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.

Is sealing a deck necessary?

Yes, to preserve the natural look of your wood deck and keep it safe, you need to apply a sealant.

Can you leave a deck unsealed?

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 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.

Maybe You Shouldn't Seal The Bottom of a Wood Fence Post

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.

What happens if you dont oil your deck?

What can Happen when Regular Deck Oiling isn't Performed? If regular oiling and maintenance is not performed on your deck, there can be some unpleasant consequences. In most circumstances, it's just a case of natural deterioration over time resulting in fading, warping and weakening of the timber.

Is it better to stain or seal a deck?

Although a wood stain is more expensive than a sealer, it can last up to 5 times longer and looks more professional. So you certainly get your money's worth. Here at DeckMaster™, we recommend using wood stains for your deck and fence maintenance.

Can you reseal a deck without sanding?

With a solid color stain, anytime you would like to give your deck a fresh coat, simply go-ahead with a simple light cleaning and put another coat on. You don't even have to sand unless you want or if it could really use one.

Can I seal deck myself?

Apply painter's tape to any nearby surfaces — such as siding — that you need to protect. 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.

Should the underside of a deck be sealed?

If you stain the underside of your deck you create a barrier to moisture; however, this can actually trap moisture into your boards and cause them to rot at an alarming rate. This is because when you stain the underside of your deck, water can still get in from the nail or screw heads on the surface.

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 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.

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.

Do you need to reseal deck after pressure washing?

If your deck is already sealed and still in good condition then you won't have to seal it after your pressure wash it. If your deck is not coated then you should seal it after you pressure clean it.

Should I stain my deck or leave it natural?

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.

Can I apply deck stain over old stain?

Can I stain over a stained deck? If your deck is in good condition and you're looking to apply a maintenance coat to keep your deck looking new, then yes… you can stain over a stained deck. It's the same if the surface of your boards are starting to look really worn and faded. Applying more stain won't hide the damage.

How do you seal a deck after pressure washing?

How often should you reseal a 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.

Can you just stain a deck?

Staining a deck will protect it from fading, natural wear and water damage. Make staining easy and get professional results by prepping and cleaning your deck in advance. Once you have learned how to stain a deck, you can refresh its appearance every few years so that your deck stays beautiful.

When should you not stain a deck?

You want to apply the stain when the wood surface and air are in the temperature range of 50° – 90°F. You also want to avoid the direct application of sunlight. Lastly, do not apply a stain if there is a forecast of rain in the following one to two days, or all your hard work could end up being washed away.

Should you pressure wash your deck before staining?

While you can apply a new layer of the stain without power washing, a pressure wash can help prepare the wood to absorb the stain. It will last longer afterward, and you won't have to worry about dirt getting stuck under the stain.

What time of year should you oil decking?

In general, Spring is the best time of the year to oil your decking. But it also depends on how long you've had your decking. Ideally, newly-laid or newly-treated decking should be left to weather naturally for about six months before you stain or oil it.

What happens if it rains on wet decking oil?

Stains and oils penetrate wood best when it's cool and dry. 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.

Is one coat of decking oil enough?

We recommend a minimum of two coats to maintain durability and protection from UV exposure. Therefore, once the deck is dry, repeat the coating process. We suggest using less oil, as the wood will not absorb as much of it and it may pool on the surface and become sticky.