintenance schedule.

Will an outdoor rug damage a wood deck?

If you properly take care of your outdoor rug and deck, your rug will not cause damage to your outdoor spaces. But if left neglected, outdoor rugs can stain your deck or cause mold or mildew to grow within both the rug and the deck, causing damage that might be costly to fix.

Is it OK to leave deck unstained?

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. It may be many years before an untreated deck becomes completely unusable.

How often do decks need to be replaced?

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors estimates decks made from wood planks will last about 15 years, while structural wood will give you 10 to 30 years. Composite decking will last anywhere from eight to 25 years.

Should a wood 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.

Can I seal deck myself?

Can I seal a deck myself? Yes. This task is not impossible to do on your own, and equipment can be bought or rented for a reasonable price. The time frame to complete this job can go between a day or two, perfect for a weekend DIY project.

How much does a gallon of deck sealer cover?

On average most deck stains cover 150-300 sq. ft. per gallon depending on the age, condition, and porosity of the wood.

What is the best product for sealing a deck?