Is it too late to seal my deck?

DO wait 30 days before sealing a new deck. If you've just built a new deck, you're probably itching to finish the job by sealing it. But preservatives in the wood often require about 30 days' dwell time before the deck can soak up the sealant.

What time of year should you seal your 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 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.

How cold is too cold to seal a deck?

Don't seal a deck below 50 degrees.

You don't want to begin the sealing process until you can safely guarantee the temperature will remain above 50 degrees for at least 48 hours.

Can you seal an older deck?

Estimated Time. If your shabby old deck has become a source of shame, there's usually a fix short of replacing it. Assuming the structure is sound, your deck can be restored. Depending on the desired look, you can spruce up a worn-out deck with a new stain or paint-based protective seal.

How To Protect Your Deck | Never Sand Again!

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.

Can I stain my deck in 40 degree weather?

Avoid the Cold

If you're staining your deck in the spring or fall, wait for a day with highs above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, make sure freezing temperatures aren't in the forecast for that night. If it drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit before the stain has thoroughly dried, it can hinder the curing process.

Does stain dry in 40 degree weather?

“Staining wood usually works between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit,” says Phillip Ash, the founder of Pro Paint Corner, “but the best temperature would be at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.” Some brands or types of stains may work outside that range, but it's the generally accepted best temperature for staining wood.

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.

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 is the life expectancy of a wood deck?

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.

Is it necessary to 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.

How late in the year can you stain a deck?

Fall Temperatures are Optimal for Deck Stain Application

Deck stains should be applied between temperatures above 50 and below 90 degrees Fahrenheit. These last weeks of September, as well as the upcoming weeks of early October, are ideal for completing this maintenance step for your deck.

Can I paint deck in November?

Of course, you can also get good results by doing any exterior painting or staining in the fall. The key is to do the work when the temperatures are moderate. Other painting veterans and paint companies recommend painting between 50° to 85° F for latex paints, as one example.

How much does deck sealing cost?

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.

What happens if you stain when it's too cold?

If it's too wet or cold, the drying time for stains can easily double. In extreme cases, the product will just stay wet until the humidity decreases or the temperatures rises. Oppositely, if it's too warm, the stain will dry very quickly and could lead to lap marks or uneven penetration.

Can you stain deck in winter?

Most deck stains should not be applied in temperatures below 50 or above 90. Winter may fall below 50 in your area and for most regions in the country, summertime can see temperatures above 90. Deck stain should never be applied during the heat of the day or in direct sunlight. Spring is an option if you have time.

Can you paint deck in winter?

If applied in cold weather, it tends to crack and chalk, allowing moisture in that does damage to the wood underneath. New paint technology is now making it possible to paint in cold weather that reaches nearly freezing conditions. This new type of acrylic-based paint allows for paint application down to 35 degrees.

What is the lowest temperature you can stain wood?

Most stains can be applied from about 50° F to 90° F — but many people don't realize this range refers to the temperature of the wood surface, not the air. A day that's 70°F and sunny can push deck surface temperatures above 90°F leading to application challenges and shortened open times.

Can I apply polyurethane in cold weather?

Choose a fast-drying option, such as the Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane. In colder temperatures, polyurethane tends to dry more slowly, which can cause a whitish film to develop.

Will morning dew affect deck stain?

Don't apply your deck stain in the direct sun; choose morning or evening hours, or a time of day when your deck has shade. Morning application can be a safer choice to help avoid any contact with dew that sets in overnight. Don't apply more stain than the wood can absorb.

What happens if you don't seal stained wood?

What happens if you don't seal stained wood? If you leave stained wood without a sealer on top, it will gradually lose its moisture content and dry out. Over time, the wood may look dull and lifeless as the stain wears out due to the lack of wood sealing and protection.

Is Thompson's water seal better than stain?

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.

Should you pressure wash your deck before staining?

There is a common misconception that just pressure washing a deck prior to staining is all you need to do in order to prep your deck for stain. Pressure washing can help, but if you want your stain to last, using a good deck cleaner and brightener on the deck prior to pressure washing will provide you the best result.